Buying Sesame Products: Top Picks for Authentic Asian Dishes

Anyone who wants to cook authentic Asian cuisine quickly realises that the right core ingredients are crucial. Sesame products in particular—from aromatic oil and creamy dressings to toasted seeds—form the foundation of many Japanese and Chinese dishes. However, finding products that truly capture the original flavour can be a challenge.

This article serves as a guide. We will introduce a selection of sesame products suited for various applications in Asian cooking, distinguished by their specific characteristics. Our goal is to provide you with an objective basis for your purchasing decision, whether you're shopping for home use or for a small restaurant.

What to Look for When Buying Sesame Products?

The range of Asian ingredients is vast. To find the right products for your needs, the following criteria can be helpful.

1. Determine the Purpose of the Sesame Oil

Not all sesame oil is the same. There is a fundamental distinction between two main types:

• Oil from roasted sesame seeds: This oil has a dark amber colour and an intense, nutty aroma. It is not intended for high-heat cooking, as its smoke point is low and the delicate flavours would burn. It is primarily used as a finishing oil to add a final touch to dishes like soups, noodles, or stir-fries just before serving.
• Oil from unroasted (cold-pressed) sesame seeds: This oil is lighter in colour and has a milder, more neutral taste. It is better suited for frying and cooking at medium temperatures.

For many recipes, especially in Chinese cooking, a dark, aromatic oil is the right choice.

2. Check the Ingredient List and Origin

Authenticity can often be identified by a short and clear ingredient list. Products made in Asia for the local market often follow traditional recipes. A look at the ingredients can reveal whether unnecessary fillers or artificial flavour enhancers are included. Brands like Kewpie from Japan or Lee Kum Kee from China have been established manufacturers of Asian ingredients for decades and are known for their consistent quality.

3. Packaging Size and Storage

Consider how often you will use the product. For occasional use, a small bottle of sesame dressing or a 100g pack of sesame seeds is sufficient. However, if you cook regularly for a family or run a small restaurant, bulk sizes like 1-litre bottles or 1.75-litre cans can be more economical. Always pay attention to the storage instructions: sesame oil should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation, while opened dressings generally belong in the refrigerator.

A Selection of Sesame Products for Your Kitchen

Based on the criteria above, we have compiled a selection of products that can serve as an essential toolkit for enthusiasts of Asian cuisine.

KEWPIE Deep Roasted Sesame Dressing 1L

Why it stands out This Kewpie dressing is a classic of modern Japanese cuisine. Its popularity stems from its creamy texture and deep, nutty flavour, derived from carefully roasted sesame seeds. With a 5% sesame content, it offers an intense flavour experience that goes far beyond that of a simple salad dressing.

Advantages

• Rich flavour: The combination of roasted sesame, soy sauce, and a hint of shiitake mushroom extract creates a complex umami aroma.
• Versatile use: It's suitable not only for green salads but also as a dip for vegetables and gyoza, a sauce for chicken, or with cold noodle dishes (Hiyashi Chuka).
• Convenient size: The 1-litre bottle is ideal for high-volume households or for use in the food service industry.

Who it's for This dressing is an excellent choice for anyone looking to replicate the authentic taste of Japanese restaurant salads at home, as well as for small bistros and cafés seeking a versatile, high-quality salad dressing.

LEE KUM KEE Blended Sesame Oil 1.75L

Why it stands out The Lee Kum Kee sesame oil is a "blended sesame oil". It consists of a mix of sesame oil and soybean oil, which gives it a balanced aroma. It is robust enough to function as a flavouring oil but not so dominant that it overpowers other tastes. The 1.75-litre bulk size makes it an economical option for regular use.

Advantages

• Balanced aroma: The blend makes it versatile, suitable for light frying at medium heat as well as for finishing soups, marinades, and sauces.
• Large format: The 1.75-litre metal can protects the oil from light and is ideal for food service applications or ambitious home cooks.
• Established brand: Lee Kum Kee is a renowned manufacturer whose products are considered a standard in many Asian kitchens.

Who it's for This oil is suitable for anyone who cooks Asian food regularly and in large quantities, from large families to small food service businesses. It is a reliable core ingredient for a wide variety of dishes.

HUASEED Cooked White Sesame 100g

Why it stands out Often, it's the small details that complete a dish. These pre-roasted sesame seeds from HUASEED are one such ingredient. The seeds are ready to use, saving you the trouble of toasting them in a pan, where they can easily burn. They instantly provide a crunchy texture and a nutty aroma.

Advantages

• Ready to use: No preparation needed; the seeds can be used directly from the package.
• Pure ingredient: The product consists of 100% white sesame seeds with no other additives.
• Versatile garnish: Perfect for sprinkling on rice, noodle dishes, sushi, salads, or even baked goods and desserts.

Who it's for This product is suitable for any cook who wants to quickly and easily add texture and an authentic roasted flavour to their dishes. It is an indispensable pantry staple.

Looking for More Options?

The selection presented here covers key basic applications. However, you might need black sesame for desserts, a smaller bottle of oil, or a spicy chilli sesame oil.

? Explore our full range in the Sesame Blend category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between light and dark sesame oil?

The difference lies in how the sesame seeds are processed. Dark sesame oil is pressed from roasted sesame seeds, which gives it its dark colour and strong, nutty aroma. It is mainly used as a flavouring agent at the end of the cooking process. Light sesame oil is extracted from raw, unroasted seeds. It is more neutral in taste and has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for frying.

2. How do I store sesame products correctly to maximise their shelf life?

Sesame oil is sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. Therefore, store it in a cool, dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard. After opening, it should be kept tightly sealed. Sesame seeds should be stored in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and preserve their aroma. Opened emulsion-based sesame dressings (like the one from Kewpie) belong in the refrigerator and should be consumed within a few weeks.

3. Can Kewpie sesame dressing be used for more than just salads?

Yes, absolutely. Its creamy texture and rich flavour make it extremely versatile. It can be used as a dip for raw or steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots), as a sauce for grilled meat or fish, to enhance cold noodle salads (soba or udon), or as a topping for a simple rice bowl (donburi).