Looking to spice up your cooking routine? Dive into this list of recipes featuring sesame in ways you never imagined. Whether you’re craving crunchy appetizers, vibrant salads, or quick and hearty mains, these dishes pack a punch of flavor and are easy to prepare.
From crispy feta topped with sweet honey to comforting fried rice and savory gyoza, there’s something here for every taste and occasion. Many of these recipes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, while others are ideal for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ready to try something new? Explore these sesame-inspired recipes and discover how this tiny seed can transform your meals into something extraordinary.
Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken (Easy Takeout Recipe)
Tender chicken coated in a sticky-sweet sesame glaze that’s quick to whip up. This recipe brings the flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken (Easy Takeout Recipe)
Best Pan Fried Gyoza Recipe (Japanese Pork Dumplings)
Pork and vegetable dumplings pan-fried to crispy perfection, then steamed for a soft interior. Served with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce, these gyoza are the ideal starter or ramen companion.
Get the Recipe: Best Pan Fried Gyoza Recipe (Japanese Pork Dumplings)
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – Taiwanese Inspired
Thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Topped with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is a refreshing side for any Asian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – Taiwanese Inspired
Sesame Ginger Dressing
A creamy blend of sesame and ginger that’s perfect for salads or cold noodles. Easy to prepare and versatile, this dressing adds bold flavor in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Ginger Dressing
Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef
Tender beef infused with the rich flavors of sesame and ginger, made quickly in an Instant Pot. It’s a satisfying option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef
Sesame Shrimp Bowls
Juicy shrimp flavored with sesame, served over rice or greens. This simple, flavorful dish is ready in no time and perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Shrimp Bowls
Sesame Sautéed Asparagus
Fresh asparagus spears sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of lemon. A quick, vibrant side dish that works with nearly any main course.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Sautéed Asparagus
Tofu Fried Rice
A quick one-pan meal featuring tofu, eggs, veggies, and rice tossed in a sesame-soy sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious dinner option.
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Toasted Sesame Asian Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken mixed with crunchy vegetables and a nutty sesame dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Toasted Sesame Asian Chicken Salad
Toasted Sesame Asian Salad Dressing
This easy-to-make toasted sesame dressing pairs well with salads or can double as a marinade for meats or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Toasted Sesame Asian Salad Dressing
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Shrimp cooked in an air fryer with a bold garlic-ginger sesame sauce. From freezer to table in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Sweet, tangy chicken with a citrus-sesame glaze. A quick takeout-style recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Bok Choy Salad
Crisp bok choy tossed in a sesame dressing and topped with almonds and toasted seeds. Enjoy as a fresh side or pair with grilled meat for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Salad
Pumpkin Brittle
A crunchy fall treat featuring roasted pumpkin seeds, toffee, sesame seeds, and dark chocolate. Finished with sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty bite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brittle
Gluten Free Potstickers – Pork Dumplings with Sesame Sauce
Pork and veggie dumplings with a flavorful sesame dipping sauce. Gluten-free and easy to make, they’re a great option for dumpling lovers.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Potstickers – Pork Dumplings with Sesame Sauce
Easy Asian Chicken Salad
A colorful mix of chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy sesame dressing. Quick to prepare and ideal for a light, tasty meal.
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Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad
Chicken, avocado, and a honey ginger dressing come together in this simple dinner salad that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad
Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta
Crispy, sesame-coated feta fried on a Blackstone griddle and finished with a drizzle of hot honey. The combination of crunchy seeds, creamy cheese, and sweet-spicy honey makes this appetizer a showstopper for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta