Sesame seeds are little flavorful seeds that are used in cuisines all over the world, but predominantly in Asia and the Middle East. These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that help in boosting the immune system, regulating the blood sugar, and lowering the cholesterol levels in the body among other things. They come in two different varieties – black and white, and are used in equally different ways when cooking. While the former is usually used in soups and desserts, the latter is used to coat and garnish deep-fried foods and dishes. [1] [2] [3] [4]
On its own, sesame seeds seldom enhance the flavor of the dish. They need to be toasted to bring out their naturally ‘nutty’ flavor. Toasting sesame seeds also make them more crunchy. When added to dishes like stir-fries, salads, or deep-fried snacks, the toasted sesame seeds help enhance their overall flavor. But what are the different ways to toast sesame seeds? Let us find out.
How to toast sesame seeds?
There are three different ways of toasting sesame seeds. They are as follows:
- In the oven
- On the stovetop
- In the microwave
Toasting sesame seeds brings out their naturally nutty flavor. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 3.3 Energy 565 Energy [kJ] 2364 Protein [g] 16.96 Total lipid (fat) [g] 48 Ash [g] 6 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 25.74 Fiber, total dietary [g] 14 Calcium, Ca [mg] 989 Iron, Fe [mg] 14.76 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 356 Phosphorus, P [mg] 638 Potassium, K [mg] 475 Sodium, Na [mg] 11 Zinc, Zn [mg] 7.16 Copper, Cu [mg] 2.47 Manganese, Mn [mg] 2.5 Selenium, Se [µg] 34.4 Thiamin [mg] 0.8 Riboflavin [mg] 0.25 Niacin [mg] 4.58 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.05 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.8 Folate, total [µg] 98 Folate, food [µg] 98 Folate, DFE [µg] 98 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 9 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 6.72 14:0 [g] 0.12 16:0 [g] 4.29 18:0 [g] 2.02 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 18.13 16:1 [g] 0.14 18:1 [g] 17.9 20:1 [g] 0.07 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 21.04 18:2 [g] 20.65 18:3 [g] 0.36 Tryptophan [g] 0.37 Threonine [g] 0.7 Isoleucine [g] 0.73 Leucine [g] 1.3 Lysine [g] 0.54 Methionine [g] 0.56 Cystine [g] 0.34 Phenylalanine [g] 0.9 Tyrosine [g] 0.71 Valine [g] 0.95 Arginine [g] 2.52 Histidine [g] 0.5 Alanine [g] 0.89 Aspartic acid [g] 1.57 Glutamic acid [g] 3.78 Glycine [g] 1.16 Proline [g] 0.77 Serine [g] 0.93 Sources include : USDA [5]
Toasting in the oven
When using an oven to toast the sesame seeds, ensure you preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. In an ovenproof skillet, place and spread the sesame seeds in a single layer. Toast them until their color changes to golden-brown and they give out a nutty aroma. Keep stirring them from time to time for not less than 10 minutes. This will prevent them from getting burnt and will also ensure that they get evenly toasted. Watch them closely and keep a plate ready for them to cool.
Toasting on the stove
When using the stove to toast sesame seeds, heat a frying pan or a saucepan over medium heat. Ensure that it is dry and clean. You can also use a wok if you want. Add the sesame seeds to the moderately-heated saucepan/frying pan and keep stirring them from time to time. Use a spatula to do so and ensure that the seeds get evenly toasted and not burnt in the bargain. Once their color starts to change into a light golden-brown shade, take the pan down from the stove immediately.
