Chamgireum — Korean toasted sesame oil
Chamgireum is a toasted sesame oil with a deep nutty aroma. Korean cooks add it at the end of a dish or to marinades and namul, not for frying.
Finishing oilNot for high heatSesame is an allergenUpdated Oct 20, 2026
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Otoki Premium Roasted Sesame Oil (320 ml)
A 320 ml bottle of toasted sesame oil. Our Gimbap and Sundubu recipes use it.
What it is
Chamgireum (참기름) is oil pressed from toasted sesame seeds. Wikipedia says oil from toasted seeds is used for its distinctive nutty aroma and taste, and may be unsuitable for frying because it can taste burnt and bitter. The Otoki oil below lists one ingredient, 100% sesame seed oil.
Taste and how it is used
A few drops are enough. Drizzle it over bibimbap, rice and soups, toss it with blanched vegetables, or add it to marinades and dipping sauces.
Our Gimbap recipe folds 1 tbsp into the hot rice, seasons the spinach with 1 tsp and rubs the finished rolls with a little. Our Sundubu recipe stir-fries the pork and kimchi in 1 tbsp of it.
Choosing and storing
Look for a label that lists only sesame seeds, and for toasted (roasted) oil. Light, plain sesame oil has a much milder flavor.
Storage advice differs. Otoki says to keep its oil at room temperature, while Wikipedia says sesame oil can benefit from refrigeration and limited light and heat. Follow your bottle's label. Sesame is a common allergen.
More on K for All
Gimbap recipeSundubu-jjigae recipeKorean pantry essentials guideMaangchi – Toasted sesame oil