Can I use toasted sesame oil instead of cooking oil when stir-frying meat?

Toasted sesame oil has a low smoke point, so it burns easily and turns bitter when exposed to high heat. Rather than using it for cooking, use it as a 'finishing oil' to add aroma at the end of your dish.

← Ingredients

Ingredients

Toasted Sesame Oil

A golden, fragrant oil made by cleaning, roasting, and cold-pressing whole sesame seeds. It is a magic essence responsible for the savory aroma of Korean cuisine.

Flavor

It possesses an overwhelmingly rich and savory (Nutty & Toasty) flavor that coats the entire mouth. It is more fragrant than it is greasy.

Brands

Ottogi (Ottogi — the yellow cap product is the signature), Beksul (Beksul).

Where to buy

Asian marts and most local major supermarkets (usually found in the International aisle, not the regular cooking oil aisle).

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Substitutes

Can be substituted with Perilla Oil. Among Western ingredients, you can achieve a similar nuttiness by crushing roasted sesame seeds into avocado oil or walnut oil. (※ Regular salad oil or olive oil have a completely different flavor profile.)

Storage

Storing it in the refrigerator may cause it to solidify or lose its aroma. It is best kept in a cool, room-temperature place away from light (such as a dark pantry).

Used in

Bibimbap, Japchae, and various Namul Side Dishes.

FAQ

Q. Can I use toasted sesame oil instead of cooking oil when stir-frying meat?
A. Toasted sesame oil has a low smoke point, so it burns easily and turns bitter when exposed to high heat. Rather than using it for cooking, use it as a 'finishing oil' to add aroma at the end of your dish.