Flavour profile sets the two apart
Cold-pressed groundnut oil has a mild, faintly nutty taste that blends into most dishes without overpowering them, while cold-pressed sesame oil carries a stronger, more distinct aroma that works best in dishes where that flavour is welcome.
Regional cooking habits are a useful guide
Groundnut oil is a common everyday choice in many Indian kitchens for its neutral taste, while sesame oil is often reserved for tempering, pickling, or dishes rooted in South Indian and Bengali cooking traditions.
Practical smoke point differences
Both oils handle regular Indian cooking temperatures reasonably well, but groundnut oil tends to tolerate slightly higher heat, making it marginally better suited to frying compared to sesame oil.
