Cooking oil does much more than stop food from sticking to the pan. In Asian cooking, the oil you choose can influence aroma, flavour, texture and how well an ingredient handles heat.
Sesame oil brings a distinctive nutty fragrance. Peanut oil is widely used for stir frying and high heat cooking. Chilli oil adds heat, colour and aromatic flavour to everything from noodles to dumplings.
If you have ever wondered which Asian cooking oil to use, whether sesame oil is suitable for frying, or how chilli oil should be stored, this guide covers the essentials.
Quick Guide to Asian Cooking Oils
| Oil | Flavour | Best uses | Heat suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toasted sesame oil | Rich, nutty, aromatic | Finishing, dressings, dipping sauces, marinades | Best used for flavour rather than prolonged high heat cooking |
| Light or untoasted sesame oil | Mild, lightly nutty | Stir frying, sautéing, everyday cooking | More suitable for cooking than toasted sesame oil |
| Peanut oil | Mild to lightly nutty | Stir frying, wok cooking, deep frying | Well suited to high heat cooking, especially refined varieties |
| Chilli oil | Spicy, aromatic | Noodles, dumplings, rice bowls, soups, finishing | Usually added for flavour rather than used as the main frying oil |
| Chilli crisp | Spicy, savoury, crunchy | Noodles, eggs, rice, dumplings, vegetables | Primarily used as a condiment |
What Is Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil is made from sesame seeds and is widely used across Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian cuisines.
The first thing to understand is that not every sesame oil tastes or behaves the same way. The two main styles you will commonly find in an Asian grocery store are light sesame oil and toasted sesame oil.
Light Sesame Oil vs Toasted Sesame Oil
| Feature | Light sesame oil | Toasted sesame oil |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame seeds | Usually untoasted | Toasted before pressing |
| Colour | Light golden | Amber to dark brown |
| Flavour | Mild | Strong and nutty |
| Best use | General cooking and stir frying | Finishing and seasoning |
Toasted sesame oil is the style many people recognise from Korean, Chinese and Japanese dishes. Its strong aroma means you usually only need a small amount.
Light sesame oil has a gentler flavour and can be used more like a regular cooking oil.
How to Use Toasted Sesame Oil
Think of toasted sesame oil as a seasoning.
Add a small drizzle to:
- Fried rice
- Stir fried vegetables
- Noodle dishes
- Dumpling fillings
- Dipping sauces
- Salad dressings
- Marinades
- Soups just before serving
A teaspoon can be enough to give an entire dish a noticeable sesame aroma.
Simple sesame dipping sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Chilli oil to taste
Mix together and serve with dumplings, steamed vegetables or noodles.
Shop sesame oil at Asian Pantry
Can You Fry With Sesame Oil?
The answer depends on the type of sesame oil.
Light or untoasted sesame oil can be used for general cooking and stir frying. Toasted sesame oil is usually added in smaller amounts because its strong flavour can dominate a dish when used as the main cooking oil.
For a simple stir fry, you can cook your ingredients in a neutral cooking oil or peanut oil, then finish the dish with a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
What Is Peanut Oil?
Peanut oil is extracted from peanuts and is commonly used for frying, stir frying and wok cooking.
Refined peanut oil has a relatively neutral flavour and performs well at higher cooking temperatures, which makes it useful for dishes that require a very hot wok or pan.
Some less refined peanut oils have a more noticeable roasted or nutty flavour and may be chosen specifically for their aroma.
Why Is Peanut Oil Popular for Stir Frying?
Good stir frying depends on cooking ingredients quickly over high heat. An oil suited to this style of cooking helps vegetables stay crisp and allows meat to brown quickly.
Peanut oil is commonly used for:
- Wok cooking
- Stir fried vegetables
- Fried rice
- Fried noodles
- Deep frying
- Shallow frying
Its mild flavour also allows sauces, aromatics and spices to remain the focus of the dish.
Peanut Oil vs Sesame Oil
Peanut oil and sesame oil serve different purposes in an Asian pantry.
| Use | Peanut oil | Toasted sesame oil |
|---|---|---|
| High heat stir frying | Well suited | Usually not used as the main oil |
| Deep frying | Well suited | Not commonly used |
| Finishing dishes | Less common | Ideal |
| Dipping sauces | Less common | Common |
| Flavour intensity | Mild | Strong and aromatic |
A practical Asian pantry can include both. Peanut oil handles the cooking, while toasted sesame oil provides aroma and flavour at the end.
Peanut and Sesame Allergy Information in Australia
Peanut and sesame are recognised allergens under Australian food labelling requirements.
If you or someone you are cooking for has a food allergy, always check the current product label before using sesame oil, peanut oil or any blended cooking oil.
Look for:
- The ingredient list
- The allergen summary statement
- Peanut declarations
- Sesame declarations
- Relevant precautionary allergen statements
People with diagnosed food allergies should follow advice from their healthcare professional regarding suitable products.
What Is Chilli Oil?
Chilli oil is an oil infused or combined with chilli and sometimes additional aromatics such as garlic, shallots, Sichuan peppercorns, sesame seeds or spices.
The exact style varies widely across Asia.
Some chilli oils are smooth and clear. Others contain chilli flakes and spices. Chilli crisp contains crunchy ingredients suspended in oil, giving it a distinctive texture.
Chilli Oil vs Chilli Crisp
| Feature | Chilli oil | Chilli crisp |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Mostly liquid | Oil with crunchy solids |
| Flavour | Chilli focused | Spicy, savoury and aromatic |
| Common ingredients | Oil and chilli | Chilli, oil, garlic, shallots, spices and other aromatics |
| Best uses | Drizzling and seasoning | Condiment and topping |
Both are useful pantry staples. Chilli oil gives you heat and aroma, while chilli crisp also adds texture.
How to Use Chilli Oil
Chilli oil works best when added according to your preferred heat level.
Try it with:
- Dumplings
- Wontons
- Noodles
- Fried rice
- Eggs
- Rice bowls
- Soups
- Hot pot dipping sauces
- Stir fried vegetables
You can also mix chilli oil with soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar to make a quick dipping sauce.
Shop chilli oil at Asian Pantry
How to Store Sesame Oil, Peanut Oil and Chilli Oil
Heat, light and air can affect the flavour and quality of cooking oils over time.
Sesame oil
- Keep tightly sealed.
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Use toasted sesame oil while its nutty aroma is still fresh.
- Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions after opening.
Peanut oil
- Store in a cool, dark pantry.
- Keep the bottle sealed between uses.
- Avoid storing next to the stove where temperatures fluctuate.
Commercial chilli oil and chilli crisp
- Follow the storage instructions printed on the product label.
- Keep the jar tightly sealed.
- Use a clean, dry spoon.
- Refrigerate after opening when instructed by the manufacturer.
A Food Safety Note About Homemade Chilli Oil
Homemade oils containing fresh garlic, chillies, herbs or other fresh ingredients require careful food handling and storage.
Fresh ingredients introduce moisture into oil and can create conditions that support harmful bacterial growth when oils are prepared or stored incorrectly.
For this reason, homemade garlic or chilli oils should not automatically be treated like commercially produced shelf-stable chilli oil.
Use a trusted food-safety tested recipe, refrigerate homemade infused oils when required and avoid storing fresh garlic or herbs in oil at room temperature for extended periods.
Which Asian Cooking Oil Should You Use?
| What are you cooking? | Suggested oil |
|---|---|
| High heat stir fry | Peanut oil or another suitable high heat cooking oil |
| Fried rice | Peanut oil for cooking, toasted sesame oil for finishing |
| Dumpling dipping sauce | Toasted sesame oil and chilli oil |
| Noodle bowl | Toasted sesame oil or chilli oil |
| Deep frying | Refined peanut oil where suitable |
| Korean-style marinade | Toasted sesame oil |
| Spicy finishing oil | Chilli oil or chilli crisp |
| Asian salad dressing | Toasted sesame oil |
Do You Need All Three Oils in Your Asian Pantry?
Keeping sesame oil, peanut oil and chilli oil gives you three very different tools in the kitchen.
- Peanut oil: useful for high heat cooking and stir frying.
- Toasted sesame oil: useful for aroma, seasoning and finishing.
- Chilli oil: useful for adding heat and extra flavour at the table.
Together, they cover many everyday Asian cooking situations, from wok fried vegetables to dumpling dipping sauces.
Where to Buy Asian Cooking Oils in Australia
Asian Pantry offers a range of cooking oils, sesame oils, chilli oils, chilli crisps and Asian pantry staples for Australian households.
Whether you are building your first Asian pantry or looking for a specific oil for your next recipe, understanding what each oil does makes choosing the right product much easier.
Browse Asian cooking oils:
Shop Asian cooking oils at Asian Pantry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil for Asian stir fry?
Peanut oil is a popular choice for high heat stir frying because refined varieties have a mild flavour and are well suited to hot wok cooking. Other neutral oils suitable for high heat cooking can also be used.
Can you cook with sesame oil?
Yes. Light or untoasted sesame oil can be used for cooking. Toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavour and is commonly used in smaller amounts for seasoning, marinades and finishing dishes.
What is the difference between sesame oil and toasted sesame oil?
Light sesame oil is generally made from untoasted sesame seeds and has a mild flavour. Toasted sesame oil is made from toasted seeds and has a darker colour with a stronger nutty aroma.
Is peanut oil good for stir frying?
Yes. Refined peanut oil is commonly used for stir frying and other high heat cooking because of its mild flavour and heat suitability.
What is chilli oil used for?
Chilli oil is used to add heat and aroma to noodles, dumplings, soups, rice dishes, eggs, vegetables and dipping sauces.
What is the difference between chilli oil and chilli crisp?
Chilli oil is primarily flavoured oil infused or combined with chilli. Chilli crisp contains crunchy solids such as chilli flakes, garlic, shallots or spices suspended in the oil.
Should sesame oil be refrigerated?
Storage recommendations can vary by product. Keep sesame oil tightly sealed and away from heat and light, then follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding refrigeration after opening.
How should chilli oil be stored?
Commercial chilli oil should be stored according to the manufacturer's directions. Homemade chilli oils containing fresh garlic, herbs or chillies require particular food-safety care and may need refrigeration.