Flavorful Ways to Use Sesame Oil in Your Cooking

Sesame oil is a key ingredient that imparts a distinctive nutty and smoky flavor to various Asian dishes. Beyond its rich taste, sesame oil boasts impressive health benefits, including strengthening bones thanks to its calcium and zinc content, reducing blood pressure, enhancing metabolism, and promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, it contributes to shinier hair and healthier skin from within. If you're eager to incorporate this golden oil into your diet, here are a few simple recipes to try at home.

Creamy Spiced Cucumber Soup

This chilled cucumber soup, seasoned with curry and spices, offers a perfect balance of cooling and heat. Its thick texture helps curb hunger and resist snack cravings, while sesame oil adds a delicious nutty note.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ chopped onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 peeled and chopped cucumbers
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 2 tsp sesame oil

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan.
• Sauté garlic and onions for about 10 minutes.
• Add cucumbers, broth, and milk, then stir in parsley, soy sauce, peppers, curry, and sesame oil.
• Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 10 minutes.
• Blend until smooth and serve garnished with chopped chives.

Healthy Asian Lettuce Wraps

A nutritious take on burritos, these Asian-style lettuce wraps are perfect for family dinners or gatherings. They allow everyone to customize their own wraps, adding a fun element to your meal.

Ingredients

• 16 Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
• 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tsp minced pickled ginger
• 1 chopped large onion
• ¼ cup chopped water chestnuts
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 bunch chopped green onions
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Optional chili sauce

Preparation Steps

• Cook beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
• Drain excess fat and set aside.
• Sauté onions until tender, then add garlic, ginger, and sauces.
• Mix in greens, water chestnuts, beef, and sesame oil; cook briefly.
• Serve the beef mixture in lettuce leaves for a fun, customizable meal.

Colorful Sesame Noodles

This vibrant noodle recipe is quick to prepare with a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors that excite the palate.

Ingredients

• 16 oz linguine or similar pasta
• 6 tbsp soy sauce
• 6 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 6 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp chili sauce
• 6 tbsp safflower oil
• 6 sliced green onions
• 6 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Preparation Steps

• Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
• In a saucepan, combine sugar, garlic, oils, soy, vinegar, and chili sauce; cook until sugar dissolves.
• Pour sauce over pasta and toss until well coated.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot.