Korean Sesame Seeds and Sesame Oil

Hello! A few drops of nutty, aromatic oil can completely transform a Korean dish.

Today, let’s learn two essential Korean food words: 참깨 (chamkkae) and 참기름 (chamgireum).

1. 참깨 (Chamkkae)

참깨 means sesame seeds.

Sesame seeds are small seeds commonly sprinkled over Korean dishes as a finishing touch. They add a mild nutty flavor and a pleasant texture.

In Korea, sesame seeds can also serve as a small visual sign that a dish has not been touched yet. If the garnish is still sitting neatly on top, it may suggest that no one has mixed or eaten the food.

• 참깨를 위에 뿌려 주세요.
  Chamkkae-reul wie ppuryeo juseyo.
  Please sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

2. 참기름 (Chamgireum)

참기름 means sesame oil.

• 참깨 (chamkkae): sesame seeds

• 기름 (gireum): oil

Korean chamgireum is usually made from toasted sesame seeds. It has a dark amber color and a rich, nutty aroma.

• 나물을 참기름으로 무쳤어요.
  Namul-eul chamgireum-euro muchyeosseoyo.
  I seasoned the vegetables with sesame oil.

Sesame oil is often added near the end of cooking or used as a finishing oil. Only a small amount is needed because its aroma is quite strong.

Note!

Koreans often use the word 고소하다 (gosohada) to describe the flavor and aroma of sesame seeds and sesame oil.

Depending on the context, 고소하다 can be translated as:

• nutty

• toasty

• rich and aromatic

✨ Today’s Korean Words

참깨 (chamkkae): sesame seeds
참기름 (chamgireum): sesame oil, usually toasted sesame oil
고소하다 (gosohada): to taste or smell pleasantly nutty and toasted

Do you use 참기름 in your cooking?

One Korean expression a day, make it yours!

하루에 한 표현을 내 것으로!