Roasting Sesame Seeds: Pan Perfection

Toasted sesame seeds are a great way to add a rich, nutty flavour and aroma to your cooking. They can be used as a garnish for sweet or savoury dishes, or to add more umami to your homemade sauces or marinades. Toasting sesame seeds is usually optional but recommended as it transforms the flavour and texture of the tiny seeds. To toast sesame seeds, you can use a stove, oven or microwave. The stove method is faster and easier to control, but it's harder to toast large quantities. The oven method is better for larger quantities and cooks the seeds more evenly, but it takes longer as you need to wait for the oven to preheat. The microwave method is the quickest, but you can only toast a small quantity of seeds at a time.

How to roast white sesame seeds

Roasting white sesame seeds in a pan is a straightforward process, but it requires your full attention to ensure the seeds don't burn. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast white sesame seeds:

Firstly, gather your desired amount of white sesame seeds. White sesame seeds are the most common variety and are also known as hulled sesame seeds, as they have had the black hull removed.

Next, place a medium-sized frying pan or skillet on the stove over medium heat. You do not need to add any oil to the pan as sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats. Once the pan is hot, add the sesame seeds. Aim for a thin, single layer of seeds in the pan.

Cook the seeds for 2-3 minutes. To ensure even browning, move the seeds around the pan with a spoon every 30 seconds. They are done when they become fragrant and turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn very quickly.

Once the seeds are golden brown, immediately remove them from the heat and transfer them to a plate to stop the cooking process. Allow the seeds to cool for around 5-10 minutes.

Once cooled, you can use the roasted white sesame seeds immediately, or store them for later use. To store, place the seeds in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 months at room temperature, 6 months in the fridge, or 1 year in the freezer.

Roasted white sesame seeds have a rich, nutty flavour and aroma and can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient!

How to roast black sesame seeds

Roasting black sesame seeds in a pan is a straightforward process, but it requires your full attention to ensure the seeds don't burn. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast black sesame seeds:

Preparation

Before you begin, decide on the amount of black sesame seeds you want to roast. Black sesame seeds are considered more bitter when toasted, so you may want to start with a smaller batch.

Roasting Process

• Place a dry skillet or frying pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Do not add any oil, as sesame seeds are already rich in healthy fats.
• Once the pan is hot, add the desired amount of black sesame seeds.
• After 30 seconds, start stirring the seeds with a spoon or swirling the pan to ensure even browning. Continue this process for around 3 to 4 minutes.
• If you notice smoke or if the seeds are browning too quickly, lower the heat.
• Keep a close eye on the seeds at all times, as they can burn very easily.
• When the seeds become fragrant and develop a nutty aroma, they are usually done. Since black seeds won't change colour, timing and aroma are your best guides.
• Once done, immediately transfer the roasted seeds to a plate to prevent further cooking.

Cooling and Storage

• Allow the seeds to cool completely before using or storing them. This should take around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Store the roasted black sesame seeds in an airtight container or a jar with a tight seal.
• Keep the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, for up to 6 months.
• For extended storage, you can refrigerate the seeds for up to 3 months or freeze them for up to a year.

Roasted black sesame seeds will add a delightful nutty flavour and aroma to your dishes. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient!

How to avoid burning the seeds

Roasting sesame seeds is a great way to amplify their flavour and add a nutty, smoky taste to your meals. However, it is easy to burn the seeds, so here are some tips to avoid this:

Firstly, it is important to note that sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, so there is no need to add oil to the pan. Simply heat a dry skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the desired amount of sesame seeds and spread them into a thin layer.

To ensure even toasting, keep the seeds moving. This can be done by swirling the pan or stirring with a spoon. It is also important not to leave the stove, as the seeds can burn very easily. Keep an eye on the colour of the seeds, and when they turn golden brown, they are done. This should take around 2-3 minutes on the stove, and 8-10 minutes in the oven.

If you are toasting black sesame seeds, you cannot use colour as a guide. Instead, wait for a nutty, fragrant aroma to indicate that they are ready. Once the seeds are golden brown or fragrant, immediately transfer them to a plate to cool.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can successfully roast sesame seeds without burning them.

How to store roasted sesame seeds

Roasted sesame seeds should be stored in an airtight container or jar, in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. They will last for up to 6 months stored this way. To extend their shelf life even further, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a year, or in the freezer, where they will last for up to a year or more.

How to use roasted sesame seeds

Roasted sesame seeds are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. They add a nutty aroma, richer taste, depth of flavour, and a pleasant crunch to your meals. Here are some ways to use roasted sesame seeds:

Noodles and Sushi

Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds on noodle bowls, such as soba noodles, or use them to coat the outside of a sushi roll.

Vegetables

Roasted sesame seeds work well with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, including broccoli, green beans, and spinach.

Bowls

Add a crunchy and nutty element to your poke bowls or vegan poke bowls by topping them with roasted sesame seeds.

Hummus and Tofu

Enhance the flavours of homemade hummus, beet hummus, or easy marinated tofu by tossing in a handful of roasted sesame seeds.

Salads and Rice

Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds over salads, rice bowls, or even buttery cookie dough for added texture and flavour.

Meat, Fish, and Poultry

Include roasted sesame seeds in dishes with meat, fish, or chicken, such as salmon or teriyaki meatballs. They can also be used in homemade bagels or tahini.

Desserts

Roasted sesame seeds can be used in various desserts, such as sesame crisp cookies, muffins, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Frequently asked questions