Untoasted sesame oil, also known as light sesame oil, can be used much like any neutral cooking oil such as canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil.
Understanding Untoasted Sesame Oil
Unlike its toasted counterpart, untoasted sesame oil has a mild, slightly nutty flavor, making it a versatile option in various culinary applications. Its neutral taste allows it to blend seamlessly without overpowering other ingredients.
Culinary Applications
Here's how you can incorporate untoasted sesame oil into your cooking:
- General Cooking: Substitute untoasted sesame oil for other cooking oils in stir-fries, sautéing vegetables, or pan-frying meats. Its mild flavor won't clash with most dishes.
- Salad Dressings: Use it as a base for salad dressings. Combine it with vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings for an Asian-inspired dressing.
- Marinades: Incorporate it into marinades for meats, poultry, or tofu. It helps tenderize the food and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Baking: While less common, untoasted sesame oil can be used in baking recipes that call for neutral oils. It can add a delicate flavor to cakes or muffins.
- Deep Frying (with Caution): While untoasted sesame oil has a relatively high smoke point, it's best to avoid using it for deep frying unless you know its specific smoke point and maintain the correct temperature. Always supervise the oil closely when deep frying to prevent burning.
- Skin and Hair Care: Some people use untoasted sesame oil topically for skin and hair care due to its moisturizing properties. However, conduct a patch test before applying it liberally, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Examples of Usage
Here are some specific examples:
- Stir-fry: Sauté garlic and ginger in untoasted sesame oil before adding vegetables and protein for a flavorful stir-fry.
- Simple Vinaigrette: Whisk together untoasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for a simple Asian vinaigrette.
- Chicken Marinade: Combine untoasted sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to marinate chicken before grilling or baking.
In summary, untoasted sesame oil offers a subtle nutty flavor and can be used as a versatile cooking oil in a variety of dishes.
