Regular sesame oil has a smoke point of about 410 °F (210 °C), so it can get pretty hot without burning. To substitute sesame oil you could use olive oil or avocado oil. You may sometimes see refined and unrefined white sesame oil. The refined variety is processed to resist higher temperatures, making it good for frying or cooking over high heat. The refined type is a little less heat resistant but more flavorful.

A stir fry is the most common way to cook with sesame oil since it’s so customizable. Try adding up to 3 cups (450 g) of any veggies and 1 ½ cups (337. 50 g) of meat you enjoy. Also, select up to 4 cups (400 g) of rice or noodles. Another way to make a stir fry is by cooking the ingredients directly in sesame oil. Many recipes combine the oil with soy sauce or another type of oil first, but it isn’t necessary. Both refined and unrefined sesame oil can be used this way.

Tempura is basically a Japanese dish consisting of fried seafood or vegetables. To make it, coat the food in batter, then submerge it in a pot of hot sesame oil. Sesame oil isn’t used as frequently these days because it costs more than vegetable and canola oil. However, many people use it to make a lighter, crispier batter.

Use unrefined sesame oil to give the meat a little bit of sesame flavor. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can use dark sesame oil as long as you mix it with other liquids like soy sauce. A marinade can be made with whatever meat and seasonings you prefer. For instance, you could mix canola oil, rice wine vinegar, honey, and other ingredients. The marinade works well for flavoring chicken, beef, and even fish.

Toasted sesame oil works very well in all sorts of recipes, such as when it’s thickened with a flavorless oil like sunflower oil. Then, mix it with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey mustard, and herbs to create an alternative vinaigrette.

The sesame oil has a strong flavor to it, so it is used in a small proportion to the other ingredients. That way, you taste the sesame oil without it becoming overwhelming. Dipping sauce is great for fries, raw vegetables, sushi, or even chicken tenders.

Dark sesame oil is best when added within the last 2 minutes of cooking time or later. It can taste bitter or burned if you cook it too long. If you plan on using dark sesame oil for cooking, cook food at a low heat to prevent this from happening.

Another way to incorporate sesame oil is with a spicy black bean dip. Blend a can of black beans along with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, and various flavorings like jalapeno, cumin, lemon juice, and tahini. Then,, finish it with about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of sesame oil. [9] X Research source

Sesame oil is said to soften acne scars. Exfoliate first to remove dry skin cells, then dab the oil on with a cotton ball. Sesame oil is also good for massages. Apply the oil to soften skin and make it more pliable.

Many people believe sesame oil has other benefits, like shielding hair from harmful sun rays and age-related damage. Sesame oil can be combined with other things, such as almond oil or aloe vera, to make it more effective.

Note that the health benefits that come from drinking sesame oil are not well-documented or proven. Before using the oil regularly, talk to your doctor about the potential side effects. Sesame oil has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. For that reason, it may improve heart health, help control diabetes, and have other benefits. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Oil pulling is meant to draw out harmful bacteria and other toxins. However, its effects haven’t been well-studied, so don’t use it in place of regular brushing and flossing. Remember to spit the oil into the trash instead of down a drain. It can clog pipes.