Toasted sesame seeds are an important ingredient in a great deal of Middle Eastern and Asian cooking. You can buy sesame seeds pretoasted (especially at Korean markets), but the toasting process is nearly effortless (just make sure not to burn the seeds). There are many colors of sesame seeds. The most common variety, which are called white but are actually pale to dark tan, sometimes with tinges of gray, are fine for almost all uses. Store sesame seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from turning rancid—an uncommon but not impossible eventuality.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 1/2 cup
Ingredients
Preparation
Toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan frequently, until the seeds color slightly, less than 5 minutes. Use immediately or store in a closed container.
