Who Pairs Sesame Oil Best With Modern Fusion Cuisine—Top Global Chefs to Watch

Introduction

Fusion cooking is no longer a trend—it’s the language of today’s most exciting kitchens. From Los Angeles taco trucks to Michelin-starred bistros in Lima, one ingredient keeps popping up: roasted, unrefined, cold-pressed sesame oil. Its deep nuttiness bridges East-meets-West flavor gaps, adds antioxidant punch, and finishes dishes with aromatic finesse. Below, discover six chefs who champion sesame oil in boundary-pushing menus, plus home-cook takeaways you can try tonight with Oh Chin Hing.

1 David Chang — United States

Cuisine: Korean-American comfort with global riffs

Signature sesame moment: Brushing toasted sesame oil over slow-roasted pork shoulder before blistering under a broiler, creating a lacquered crust that recalls Korean bulgogi yet remains pure Southern BBQ at heart.

Try at home: Finish pulled pork with 1 teaspoon roasted sesame oil just before serving; the aroma elevates without greasiness.

2 Pía León — Peru

Cuisine: Peruvian biodiversity meets Asian pantry

Signature sesame moment: Dressing Amazonian paiche ceviche with a few drops of cold-pressed sesame oil, yuzu juice and rocoto chili, giving silky fish a nutty echo against bright acidity.

Try at home: Swap olive oil for sesame oil in citrus-based ceviches—start with a 4:1 citrus-to-oil ratio.

3 Roy Choi — Korea / USA

Cuisine: K-Mex street food icon

Signature sesame moment: Tossing kalbi-marinated short-rib meat with salsa roja and sesame oil before loading into corn tortillas. The oil rounds out heat from chilies and ties the dish back to its Korean roots.

Try at home: Drizzle roasted sesame oil over carne-asada tacos and finish with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.

4 Natsuko Shoji — Japan

Cuisine: Haute pâtisserie meets savory umami

Signature sesame moment: Infusing custard with roasted sesame oil for an éclair filling that pairs with raspberry glaze—sweet, nutty, and slightly smoky.

Try at home: Fold ½ teaspoon sesame oil into crème pâtissière when it cools to 50 °C; whisk thoroughly to prevent separation.

5 Mauro Colagreco — France / Argentina

Cuisine: Garden-driven Mediterranean-Latin fusion

Signature sesame moment: Emulsifying cold-pressed sesame oil with parsley chlorophyll for a vivid green sauce served over grilled peaches and burrata.

Try at home: Blend 30 ml sesame oil, 30 ml neutral oil, blanched herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a fast herb drizzle.

6 Janice Wong — Singapore

Cuisine: Dessert innovation with Southeast-Asian flair

Signature sesame moment: Creating sesame-oil chocolate truffles—roasted oil replaces dairy fat, intensifying cocoa while adding a whisper of smokiness.

Try at home: Substitute 10 % of cream weight with sesame oil in a ganache recipe; cool completely before rolling.

Why Chefs Choose Roasted Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil

1. Depth Without Bulk – A few drops deliver round, umami-rich complexity.

2. Heat Versatility – Smoke point (~180 °C) suits sautéing, yet raw drizzles shine as finishing notes.

3. Nutrient Bonus – Sesamol and vitamin E survive gentle cooking, adding antioxidant value.

4. Clean Label – Unrefined, additive-free oil aligns with transparent fine-dining menus.

   
   

Pro Kitchen Tips for Home Cooks

• Sequence Matters: Use neutral oils for high-heat searing, then finish with sesame oil off-heat for peak aroma.

• Pair With Acidity: Citrus, vinegar or fermented sauces brighten sesame’s roasted notes.

• Balance Textures: Combine sesame oil with crunchy seeds, crispy shallots or puffed grains to echo its nuttiness.

• Store Smart: Keep bottles in a cool, dark pantry; oxygen and light mute flavor after three months open.

  
  

Sustainability Spotlight

All featured chefs prize traceable ingredients. Oh Chin Hing aligns with that ethos:

• Seed-to-Bottle QR Codes reveal farm origins.

• Infrared-Controlled Roasting cuts energy waste 18 %.

• Zero-Waste Press Cake feeds livestock or enriches compost—no landfill.

  
  

Conclusion

Fusion cuisine thrives on connectors—ingredients that bridge cultures without overpowering them. These six chefs prove that roasted, unrefined, cold-pressed sesame oil is that connector, turning good dishes into unforgettable signatures. Ready to elevate your own creations? Pick up a maroon-red bottle of Oh Chin Hing Sesame Oil and taste why the world’s boldest kitchens keep it within arm’s reach.