Explore Uses for Sesame Seeds

Using sesame seeds has long been a staple process in many Middle Eastern kitchens, but in the U.S. they are usually only seen on top of “fancy” hamburger buns. No more! They are gaining popularity as their nutty flavor and versatility are being realized more and more.

After all; sesame seeds contain protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium and iron (all the while lacking in both sugar and salt). They also can be used in different forms. Besides the basic seeds, you can enjoy both their flavor and nutrients (sans the crunch) in sesame oil and sesame paste.

So, check out our chart of multiple ideas for using sesame seeds below.

sesame seed uses

Using Sesame Seeds

Uses for Sesame Seeds

We’ve often enjoyed a sesame seed bagel, but we first learned the power of these little seeds during a celebration dinner at Benihana restaurant. After whipping together a fried rice before our eyes, the chef proceeded to grab a large metal shaker and shake something all over the top of the mound. Once served, we recognized the little guys and enjoyed a delicious fried rice. From then on, we always shake sesame seeds on top of fried rice and many other places (unfortunately, we also picked up the chefs habit of throwing garlic butter on top of the mound too – delicious fried rice!).

Using Sesame Seeds Details
Make tahini  Throw roasted sesame seeds into a food processor with some olive oil & you’ve got a sauce of many uses, including making fresh hummus.
Make salad dressing  Here’s a recipe for sesame garlic dressing. sesame dressing
Roast the seeds  Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of your favorite stir-fry, fried rice or noodle dish.
Sesame oil   Add sesame oil to the side of the wok while stir-frying to add a little jolt of smoky flavor to the dish.
Marinade  Use sesame seeds in marinades to add a crunchy coating to beef cuts.
Try new recipes  Try this sesame beef dish. sesame beef
Add crunch  Add sesame seeds to your favorite baked goods for a tiny nutty crunch.
Substitute  Try tahini in place of peanut butter in your recipe.
Make sweets  Try these sesame chocolate chip cookies. sesame cookies
Bake  Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of your baked goods to add texture and visual appeal.
Add texture  Add them to candies, for instance peanut brittle.
Use tahini  Use tahini instead of butter & milk to make dairy-free mashed potatoes.
Add to mixes  Add sesame seeds to trail mix and granola recipes to make them unique & interesting.
sesame seed granola

Uses for Sesame Seeds

Additional Info

Sesame seeds can be purchased in the spice isle, but you will pay more for a smaller container. Instead, look for it in the International isle or in the bulk foods isle and you will get a much larger amount for a smaller price. They can be purchased raw or roasted, with the roasted ones having much more flavor – but you can easily do this at home, just like any other nut or seed (see roasting instructions here). You can also purchase sesame oil and tahini in the international isle, if desired.

To find out more on the nutritional value of all seeds, see our seed nutrition page.

To find out how long sesame seeds last, see our sesame page.

To find out how long other foods are good for, please visit the Dairy, Drinks, Fruits, Grains, Proteins, Vegetables and Other sections of Eat By Date or use the search function below.

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