Recipes Using Sesame Oil: A Nutty Twist to Everyday Cooking

Sesame oil, also known as til oil or nuvvula nune, is a golden elixir that brings a distinct nutty aroma and flavor to every dish it touches. Used widely in Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, sesame oil is more than just a cooking medium—it’s a flavor enhancer, a health booster, and a tradition passed down for generations.

Whether you’re whipping up an everyday curry, a quick stir-fry, or even a salad, sesame oil can elevate the taste instantly. Let’s dive into some delicious recipes using sesame oil you can try at home.

🌟 Why Cook with Sesame Oil?

Before jumping into the recipes, here’s why sesame oil deserves a spot in your kitchen:

• Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants

• Adds a deep, roasted, nutty flavor

• A staple in both Ayurvedic and Asian cuisine

• Contains anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties

🧄 1. South Indian Style Garlic Pickle (Poondu Oorugai)

Ingredients:

• Garlic cloves – 1 cup

• Red chili powder – 2 tbsp

• Tamarind paste – 1 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

• Sesame oil – 1/2 cup

• Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch

Method:

1. Heat sesame oil and fry mustard seeds till they splutter.

2. Add garlic cloves and sauté until golden.

3. Add chili powder, tamarind, salt, and hing.

4. Cook till oil starts to float on top.

5. Cool and store in a sterilized jar.

Tip: Best served with hot rice or curd rice.

🍜 2. Asian Stir-Fry Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots – chopped

• Garlic – minced

• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp

• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp

• Salt & pepper – to taste

• Toasted sesame seeds – for garnish

Method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok.

2. Sauté garlic and add chopped veggies.

3. Stir-fry on high flame till crisp-tender.

4. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper. Toss well.

5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Flavor Bomb: This makes a great side or filling for rice bowls!

🥒 3. Til Oil Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Honey – 1 tsp

• Crushed garlic – 1 clove

• Salt & pepper – to taste

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl or shake in a bottle.

2. Drizzle over fresh greens, sprouts, or noodle salads.

Healthy, quick, and adds that warm nutty note to your cold dishes.

🍚 4. Nuvvula Annam (Sesame Rice – Andhra Style)

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice – 2 cups

• Sesame seeds – 2 tbsp (dry roasted and ground)

• Dry red chilies – 2

• Curry leaves – a few

• Mustard & urad dal – for tempering

• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

Method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan.

2. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, red chilies.

3. Add cooked rice and sprinkle powdered sesame seeds.

4. Mix well with salt. Serve hot.

A comforting and traditional dish from Telugu cuisine.

🥢 5. Sesame Noodles

Ingredients:

• Cooked noodles – 2 cups

• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp

• Sesame oil – 1 tbsp

• Chili flakes – to taste

• Spring onions – chopped

• Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds – for topping

Method:

1. Heat sesame oil, add spring onions.

2. Add soy sauce and chili flakes.

3. Toss in cooked noodles and mix well.

4. Garnish with peanuts or sesame seeds.

A quick meal for sesame lovers!

🍠 6. Tadka for Dal Using Sesame Oil

Elevate any dal or lentil dish by using sesame oil for tempering.

Ingredients:

• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

• Garlic – chopped

• Curry leaves – 1 sprig

• Hing – a pinch

• Dry red chilies – 2

• Cumin – 1/2 tsp

Method:

1. Heat oil, add all tadka ingredients.

2. Once aromatic, pour over hot dal.

3. Serve with rice or roti.

It enhances the flavor and adds a unique earthy richness.

🌰 Bonus Tip: Use Sesame Oil in Sweets!

Yes, you heard that right! In many traditional Indian sweets like laddu or murmura chikki, a hint of sesame oil can be used instead of ghee for a vegan alternative with a nutty depth.

🛒 Where to Buy Good Quality Sesame Oil?

When cooking with sesame oil, quality matters. Look for:

• Cold-pressed sesame oil – retains nutrients and aroma

• Organic or wood-pressed oil – free of chemicals

• Trusted Indian brands or homemade suppliers

Check platforms like:

• Amazon

• BigBasket

• MeenakshiRecipe.com

• Local organic stores or farmers’ markets

✅ Conclusion

Sesame oil is a flavor powerhouse and a health champion. Whether it’s stir-frying veggies, drizzling on salads, or spicing up traditional dals, this oil can transform your dishes with its aroma and nutritional goodness. Don’t just limit it to one recipe—explore, experiment, and add this golden oil to your everyday kitchen magic!