Recipes & Tips Blog

Open sesame indeed! This last SpiceChat was bursting with ideas and recipes for cooking with sesame seeds like a mature sesame pod bursting open and spreading seeds far and wide. Read on for inspiring ways to sprinkle, coat, cook and blend these seeds into the food you cook.

About Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds might be the oldest condiment known to man. Originating in Africa and India, usage dates back as far back as 3,000 BC. The small flat oval seeds of the Sesamum indicum plant have a subtle pleasant nutty flavor. The seeds have a high oil content and can go rancid, so unless they will be used within a few weeks it’s a good idea to refrigerate them. Because of their high oil content they were one of the first seeds to be used for an edible oil. Interestingly, compared to many oils sesame oil is fairly resistant to rancidity.

Brown, white, and black sesame seeds

Unhulled sesame seeds are black, brown or red/golden. Once hulled, they are creamy white with a more distinctive aroma, but less crunch due to the lack of the hull. The seeds are rich in calcium, copper & magnesium and contain dietary fiber. Sesame seeds and oil have been associated with many health benefits such as helping to reduce symptoms of high blood pressure, high cholesterol & heart disease. Like peanuts however, some people are allergic to them.

The phrase open sesame,made popular by the movie Arabian Nights, refers to the fact that the seeds burst out of their pods upon maturity. Though ingenious from a species self preservation perspective, it’s rather frustrating and expensive from a farmer’s perspective. Until recently sesame seeds had to be hand harvested because of this, but a new variety of plants has been developed to prevent the exuberant bursting open of the pods, so now an entire field can be harvested at once using the same equipment that is used to harvest other crops like wheat. Here’s an interesting video on the sesame seed industry that’s sprouting up right here in America’s heartland.

SpiceChat Prize Winners

@Callingindead and @KarineVarga were the lucky recipients of a TableFare SpiceCare Starter Kit to keep their spice collection perfectly organized.

@PurpleHouseDirt and @Vagablonde515 won an assortment of My Spice Sage spices including, of course sesame seeds.

SpiceChat prizes!

Flavor and Aroma of Sesame Seeds

SpiceChatters described the seeds as having a nice earthy aroma with a texture that is both creamy and crunchy. A nutty richness is the dominate flavor with hints of sweetness, bitterness, and woodiness. There was overwhelming enthusiasm for the rich nutty flavor that develops once the seeds are toasted.

Black sesame seeds have almost same flavor as white, with a bit more sharpness and more crunch since they still have the hull. They can, however, become a bit bitter when toasted.

Toasting Sesame Seeds

To toast sesame seeds, place in dry skillet over medium low heat and shake the pan or stir the seeds until they take on a light golden color. If you have a large quantity of seeds to toast, it’s easier to do in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

So Many Ways to Use Sesame Seeds

The sesame seed conversation generated a multitude of ideas on incorporating these nutty gems into all sorts of recipes.

Hummus and tahini

This was a crowd favorite right out of the gate with many tweeters chiming in pledging love and affection for hummus and tahini.

I LIVE on hummus, it’s one of my food groups. – @nomnivorous http://j.mp/iCWdtT

There’s nothing much better than tahini dip! – @marocmama

@SimplyImprssve inquired as to whether anyone had made tahini. @nomnivorous’ experience with homemade tahini is that it requires patients to achieve a creamy consistency. From a little Google research it seems there is a consensus that a very powerful Vita Mix type blender is required to achieve the creamy texture of commercial tahini which is made simply from ground sesame seeds. Though many recipes online include added oil to aid in blending.

Here is a link to some interesting recipes with tahini! – @MySpiceSage

Asian cuisine

From sushi, noodle salads, and stir frys to fried sesame balls; Asian cuisine is probably the first thing to come to mind at the mention of sesame seeds.

I use sesame seeds on Asian dishes. – @marocmama

Umaboshi Rice Balls

Sushi is always better with sesame seeds. – @KARINEVARGA

I love toasted sesame seeds in cucumber sushi – just not the same without them! @RJFlamingo

I like to make Asian noodles with cucumber, carrots, onions and lots of sesame seeds. – @SimplyImprssve

Here are 10 great Cold Noodle Salads from The Kitchn. – @TableFare

Pan-Fried Sesame Noodles & Broccoli. – @Judimaeny

Korean Chap Chae! This recipe from @allrecipes is great. – @callingindead

I use them in fried rice. – @Tweettropolis

My go-to stir-fry: Heat peanut oil & sesame oil, then finish with sesame seeds at the end. -@RJFlamingo

Goma-ae, a Japanese side dish of blanched spinach and sesame sauce, is a favorite. – @callingindead

Sesame oil & are seeds tasty on egg rolls & in egg drop soup! @GoodCookDoris

Chicken wings

Sesame Seeds are wonderful on Chicken Wings here’s a great recipe from @bflay for Chipotle-Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings with Toasted Sesame Seeds. –  @MySpiceSage

I love them sprinkled on top of Asian chicken wings. – @SimplyImprssve

I like sesame seeds on baked chicken wings that have been marinated in sesame oil. -@deeCuisine

It surprised me the first time I saw sesame seeds used in Mexican cuisine, but they are, check out this Chicken Mole. – @TableFare

Vegatables

Here is a delicious recipe for a side dish of Sesame Broccoli from @allrecipes.   -@MySpiceSage

Cook fresh green beans al dente & toss w toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds & salt. Delish! – @TableFare

Cucumbers, green onions, snap peas, sesame oil, rice vinegar, heavy duty sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. @nomnivorous

Spinch+mushrooms+ sesame seeds and bacon. – @nuria_sm

I like to add fresh Asparagus when in season and a splash of sesame oil to this Spinach Gomaae recipe. – @callingindead

Toasted Sesame Nori Yogurt Canapes

Stir toasted sesame seeds and ground nori along with a touch of salt into plain yogurt. Serve on cucumber rounds or with veggies to dip. – @TableFare

Kale Chips turned into Kale-Sesame Seasoning. – @DirtandMartinis

Put a few drops of sesame oil in the rice cooking water (long grain, basmati or jasmine). So aromatic & tasty! – @RJFlamingo

Seafood

Sesame crusted seared tuna. Say no more! – @MySpiceSage

Sesame Crusted Fish Sticks look like what fish sticks should be! – @TableFare

Condiments and garnishes

I use sesame seeds mostly as a sprinkle. @SimplyImprssve

Ground sesame seeds make a nice garnish sprinkled over fruit smoothies. – @KARINEVARGA

Shichimi-Togarashi

Furikake is a Japanese condiment that I just love and it’s easy to make at home with sesame seeds, nori, and course sea salt! Yum! – @callingindead

I love black sesame gomasio! A salty, crunchy topping that’s great on rice, salads, anything you want to add a bit of nutty flavor to. – @nomnivorous

The popular Japanese spice blend shichimi togarashi or 7-spice powder has sesame seeds in it. It’s commonly used as a garnish and is great on noodles. – @TableFare

Salads

Sesame Seeds are a favorite when toasted in butter and put on a fresh salad! – @amishhome

Sesame Seeds are a natural for green salads & fruit salads. – @MySpiceSage

I like to mix honey with plain yogurt for a fruit salad dressing, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. So good! – @RJFlamingo

I like Sesame Chicken salad in the summer. – @WildOrchids09

Sesame Vinaigrette is great on a spinach salad.- @MySpiceSage

@raminganeshram mentions using toasted sesame seeds in a mango salad in her novel Stir It Up. Yum! -@SpiceBites

Soup

@PurpleHouseDirt posed the question of the day. “There has to be some culture that uses sesame seeds as a basis for soup, not just a garnish. Ideas?”

Sure enough, there are sesame seed soups out there and they look like they are worth trying. @Judimaeny shared this Greek Sesame Soup recipe made with sesame paste, which is simply toasted white sesame seeds, also known as tahini. A different take on sesame soup is this Korean Chicken Sesame Seed Soup. Then there’s a Chinese Black Sesame Soup (Sesame Tong Shui) that falls into the dessert category and looks very intriguing. It even comes with the rumor that it prevents grey hair!

Spices, Herbs & Flavors That Pair Well with Sesame Seeds

Nutty sesame is a nice complement to oregano and thyme. – @MySpiceSage

Sesame seeds and honey, most definitely. – @nomnivorous

Sesame seeds make a great garnish for butter cookies

Vanilla and sesame are delicious. Add the seeds to basic butter cookies flavored with vanilla. -@TableFare

Warm flavored spices (allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg) all work well with sesame. – @TableFare

Zaatar

I like teriyaki or balsamic vinegar with sesame seeds. – @ WildOrchids09

Sesame seeds are essential in the Middle Eastern spice blend zaatar. – @MySpiceSage

Mix up the popular Japanese condiment goma shio. 2 tsp. each black & white sesame seeds plus 1 tsp. salt. – @TableFare

Mix with nuts like slivered almonds, sunflower seeds and Sesame Seeds. – @amishhome

Spark up the mild flavor of sesame with your favorite chile! – @MySpiceSage

Sesame seeds are a great garnish for any meat seasoned with Asian flavors. – @TableFare

Ginger, garlic and hot pepper are great with sesame in Asian dishes. – @KyraTX

Sesame seeds are a natural with garlic, soy sauce, lemon & ginger – great with Asian cuisine. – @TableFare

Coriander, fennel, & poppy seeds go well w sesame as beautiful garnish on breads crackers & rolls. – @TableFare

Delectable Baked Goods & Desserts Featuring Sesame Seeds

Breads, bagels & granola

I like sesame seeds on bagels and on buns. – @WildOrchids09

I love them on top of bread. – @Tweettropolis

I sprinkle them on my challah and other breads after eggwash & before baking. They get toasty & give the crust extra crunch. – @RJFlamingo

My favorite topping for Challa Bread is sesame. This recipe is from @finecooking. –  @TableFare

Bread isn’t ready without sesame seeds. – @SimplyImprssve

I love baked lemon muffins with sesame seeds on top. – @mom4everandever

Has anyone had luck baking their own Sesame Crackers at home? These are gluten free. – @callingindead

Blueberry Ginger Granola with sesame seeds

I make my own granola and love putting sesame seeds into the mix. – @CreativCulinary

I add sesame seeds to my Blueberry Ginger Granola. – @TableFare

One day I will make granola bars with Sesame seeds. – @KARINEVARGA

Cookies

I have powdered black sesame seeds and will use it to make French macarons. – @thedailypalette

Black sesame seeds make Lace Cookies visually stunning. – @MySpiceSage

Chbakiya are hands down the best cookies, if you have the time and patience. – @marocmama

These Sesame Fruit & Nut Bars are packed with flavor & protein! – @ MySpiceSage

Benne Sesame Wafers

Benne Wafers are my mom’s favorite cookie to make. So pretty! Here’s a recipe from @SimplyRecipes  @ TableFare

Candy

I seriously could snack on sesame seed brittle forever! @nella22

Has anyone made Vietnamese Sesame Candy (Keo Me Xung )? It looks as simple as caramel. – @PurpleHouseDirt

I’d love to learn jto make Vietnamese sesame candy and something like Joyva’s sesame candy. So addictive! – @RJFlamingo

Honey Sesame Candy

Honey sesame candies were a favorite as a kid. We’d get them as a treat when shopping at the produce stand. – @TableFare

I grew up gnawing on those chewy sesame rectangles in clear wrappers! – @nomnivorous

Yes! OMG – I love to just let them dissolve in my mouth. The toasty sesame & sweet together. – @RJFlamingo

I grew up eating the hard sesame candy too! – @KARINEVARGA

Global Delights

I’ve been wanting to make Chee Ma Jian Duy, fried sesame balls filled with ground black sesame pudding. – @PurpleHouseDirt

Sesame balls filled with black sesame paste at Din Tai Fung restaurant.

I’ve never had the black sesame filling. What’s it like? – @RJFlamingo

It tastes like halva puree. So good! – @TableFare

I have a Jian Duy recipe on my blog, but I haven’t tried filling it yet. – @PurpleHouseDirt

These Chocolate-Filled Sesame Balls looks so good! – @TableFare

There is a Moroccan dish famous during Ramadan called Sellou that uses lots of sesame seeds This recipe is from @moroccan_food. – @marocmama

It’s a very unique flavor – Moroccans eat it after fasting. – @marocmama

It has good calories and nutrients for a boost after fasting all day – moms are given it after childbirth too. – @ marocmama

The best halvah I ever had was a Pistachio halvah in Monterey, California on the wharf made by two Middle Eastern gentlemen. – @Judimaeny

A long time ago, I had a Turkish baklava. I’d swear it had sesame seeds on the pastry. I could be wrong, but it stuck in my brain. – @ Judimaeny

Éclairs topped with caramel and black sesame are my favorite. – @ nuria_sm

I love the sound of this, Fig & Sesame Tart with Cardamom Orange Cream! – @TableFare

Frozen treats

Toasted Sesame Honey Ice Cream

Toasted Sesame Seed Honey Ice Cream is my new favorite flavor to make!. It’s so creamy & good! – @TableFare

Black Sesame Ice Cream anyone? – @callingindead

Faith’s Honey Ice cream with Fig Sesame Jam Swirls sounds pretty amazing. – @TableFare

I wonder how toasted sesame seeds would taste on key lime gelato? It sounds good. – @ mom4everandever

Next SpiceChat

SpiceChat is regularly scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, but this next one has been bumped out a week and will be on September 14th. Differnt week, but same time, 4-5 p.m. ET. I hope you will drop in and share a recipe or tip for using bay leaves. Here are all the details about SpiceChat.

Past SpiceChats

Chile SpiceChat Recap

Caraway Seed SpiceChat Recap

Fennel Seed SpiceChat Recap

Coriander SpiceChat Recap

Cinnamon SpiceChat Recap