Sesame Oils

Korean sesame oil is an essential condiment in Korean cuisine. Our selection includes everyday oils from Ottogi and O'Food, as well as artisanal oils from Bangyudang, whose expertly controlled roasting reveals the full aromatic richness of sesame.

What is Korean sesame oil (cham gireum)?

Cham gireum (참기름) is a Korean sesame oil made by roasting and then pressing sesame seeds. This process gives it its amber color and characteristic nutty, toasted aromas. In Korea, it's not just used for fat content; it's a true condiment, found in most family kitchens.

Koreans look for what they call goh-soh(고소) in this oil, a toasted, rich, and lingering flavor that enhances ingredients without overpowering them. That's why cham gireum is one of the essential Korean ingredients. Just a few drops are enough to add the finishing touch to a bowl of rice, seasoned vegetables, or bibimbap.

How to use Korean sesame oil in cooking?

In Korea, Korean sesame oil is almost always added as a finishing touch, once cooking is complete. Too much heat can diminish the aromas developed during roasting. That's why cham gireum is primarily a seasoning condiment, added just before serving.

The dosage is simple: about one teaspoon per bowl of rice, added as a finishing touch. It is essential in bibimbap recipes, namul like seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), japchae, certain bulgogi marinades, and dipping sauces.

Beyond Korean cuisine, it also adds a toasted touch to cucumber salad, green beans, a rice vinegar dressing, or grilled fish. It can also flavor financiers or yogurt ice cream, always added at the end of preparation to preserve its full aromatic richness.

How to choose your Korean sesame oil?

To choose a Korean sesame oil, start by checking its composition: a 100% sesameoil, without added neutral oil, will give you the characteristic taste of cham gireum. The roasting method is also an essential criterion, as it directly influences the intensity of the aromas. Finally, choose the format according to your frequency of use: a 100 or 200 ml bottle is perfect for an artisanal oil used as a finishing touch, while the more generous formats from Ottogi or O'Food are suitable for daily use.

If you regularly cook Korean dishes, Ottogi and O'Food oils are practical references for everyday use. If you want to discover the work of a specialized roaster, Bangyudang oils focus on mastering the roasting process and expressing the aromas of sesame. To complete your seasonings, you can also use roasted sesame seeds, traditionally sprinkled on dishes along with a few drops of sesame oil.

Our selection of sesame oils at Korea Store

Our selection includes Korean sesame oils suitable for different uses, from everyday references like Ottogi and O'Food to artisanal oils from Bangyudang, Korean artisan of oils.

A family mill specializing in sesame and perilla oils since 1972, Bangyudang has developed its own roasting method, BGST technology. This combines far-infrared roasting, rapid cooling of the seeds, and refining that limits oxidation to preserve the aromatic richness of the sesame without burning the seed. This expertise was notably recognized at the Best Of 2023 at the Gourmet Selection trade show.

To discover different roasting intensities without choosing a large format, the sesame oil discovery duois a good introduction to the Bangyudang universe. All references in this collection are shipped from France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Korean sesame oil be used for cooking?

Korean toasted sesame oil is primarily a finishing oil. In Korea, it is added after cooking is complete, on bibimbap, namul, a bowl of rice, or soup, to preserve the aromas developed during toasting. The main exception is dolsot bibimbap, where the stone bowl is lightly brushed with sesame oil before cooking to form the characteristic crispy rice crust. A mild or untoasted sesame oil can better withstand light cooking, but this is not the traditional use of cham gireum. For prolonged or high-temperature cooking, it is best to use another oil.

What is the difference between sesame oil and perilla oil?

Sesame oil (cham gireum) and perilla oil (deulgireum) are two complementary oils with distinct aromatic profiles. Sesame oil develops a pronounced toasted, nutty flavor that enhances rice, vegetables, soups, and meats alike. Perilla oil offers a more vegetal, slightly herbaceous profile, rich in omega-3s; it is also more susceptible to oxidation and requires more care to preserve its qualities. Both are primarily used as finishing oils, added at the end of cooking. The main exception is unroasted perilla oil, like Bangyudang's P1, which can also be used for cooking jeons or eggs. In Korean cuisine, these two oils are chosen based on the ingredients and the desired result, rather than as substitutes for one another.

What's the difference between Korean and Japanese sesame oil?

Korean sesame oil is generally more roasted, with a deeper amber colour and a more pronounced toasted flavour. Japanese sesame oil, called goma abura, often has a milder, more subtle profile. Both styles serve different purposes and reflect the culinary traditions of each cuisine. At Korea Store, our selection highlights the characteristics of cham gireum used in Korean cuisine.

How should I store Korean sesame oil after opening?

After opening, store your Korean sesame oil away from light and heat, with the cap tightly closed. It is not necessary to refrigerate it. To fully enjoy its aromas, it is recommended to consume it within a few months of opening. The formats offered at Korea Store allow you to choose a volume adapted to your usage.

Which Korean sesame oil should you choose when you're starting out?

To discover Korean sesame oil, Ottogi or O'Food brands are a good starting point for everyday use. If you want to compare different roasting profiles, the sesame oil discovery duoallows you to taste Bangyudang's S2 and S4 versions in a 2 × 100 ml format. It's a simple way to understand the influence of roasting on aromas before opting for a larger format.