Open almost any Korean kitchen and you will find two small bottles near the stove: sesame oil (chamgireum, 참기름) and perilla oil (deulgireum, 들기름). They look alike, but they taste different and are used in different dishes. Here is how to tell them apart, how to cook with each one, and where to buy Korean cold-pressed oils in the U.S.
What are Korean sesame oil and perilla oil?
Sesame oil (참기름) is pressed from sesame seeds. Korean sesame oil has a deep, toasty, nutty aroma, and a few drops are enough to finish a dish. It is the oil most people know from bibimbap, namul and bulgogi marinades.
Perilla oil (들기름) is pressed from the seeds of the perilla plant (deulkkae, 들깨), the same plant that gives Korea its perilla leaves (kkaennip). Its flavor is nutty too, but earthier and slightly grassy. Perilla oil is a favorite for buckwheat noodles, stir-fried kimchi and seasoned vegetables.
How are they different?
- Flavor: sesame oil is rich and toasty; perilla oil is lighter, earthier and a little herbal.
- Typical dishes: sesame oil goes into bibimbap, namul, marinades and the salt-and-oil dip served with grilled meat. Perilla oil goes into deulgireum makguksu (perilla oil buckwheat noodles), stir-fried kimchi, seasoned dried greens and freshly toasted gim.
- Storage: perilla oil loses its fresh flavor faster than sesame oil, so many Korean cooks keep opened perilla oil in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks. Sesame oil is usually kept in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Cold-pressed vs. regular: cold-pressed oils are pressed at a low temperature, which gives a cleaner, softer aroma. They are best used as finishing oils rather than for deep frying.
Korean cold-pressed oils at Premium K
We carry two Korean oil makers, each offering both sesame and perilla oil.
1. CHOI SEOK-DANG Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil and Perilla Oil (180 ml each)
CHOI SEOK-DANG uses a low-temperature cold-pressing method. The oils are made from 100% whole sesame or perilla seeds and pressed only once, then run through a filter press that removes fine particles for a clear oil. The sesame oil lists one ingredient: 100% sesame oil. The perilla oil lists 100% perilla oil.
Shop CHOI SEOK-DANG Sesame Oil →
Shop CHOI SEOK-DANG Perilla Oil →
2. Odaesan Samhwa Mill Sesame Oil and Perilla Oil (150 ml each)
Samhwa Mill (삼화방앗간) presses its oils from whole sesame and perilla seeds grown in Gangwon-do, Korea. The seeds are pressed at low temperatures below 49°C in small batches, with no unnecessary additives. The mill brings more than 40 years of oil-pressing experience. If you want to try both oils side by side, the Samhwa set includes one 150 ml bottle of each.
Shop the Samhwa Sesame & Perilla Oil Set →
How to use sesame oil and perilla oil
Both oils shine when added at the end, when their aroma is strongest.
- Bibimbap: finish a bowl of rice, vegetables, egg and gochujang with a spoonful of sesame oil, then mix.
- Namul (seasoned vegetables): toss blanched spinach or bean sprouts with salt, minced garlic and sesame oil, then add sesame seeds.
- Gireumjang dip: mix sesame oil with a pinch of salt and black pepper for dipping grilled pork belly or beef.
- Perilla oil noodles: toss cooked buckwheat noodles with perilla oil, a little soy sauce, crushed toasted gim and sesame seeds.
- Stir-fried kimchi: sauté chopped, well-fermented kimchi in perilla oil until soft and fragrant.
- Toasted gim: brush sheets of gim with perilla or sesame oil, sprinkle with salt, and toast them in a dry pan.
Storage tip: close the cap tightly after each use and keep the bottle away from heat and sunlight. Refrigerate opened perilla oil.
Where to buy Korean sesame oil and perilla oil in the U.S.
Premium K is a Los Angeles-based Korean food shop that ships across the mainland U.S. Sesame and perilla oils are shelf-stable, so they ship soon after you order. Refrigerated and frozen items ship on Mondays and Tuesdays (Pacific Time).
- LA Koreatown: free same-day delivery on orders of $49 or more
- California: free shipping on orders of $99 or more
- Mainland U.S.: free shipping on orders of $149 or more
You can also visit our store at 3506 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM).
FAQ
What is the difference between sesame oil and perilla oil?
Sesame oil is pressed from sesame seeds and tastes rich and toasty. Perilla oil is pressed from perilla seeds and tastes earthier and slightly grassy. Koreans use both, often in different dishes.
Can I use perilla oil instead of sesame oil?
Yes, in most finishing uses such as namul, noodles and rice. The dish will taste a little different: lighter and more herbal instead of toasty.
How should I store perilla oil?
Keep it tightly closed, away from heat and light. After opening, many people refrigerate perilla oil and use it within a few weeks for the best flavor.
Where can I buy Korean perilla oil in Los Angeles?
Order online at premium-k.com (free same-day delivery in LA Koreatown on orders of $49 or more) or visit the Premium K store at 3506 W. 8th Street in Koreatown.