Sesame Oil vs Groundnut Oil

Sesame and groundnut oil often sit side by side in the same kitchen, doing different jobs. Groundnut oil is the everyday neutral frying oil in much of India, while sesame oil is used more deliberately for its flavour.

What actually differs

Groundnut oil is largely neutral in flavour, making it a common all purpose frying oil in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Sesame oil carries a distinct, nutty aroma that comes through in the finished dish, which is why it is used more deliberately.
Groundnut oil generally has a higher smoke point suited to deep frying. Sesame oil, especially the roasted variety, suits lower heat or finishing use better.
Both are traditional Indian cooking oils, just associated with different regional cuisines and different roles within a dish.
Neither replaces the other cleanly. Groundnut oil for volume frying, sesame oil for flavour where it is wanted.

Picked this week

Sesame oil

Najirpur Farm I · Najirpur

Sesame Oil

$3.32 · 1 KG

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Sesame vs groundnut oil questions

Can I deep fry in sesame oil instead of groundnut oil?: You can with a raw pressed sesame oil, though it will bring a distinct flavour that a neutral groundnut oil would not.
Which is more affordable for everyday cooking?: Groundnut oil is typically the more affordable, higher volume everyday choice, with sesame oil used in smaller quantities for flavour.
Does groundnut oil have any distinct flavour?: Very little, which is exactly why it works well as an all purpose frying oil that does not compete with other ingredients.
Can the two be used together in one dish?: Yes, frying in groundnut oil and finishing with a small amount of sesame oil is a common combination.

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