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Korean-style serving of Sesame oil

참기름 · Sesame oil

Sesame oil

참기름

What exactly is it?

Sesame oil is pressed from sesame seeds; roasting the seeds first gives a strong toasted aroma. Small amounts season vegetables and bibimbap, or combine with salt as a meat dip. Perilla oil comes from a different seed and has a different flavor.

Main ingredients

Sesame seeds; blended products may include other oils

Ordering and serving

Use only a little of the salted oil dip at a barbecue restaurant. Sesame oil may be present in vegetables even when no sesame seeds are visible.

Origins and changes

Korean cooking uses sesame oil as a seasoning for dressed vegetables and other dishes. Pressing the seeds concentrates their oil, while roasting gives the distinctive aroma added in small amounts to a finished dish.

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Sesame oil

참기름

Main ingredients
Sesame seeds; blended products may include other oils
Flavor and character
Sesame oil is pressed from sesame seeds; roasting the seeds first gives a strong toasted aroma. Small amounts season vegetables and bibimbap, or combine with salt as a meat dip. Perilla oil comes from a different seed and has a different flavor.
How to eat it
Use only a little of the salted oil dip at a barbecue restaurant. Sesame oil may be present in vegetables even when no sesame seeds are visible.
Read about this dish →

Ssamjang dipping paste

쌈장

Main ingredients
Soybean paste, chili paste, garlic and sesame oil; optional onion, nuts or tofu
Flavor and character
Ssamjang is a thick condiment for rice or meat wrapped in leaves. Soybean paste provides the base, with chili paste, garlic and sesame oil adding flavor. Chopped onion, nuts or tofu can alter both its texture and saltiness.
How to eat it
Start with a small dab inside the wrap. Tuna ssamjang and snail ssamjang contain animal ingredients, even though the base is soybean paste.
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