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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Can you substitute sesame oil for sesame seeds?

I've found great recipes that I want to try out but they contain sesame seeds and they don't sell sesame seeds here in Panama. Can you substitute sesame seeds with sesame oil? If so, how much oil for seeds?

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Toasted sesame seeds spilling from a wooden scoop

This very much depends on the recipes. Sesame seeds are generally added to recipes for both flavor and texture. Sesame oil won't add quite the same flavor or texture. For instance, adding sesame oil to breads that call for sesame seeds might change the flavor and texture dramatically. A fish dish that calls for sesame seeds might work great with sesame oil, however.

Note that there is sesame oil and dark, or toasted sesame oil. The latter is made from seeds that have been toasted and has a much more intense, nutty flavor. The difference could greatly affect the taste of your recipe.

In general I estimate that you would use about 2 teaspoons of sesame oil to replace 1 1/2 Tablespoons of sesame seeds.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet