How to Toast Sesame Seeds

Tiny, flavorful sesame seeds have more uses in cooking than I can count. I sprinkle them generously over rice bowls, in buttery cookie dough, on yogurt, and much more. For many of these dishes, toasted sesame seeds have way more to offer in terms of taste and texture. Since most store-bought sesame seeds are sold raw, it’s handy to know how to toast them yourself. 

Two Ways to Toast Sesame Seeds

You can approach toasting sesame seeds one of two ways. Either fire up the oven—if you’re toasting a bunch at once—or toast them in a skillet on the stovetop—this is much easier to control and is faster. Since sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, there’s no need to add oil to the skillet.

I Use Both Black and White Sesame Seeds

I like to stock both black and white sesame seeds in my pantry, since the contracting colors offer visual appeal. The method for toasting them is the same, though when it comes to black seeds, you can’t use color as your guide for doneness. Instead, I typically ballpark the time and then wait for a nutty fragrant aroma, which indicates they are perfectly toasted. Either way, keep a close eye because sesame seeds are quick to burn.

Store the Sesame Seeds Well

Sesame seeds will keep perfectly fine in a sealed jar in a cool dark place in the pantry. That said, if you’ve got a bigger batch that you hope to have around for a while, store them in the fridge, or even the freezer. 

Recipes Highlighting Toasted Sesame Seeds

• Sesame Crisp Cookies
• Homemade Za’atar
• Broccoli Stir Fry with Ginger and Sesame Seeds
• Sesame Soba Noodles
• Sigeumchi Namul (Spinach Banchan)