Recipes with sesame seeds

Pulikacchal: the tangy-sweet South Indian tamarind paste for puliyodharai rice. Mustard seeds, chilies, jaggery, and sesame cooked down into a shelf-stable rice mix.

Tender Australian lamb cutlets glazed with a sticky honey-soy and plum jam sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds. Ready in under 20 minutes for a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner.

Greek oil cake (gliko tapsiou me ladi) is a dairy-free, egg-free spice cake made with olive oil, orange juice, walnuts, and raisins. Naturally vegan and Lenten-friendly.

Sauteed brown rice stir-fried with deeply caramelized onions, shredded carrots, sesame seeds, and a fragrant hit of sage, thyme, and fresh parsley. Vegetarian, hearty, and full of earthy warmth.

This was a big hit at our house: only a little strip was left along one edge of the casserole! I used nonfat mayonnaise, and bet that nonfat yogurt would work just as well to cut down on fat. I was out of peas, so used corn. And I used leftover chicken instead of turkey. Save this one for a neat way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

Horenso hitashi, a classic Japanese blanched spinach side dish dressed in dashi, soy sauce, and sugar with toasted sesame seeds. Clean, simple, and ready in 20 minutes.

Iridofu, a Japanese scrambled tofu stir-fry with carrots, onion, roasted sesame seeds, and shoyu. A simple, protein-rich vegetarian dish ready in 20 minutes.

Hearty double-bran muffins brightened with fresh orange and lemon zest, studded with chopped dates, and finished with a sesame seed crunch. A fiber-packed grab-and-go breakfast that actually tastes great.

Mixed greens tossed in a honey mint vinaigrette with poppy seeds, topped with sliced carrots and toasted sesame seeds. The dressing recipe makes a double batch so you can refrigerate half for later.

Restaurant-style sesame beef stir fry with crisp asparagus and red bell pepper. Triple-fried strips get tossed in a savory soy, sesame paste, and Shaoxing wine sauce that clings to every bite.

Asparagus—along with avocado, kale and Brussels sprouts—is a particularly rich source of glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds. It is also packed with antioxidants, ranking high for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.

Vegetarian potato-mushroom burgers with ground cashews, grated ginger, carrots, and a sesame seed crust. Grilled or pan-fried until golden and crispy outside.

Five-ingredient tofu burgers with grated carrot, leeks, and toasted sesame seeds. Pan-fried until crispy and golden. Inspired by Frances Moore Lappe's plant-based classics.

Korean cucumber salad (Oi Namul) with sesame oil, garlic, and a kick of cayenne. A crunchy, nutty banchan side dish that's ready in 45 minutes with no cooking required.

Chinese-style drunken chicken salad marinated overnight in sherry, then served cold on red lettuce with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, and scallions. Elegant, refreshing, and make-ahead friendly.

Marinated pork tenderloin strips in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, and sesame seeds. Roasted tender, sliced thin, and served on cocktail picks as an appetizer.