Sesame Oil
What is Sesame Oil?
While sesame oil sounds overly simple and requires no preparation, it often goes underappreciated and unseen in most sushi rolls.
It is exactly as the name says- oil extracted from nutrient-rich sesame seeds. It is extremely popular in most Asian countries as the main ingredient for cooking and even as a medicinal supplement!
Sesame oil is great for marinating salmon, adding to spicy mayo, and it’s used as the main ingredient in Japanese Ginger Dressing!
Did you know that sesame oil contains antioxidants?
It is also rumored to be good for high blood pressure, as it contains a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-6).
In Japanese culture, this oil is considered a flavor enhancer. Most chefs would agree that having a little oil in every dish will help enhance the natural flavors.
The only drawback is that sesame seeds, on their own, are fairly flavorless. However, the oil is extremely potent in flavor and should be used sparingly.
So what would I use it for?
Obviously, this oil is NOT used for dipping sushi into it, but it does have several interesting uses.
- Putting a thin line on top of your sushi
- Mixing into other sushi sauces
- Searing meats
- Stir Fry
- Mixing in Spicy Tuna
- Salad dressing (mixed in vinaigrette)
- Flavor enhancers in most foods
- Facial moisturizer (proven to reduce pore sizes and tighten skin as an anti-wrinkle agent! Also approved for use on infants)
- Cures Athlete’s Foot (No joke)
- Treats Lice infections
- UV protection (forget the pricey tanning oil!)
- High cholesterol supplement
- Mouth wash (though, it WILL coat the inside of your mouth…)
- Throat gargle to cure Strep Throat and the Common Cold
- Anti Inflammatory for insect bites and stings
- Eco-friendly Dandruff shampoo
- Massage oil (especially on aching joints)
Are you starting to see the benefits of this “miracle oil”?
It’s worth knowing that this oil is 100% pure. The extraction process is simply cold-pressed and NEVER comes into contact with any other chemicals, additives, preservatives, or coloring.
Make sure you buy pure sesame seed oil, as any additional ingredients are unnecessary impurities.
For more information on specific sushi ingredients of specific sushi equipment (like rice cookers), click on the links!
