How to Toast Sesame Seeds in a Dry Pan

Toast raw white sesame seeds over medium heat without adding oil. Keep the seeds moving in the skillet. Once they turn pale gold and smell toasty, transfer them straight to a plate.

Spread the sesame in one layer

Spread one tablespoon of raw white sesame in a single layer in a dry skillet. Over medium heat, stir frequently with a spatula or gently shake the pan. Watch the color from the start. The timing varies with the skillet and burner, so use the clock as a guide.

Transfer the seeds as soon as they are toasted

Once most of the seeds are pale gold, tip them onto a wide plate. A hot pan keeps toasting the seeds even with the burner off. Let them cool before using them, for example in Turkish street simit with molasses.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to add oil?

No. A clean, dry skillet is enough for one tablespoon of sesame seeds.

What if the label says the sesame is already toasted?

You can skip this step and use the seeds as they are.

Sources

Washington State University, Farm to Heart: toasting sesame over medium heat · University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: taking seeds out of the hot skillet