How To Toast Sesame Seeds And Almonds

Toasting sesame seeds and almonds is easy to do at home, and the whole process is usually done in under ten minutes for sesame seeds and around ten to fifteen minutes for almonds.
 
All you need is a dry skillet or a baking sheet, a little patience, and your ears and nose to tell you when they’re ready.
 
Whether you’re toasting sesame seeds for a stir-fry or toasting almonds for a snack, the basic method is the same.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to toast sesame seeds and almonds, including how to toast sesame seeds on the stove, how to toast almonds in the oven, and how to toast both of them together for a crunchy topping.
 
Let’s get to it.

How to Toast Sesame Seeds and Almonds

Toasting sesame seeds and almonds comes down to dry heat and constant attention, and here’s how to get each one right.

1. How to Toast Sesame Seeds on the Stove

To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat.
 
Spread them in a thin, even layer so every seed gets the same amount of heat.
 
Stir or shake the pan every thirty seconds, because sesame seeds are tiny and can burn in seconds.
 
They’re ready in about three to five minutes, when they turn golden and start to smell nutty and warm.
 
Once they’re toasted, slide them onto a cool plate right away, since the hot pan keeps cooking them even after you turn off the heat.

2. How to Toast Sesame Seeds in the Oven

If you’d rather toast sesame seeds in the oven, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 350°F.
 
Shake the pan every few minutes so they toast evenly.
 
Oven-toasting sesame seeds usually takes five to seven minutes, and you’ll want to watch them closely toward the end.
 
This method is handy when you’re toasting larger batches or toasting sesame seeds and almonds together on the same tray.

3. How to Toast Almonds in the Oven

To toast almonds in the oven, spread whole or sliced almonds on an ungreased baking sheet in an even layer.
 
Bake at 350°F for about ten to twelve minutes, stirring once halfway through.
 
You’ll know they’re done when they smell fragrant and the centers turn a light golden brown.
 
Toasting almonds is best judged by smell and color rather than by the clock, so start checking a couple of minutes early.

4. How to Toast Almonds on the Stove

If you want to toast almonds on the stovetop, use a dry skillet over medium heat.
 
Stir them often and keep a close eye, because almonds toast faster than you’d expect.
 
Slivered or sliced almonds take about three to five minutes, while whole almonds need closer to eight to ten minutes.
 
Again, when you toast almonds this way, move them off the hot pan the moment they’re done.

Tips for Toasting Sesame Seeds and Almonds Together

Can you toast sesame seeds and almonds at the same time?
 
Yes, but with one adjustment, and here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Add Sesame Seeds Partway Through

Almonds take longer to toast than sesame seeds, so add the almonds first and the sesame seeds several minutes later.
 
This way, both finish at roughly the same time instead of the seeds burning while the almonds are still raw.
 
When toasting sesame seeds and almonds together, this timing trick makes all the difference.

2. Keep the Layer Thin

Whether you toast sesame seeds and almonds on a tray or in a skillet, keep everything in a thin, single layer.
 
Crowding traps steam and leads to uneven toasting, so give the seeds and nuts room to breathe.

3. Cool Completely Before Storing

Once you’ve toasted sesame seeds and almonds, let them cool fully on a plate or tray.
 
Then store them in an airtight jar, where toasted sesame seeds will keep for months and toasted almonds will stay crunchy for several weeks.

So, How Do You Toast Sesame Seeds and Almonds?

You toast sesame seeds and almonds with dry heat, keeping the layer thin and stirring often.
 
Sesame seeds toast in a skillet in about three to five minutes, while almonds need around ten to twelve minutes in a 350°F oven and a little less on the stove.
 
When you toast sesame seeds and almonds together, add the seeds partway through so both finish evenly.
 
Cool them completely, store them in an airtight jar, and you’ll always have a nutty, crunchy topping on hand.