Buying Sesame Products: Recommendations for Authentic Flavour

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I see it as my mission to provide you with clear, objective information so you can find the perfect products for your kitchen. Anyone who wants to prepare authentic Asian, particularly Japanese, dishes often faces the challenge of finding the right ingredients. Sesame products are a fundamental building block for the characteristic flavour of many recipes. This article serves as a guide to simplify your selection process and show you which products are best suited for specific applications.

What to Look for When Buying Sesame Products

The variety of sesame products can seem overwhelming at first. However, with a few basic criteria, you can quickly find the right items for your recipes.

Roasted vs. Unroasted: Choosing the Right Sesame Oil

A crucial factor with sesame oil is its production method.

• Light (cold-pressed) sesame oil: This oil is pressed from raw sesame seeds. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and cooking at high temperatures.
• Dark (roasted) sesame oil: Here, the seeds are roasted before pressing. The result is an oil with a darker colour and a very intense, aromatic fragrance. Due to its lower smoke point, roasted sesame oil is not used for frying but serves as a finishing oil to add a final touch to dishes just before serving. Brands like Kadoya oil are well-established in this category.

Brands and Origin as a Quality Indicator

In Japanese cuisine, certain brands have proven their quality over decades and stand for a consistent, authentic flavour. When you search for Japanese groceries online, you will inevitably come across names like Kewpie or Kadoya. A Japanese sesame dressing from Kewpie, for example, is known for its creamy consistency and balanced taste, which is prized in many Japanese homes and restaurants. Choosing an established brand can ensure you get the flavour profile you know and love from your favourite dishes.

Check Ingredients and Composition

A look at the ingredients list is particularly insightful for processed products like dressings or drink powders. For a sesame dressing, the percentage of sesame indicates the intensity of the flavour. With products like a black sesame latte powder, the ratio of sesame to sugar and other ingredients like milk powder is crucial for the final result. Also, pay close attention to allergen warnings, as sesame is a known allergen, and products may also contain soy, wheat, or egg.

Our Selection of Sesame Products for Japanese Cuisine

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of products suitable for various applications in Asian cooking.

KEWPIE Deep Roasted Sesame Dressing 1L

What makes it special: This dressing is distinguished by its rich flavour, derived from deep-roasted sesame seeds. Its creamy texture makes it incredibly versatile. According to the manufacturer, the product contains 5% sesame. The recipe is based on a blend of rapeseed and soybean oil, egg yolk, and spirit vinegar, with its flavour rounded out by soy sauce and shiitake mushroom extract.

Benefits:

• Creamy and rich consistency
• Versatile for salads, as a dip, or with meat dishes
• Convenient 1-litre bottle, suitable for frequent use or food service
• Made in Japan

Who it's for: This dressing is a great choice for home cooks who want to replicate the authentic taste of Japanese salads. Thanks to its large size, it's also ideal for families, shared households, or small restaurants that regularly use Asian ingredients.

Kuki Black Sesame Latte Powder Sweetened 150g

What makes it special: This instant latte powder from the Japanese brand Kuki, which has specialised in sesame products since 1925, offers an easy way to prepare a warm, nutty beverage. It consists of finely ground black sesame, sugar, milk powder, and soy lecithin. The powder dissolves easily in hot water or milk, creating a creamy drink with the characteristic dark colour and aroma of roasted black sesame.

Benefits:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Aromatic and nutty flavour of black sesame
• Resealable packaging to maintain freshness
• Can be prepared with water or milk (including plant-based alternatives)

Who it's for: Ideal for lovers of warm, milk-based drinks looking for an alternative to coffee or hot chocolate. It's also a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy the flavours of Asian desserts in beverage form or offer a unique, non-alcoholic hot drink to guests.

Kadoya Sesame Oil 327ml

What makes it special:Kadoya oil is a pure, roasted sesame oil and a classic in Japanese and Asian cuisine. It consists of 100% sesame oil and is used exclusively for seasoning and finishing dishes. Its intense, nutty aroma adds an unmistakable depth to soups (like ramen), noodle dishes, dressings, and marinades.

Benefits:

• Made from 100% sesame oil with no other additives
• A little goes a long way, as only a few drops are needed for an intense aroma
• Authentic flavour, considered a standard in many Asian kitchens
• Made in Japan

Who it's for: This oil is an essential ingredient for anyone serious about cooking Asian food. It is suitable for home cooks and professionals alike who want to give their dishes that final, authentic kick of flavour. As it is not intended for frying, it is purely a finishing ingredient.

Looking for Other Sesame Varieties?

Sesame offers more than just oil and dressings. From whole black and white sesame seeds for garnishing to tahini (sesame paste) for dips and sauces, and even sweetened pastes for desserts—the applications are endless.

Discover the full range in our Sesame Seeds category and find the perfect ingredient for your next culinary project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between light and dark (roasted) sesame oil? Light sesame oil is extracted from unroasted seeds, has a mild flavour, and a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for frying. Dark sesame oil is made from roasted seeds, possesses a very intense aroma, and has a low smoke point. Therefore, it is not heated but used as a finishing oil to enhance finished dishes.

How can you use Japanese sesame dressing? A Japanese sesame dressing like Kewpie's is extremely versatile. Besides its classic use on green salads, it pairs wonderfully with cold noodle dishes (Hiyashi Chuka), as a dip for gyoza, spring rolls, or steamed vegetables. It can also serve as a marinade for chicken or pork before grilling or frying.

Where can you find a reliable source for Japanese groceries online? For a curated selection of authentic Asian ingredients, specialised online shops are an excellent place to start. Platforms that focus on importing and distributing brands like Kewpie and Kadoya ensure you receive products that are also used in Japan. This way, you can be confident you're getting the right components for your recipes when you buy sesame products.