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An easy method for toasting sesame seeds three ways: In the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave. You’ll love the nutty flavor and golden brown color. Add them to stir-frys, rice, salads, meat, fish, chicken, and even desserts!
Do you have to toast sesame seeds?
Although sesame seeds are safe to eat raw, toasting the seeds enhances their nutty flavor and crunchy texture, giving these little guys a big bite!
Do I need to wash sesame seeds?
There are some methods out there that tell you to either soak the seeds overnight or rinse the sesame seeds in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear before toasting.
The soaking and rinsing removes some of the anti-nutrient phytic acid, which prevents your body from absorbing certain nutrients. This step isn’t necessary, but if you do decide to soak or rinse the seeds, they will need another minute or two to become golden brown.
How do you toast sesame seeds in the oven?
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Arrange sesame seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet or in an oven-proof skillet.
- Bake until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
Make sure to watch them closely and have a plate nearby where they can cool.
How do you toast sesame seeds on the stove?
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes.
- Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
Can you toast sesame seeds in the microwave?
I don’t recommend this method. I have seen other sites say it works, but I’ve tried it for myself and the sesame seeds didn’t get toasty.
But if you don’t believe me, here are some instructions for toasting sesame seeds in the microwave:
- In a microwave-safe plate arrange the seeds in a single layer (½ cup or less works best).
- Cook on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir and check for the golden brown color.
How do you store toasted sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place in the pantry.
But the best place to store sesame seeds is actually in the freezer. The cold temperature prevents the natural oils in the seeds from spoiling, helping them last a longer period of time.
How long do toasted sesame seeds last?
If kept in a cool, dark place in the pantry, the seeds will last 6 months. Kept in the freezer, the seeds will last up to 1 year!
Can you buy toasted sesame seeds?
Yes, sesame seeds are available in the store already toasted, but the flavor is better when you toast them yourself.
What are some great recipes that use sesame seeds?
- How to make tahini
- Baby Bok Choy Salad with Sesame Dressing
- Asian Salmon (made in foil)
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Make your own Dukkah
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How to Toast Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds (or more)
Instructions
To toast sesame seeds in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Toast until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately transfer to a plate to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for 6 months or freezer storage bag in the freezer for up to 1 year.
To toast sesame seeds on the stove:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a plate to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for 6 months or freezer storage bag in the freezer for up to 1 year.
To toast sesame seeds in the microwave:
- In a microwave safe 9 inch pie plate, arrange up to ½ cup sesame seeds in one single layer. Microwave on HIGH until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir. Continue with a second batch of sesame seeds, if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the pantry for 6 months or freezer storage bag for up to 1 year.
Recipe Video
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
And excellent easy recipe, keep it up Miss Meggan Hill
I never knew how easy this could be!
The directions at top make no sense. It says:
“How do you toast sesame seeds in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange sesame seeds in one single layer in an oven proof skillet.”
Which is it? Is is supposed to say “or arrange sesame seeds in one single layer in an oven proof skillet”? A baking sheet OR an oven proof skillet. It can’t be both…well I guess it could but it would be kinda silly.
Hi John, yeah that’s silly to say the least. That’s just bad writing is what that is, and clearly no one proofread. You can use either one as I’m sure you know, but that is just horribly written. I’m really sorry about that. Thank you for pointing it out! -Meggan