Learn how to easily toast sesame seeds in a skillet in less than 15 minutes.
Why Toast Sesame Seeds?
Toasting sesame seeds brings out their natural oils, deepening their flavor and turning them from bland to rich and nutty.
Toasted sesame seeds are used in:
- Asian and Middle Eastern cooking
- Salad toppings and grain bowls
- Homemade dressings and sauces
- Bread, buns, Simit (sesame bagels) and flatbreads
- As a coating for chicken or tofu
- Garnish for noodles, rice, and vegetables
Why My Method Works
I toast sesame seeds dry in a wide skillet over medium heat and rely on smell, color, and timing to know when they are done. They take less than 15 minutes, will smell nutty and turn golden when done. You can also hear them crackle if you listen closely.
Shaking the pan regularly and lowering the heat near the end helps to prevent burning, and transferring the seeds immediately stops them from overcooking. This is the method I use in my own recipes, so the seeds are evenly toasted every time.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Use plain, raw sesame seeds. White sesame seeds are the most common.
Equipment
- A wide skillet gives the seeds room to move and toast evenly. A stainless steel or cast iron pan works well. Avoid nonstick if possible, since it can make it harder to see color changes.
How to Toast Sesame Seeds in a Skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Do not add oil. The pan should be completely dry.
- Add the sesame seeds to the hot skillet in an even layer.
- For the first 4 minutes, shake or stir the pan 2 to 3 times.
- You will start to smell a light nuttiness. The seeds will still be pale but begin to warm through.
- Around the 7-minute mark, the seeds will turn a light to medium golden color and smell noticeably nutty. Listen closely, and you will hear them crackling.
- Continue shaking or stirring regularly for another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Turn the heat down slightly to prevent burning.
- Toast for a total of about 12 minutes, until the seeds are evenly golden.
- Immediately remove the seeds from the pan and transfer them to a plate.
- Leaving them in the hot skillet can cause burning from residual heat.
Visual Cues to Watch For
- Light golden color around 6 to 7 minutes
- You will hear them crackling
- Medium golden brown at full toast
- Strong nutty aroma without bitterness
If the seeds start popping aggressively, turn the heat down a bit.
Tips for Perfectly Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Stay near the stove. Sesame seeds can go from toasted to burnt quickly.
- Stir or shake often for even color.
- Lower the heat near the end to control browning.
- Always transfer to a cool plate right away. Skipping the transfer step is the most common reason sesame seeds burn.
More Condiment Recipes
Storage
Let the seeds cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep at room temperature for up to 1 month
- Refrigerate for up to 3 months
- Freeze for long-term storage up to 6 months
Toasted seeds last longer in the fridge or freezer because their oils can go rancid at room temperature.
FAQs
Yes, but the stovetop gives better control. Oven toasting works for large batches, but seeds can brown unevenly due to hot spots in your oven.
No. Sesame seeds contain natural oils and should always be toasted dry.
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How to Toast Sesame Seeds
Equipment
Ingredients
- 170 grams sesame seeds about 1 1/4 cups
Instructions
- Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add sesame seeds in an even layer.
- Shake or stir occasionally for the first 4 minutes. You’ll start smelling their nuttiness around now, as they begin to heat up. They’ll start lightly changing color. At around 7 minutes, they’ll be a medium golden color and smell quite nutty. Shake regularly for the next 3-5 minutes, and turn the heat down slightly.
- Continue toasting until golden and nutty, about 12 minutes total.
- Remove the pan from the heat and immediately transfer the seeds to a plate so they don’t continue to cook. Skipping this step can cause them to burn in the residual heat.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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