You’ve probably been storing your sesame oil the wrong way

by India Tarasin

May 20, 2026

And it's ruining the flavour!

Sesame oil might be one of the smallest bottles in the kitchen, but storing it properly can make a big difference to its flavour and freshness. So where should it go?

Well, it depends. There are two types of sesame oil, each with its own storage requirements.

Plain sesame oil vs. toasted sesame oil

Plain sesame oil is pressed from raw sesame seeds and has a pale tone with a light aroma. The mild flavour of this oil makes it a great alternative to vegetable oil and suitable for sauteing.

Toasted sesame oil, is made from – you guessed it – toasted sesame seeds, and has a much darker colour with a smokier, nuttier flavour. Due to its intensity, it’s best used sparingly, with just a few drops adding depth of flavour to savoury dishes.

So how do you keep each one fresh for as long as possible? Here’s how to store them properly.

Does sesame oil need to be refrigerated?

Appropriate storage can make a big difference to how long sesame oil stays fresh. While it doesn’t always need to go in the fridge, the best approach depends on the type of oil you’re using.

If you’re using toasted sesame oil, it should be refrigerated after opening. This helps slow oxidation and preserve the oil’s rich, nutty flavour. When left at room temperature for extended periods, toasted sesame oil can gradually lose its aroma and eventually become rancid.

Plain (untoasted) sesame oil is more stable and can be stored in a cool, dark pantry after opening. However, refrigeration will help extend its shelf life and keep it fresher for longer, especially if you don’t use it often.

If the oil becomes cloudy or solidifies in the fridge – don’t worry. This does not affect its quality or safety – it’s simply a change caused by cooler temperatures. Just place the bottle on the kitchen counter for 10 to 30 minutes before use. The oil will return to its normal consistency as it warms up, and will be ready to cook with as usual.

Beef noodle soup with ginger and shallots.

How to tell if your sesame oil has gone rancid

Over time, sesame oil naturally breaks down in a process called oxidation, sometimes referred to as rancidification. This happens when the oil is exposed to air, light and heat. As it progresses, the oil gradually loses its fresh, nutty aroma and can take on a flatter, stale or unpleasant flavour. In some cases, it may also develop a slightly bitter taste or an “off” smell.

This process begins as soon as the bottle is opened. Because the changes are gradual and are often spread over months, they can be easy to miss in everyday cooking. If you’re using the oil regularly, small shifts in flavour tend to blend into normal recipe variation, and may go unnoticed from one use to the next.

These changes are often easier to notice when you have something to compare them against. For example, the difference may become clear when you taste a freshly opened bottle alongside one that’s been stored in the pantry or fridge for some time. Likewise, if you return to a bottle after a few months of not using it, the drop in quality can be more obvious, with the oil tasting noticeably duller and less fresh.

Once sesame oil has clearly turned rancid, it’s best to discard it. While small amounts of oxidised oil are not typically harmful, the flavour is noticeably diminished and can negatively affect your dishes. Proper storage – keeping the oil in a cool, dark place, and refrigerating toasted sesame oil after opening – can help slow oxidation and extend its shelf life.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to get cooking!