Sesame oil is a common cooking ingredient in many recipes. There are many reasons you may want to find a substitute for sesame oil, such as an allergy or running out of it. This guide will talk about the different substitutes for sesame oil and how they can be used in cooking. If you are wondering what you can use instead of sesame oil, don’t worry we have you covered.
Let’s take a closer look at what sesame oil is used for, so we can understand how to find the best replacement for sesame oil to suit your needs.
Sesame oil is often used in many types of Asian cuisine due to its strong flavor and use as a thickening agent when frying vegetables or meat. It does have a very distinctive flavor.
While that flavor is hard to duplicate, the impact of sesame oil in a recipe can be substituted by any number of oils.
Looking for a great sesame oil substitute? Try one of these.
- Canola Oil
- Olive Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Corn Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Walnut Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Coconut Oil
Now let’s take a closer look at why each of these oils is a great substitute for sesame oil
Canola Oil Substitute for Sesame Oil
Canola oil is one of the most popular oils for cooking. You can substitute it with sesame oil by using half the amount and adding a little bit more heat to your recipe, such as from spices or other ingredients, since sesame oil does have a distinctive flavor.
Can you substitute olive oil for sesame oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for sesame oil. Olive oil has a high smoke point which makes it good for frying foods like eggs or in recipes that require higher temperatures. Yes, you can fry in olive oil! It also pairs well with certain flavors in dishes and salads, since it does have a distinctive flavor.
When replacing sesame oil with olive oil in a recipe, it is recommended to use half the amount of sesame oil and add a little bit of extra heat from spices or other ingredients to get the desired flavor. This will help ensure that your dish still has the distinctive taste you are looking for.
Did you know that you can use extra virgin olive oil as a sesame oil alternative too? Extra virgin olive oil has a very high smoke point and is perfect for frying, sautéing and baking. It also brings a distinct flavor to dishes which might be desirable depending on your recipe.
However, it does have its own intense flavor profile which may not match the characteristic taste of sesame oil in certain recipes, so you should adjust the quantity used according to personal preference.
Grapeseed Oil Swapped for Sesame Oil
Grapeseed oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in many recipes. You may substitute it at the same rate of measurement as you would with sesame seed oil, and cook it at the same temperature to have your dish turn out similar to what you were expecting! It has a light flavor and aroma that blends well.
Corn Oil as a substitute for Sesame oil
Corn oil can be used instead of sesame oil in recipes. Use the same amount of corn oil as you would sesame oil. Cook it at the same temperature to get a similar result. Corn oil has a light flavor and smell which goes well with food, making it an idea cooking oil for many recipes.
Sunflower oil Substitute
You can use sunflower oil instead of sesame oil. Measure the same amount of sunflower oil as you would sesame oil, and then cook at the same temperature. Sunflower oil is a neutral oil with a smooth light flavor and smell that goes well with various foods, so it is good for many recipes.
Peanut Oil as a Swap
Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in various different recipes. Use the same amount of peanut oil as you would sesame oil and cook at the same temperature to achieve a similar result. Peanut oil has a light flavor and aroma that blends well with many dishes, making it an ideal cooking choice for various recipes and a great alternative for cooking with oil.
The health benefits of using peanut oil include improved heart health due to its polyunsaturated fat content, increased energy levels from the healthy fats and vitamins it contains, protection against inflammation, and a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer. Peanut oil is also rich in antioxidants which can help protect the body from free radical damage and has a good amount of vitamin E. Additionally, it helps reduce cholesterol levels and may improve skin health. Peanut oil is considered a healthier alternative to other cooking oils due to its high monounsaturated fats content.
Can I use avocado oil instead of sesame oil?
Yes! Avocado oil is a good substitute for sesame oil. It has a mild, nutty flavor that’s perfect in any dish you would normally use sesame seed oil! Simply substitute it at the same rate of measurement as you would with grapeseed or avocado oils and cook over medium heat to get similar results. Avocado also has many health benefits as well, and has become increasingly popular.
Still have some questions about swapping out sesame oil? We have answers!
Can you substitute vegetable oil for sesame oil?
Vegetable oil is one replacement for sesame oil. remember, vegetable oil is a catch all term that can be used to describe a blend of oil or any oil made from a vegetable source. Always make sure to read the lane!
The vegetable oil can also be used for frying eggs or other food that needs to have a high heat.
How to use walnut oil in place of sesame oil?
Walnut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in recipes. It has a slightly nuttier flavor than sesame oil and may require you to adjust the seasoning of your dish accordingly. To use walnut oil in place of sesame oil, substitute it at the same rate of measurement as you would with grapeseed or avocado oils and cook over medium heat to get similar results.
Walnut also has many health benefits, so it’s an excellent replacement option. Just make sure to read the label on any vegetable-based oils before buying them!
Can I use coconut oil instead?
Yes, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for sesame oil in recipes. Coconut oil has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, so it may require you to adjust the seasoning of your dish accordingly. To use coconut oil in place of sesame oil, substitute it at the same rate of measurement as you would with other vegetable-based oils and cook over medium heat to get similar results. Coconut also has many health benefits, so it’s an excellent replacement option.
Is sesame oil or olive oil healthier?
Since olive oil is a great replacement for sesame oil, many wonder if sesame oil or olive oil is healthier.
Sesame oil and olive oil are not high in cholesterol, but they do have a higher fat content than many oils.
What’s the difference between sesame oil and toasted sesame oil?
The main difference between sesame oil and toasted sesame oil is in its flavor. Sesame oil has a mild, nutty flavor while toasted sesame oil has an intense, roasted flavor. The other differences are that toasted sesame oil is usually darker in color because of the roasting process and it also contains fewer antioxidants since they are lost during the heating process. Additionally, toasted sesame oil has a higher smoke point which makes it better suited for cooking at high temperatures.
What’s the best substitutes to use for salad dressings in place of sesame oil?
The best substitutes to use for sesame oil in salad dressings are other oils such as olive, avocado, or canola oil. These offer similar nutritional benefits and a mild flavor which makes them ideal for salads.
Additionally, you can also try adding different flavors to your dressing with ingredients such as lemon juice, garlic, herbs and spices. Finally, instead of using oil-based dressings you could also opt for vinegar based-salad dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or tahini-dressings which are equally delicious!
What’s the difference between dark and light sesame oil?
Did you know that there are different types of sesame oil? The main difference between dark sesame oil and light sesame oil is the level of heat used in their extraction process. Dark sesame oil is made by toasting the whole sesame seeds at higher temperatures until they are lightly browned, giving it a nutty taste that’s perfect for marinades and stir-fries.
Light or pure sesame oil is made from cold pressing the seeds at lower temperatures, which gives it a milder flavor or neutral flavor that’s great for lighter dishes like salads and dressings. Both types have health benefits due to their high monounsaturated fat content.
When do you use regular sesame oil versus toasted sesame oil in a recipe?
Regular sesame oil, which has a milder flavor and often no color, is great for light dishes like salads, dressings or dipping sauces. Toasted sesame oil is stronger in flavor with a nutty taste that pairs well with marinades, stir-fries, Asian dishes, and other hot dishes. It can also be used to finish off a dish for additional sesame flavor or to give some added texture and crunch.
So keep these things in mind when you are choosing any of the best sesame oil substitutes for either normal sesame oil or toasted sesame oil.
How to make your own sesame oil
When all else fails when you are looking for a good alternative to use when you are out of sesame oil, why not just make your own oil!
To make your own sesame oil, start by roasting the sesame seeds until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once roasted, cool them completely before transferring to a food processor or blender.
Process the seeds until they form a sesame seed paste then slowly add in another type of oil like olive, canola or coconut oil while still blending until you reach the desired consistency. Lastly, transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool dark place for up to three months.
Tips for choosing an alternative for sesame oil in a recipe that you are making
- Consider what recipe you are using the oil in and see if there are any substitutes that may have a similar taste profile.
- Eliminate ones who have a stronger flavor than what you are looking for in your recipe
- If your substitute choice is one of the neutral-tasting oils, consider what other spices, herbs, or ways to add flavors that you will be missing that you may need to add to your recipe
- Look at prices of the different oils to see what alternative is in your price budget
- Think about if you may ever use this oil again in another recipe. If it would be a one time use, maybe there is a better alternative option for you to choose so you aren’t wasting ingredients
- Think about the smoke point of the oil you are choosing and see if it is suitable for the cooking method you are using to make your recipe of choice.
- Research more about different oils to determine which one best suits your recipe needs. See what types of fatty acids and other components that can affect flavor, texture, or nutrition in the dish you are making.
- Lastly, consider any dietary restrictions that you or your guests may have and select the oil accordingly.
Looking for more cooking substitutions?
- Substitute for Peanut Oil
- Substitute for Onions, the Complete Guide
- Egg Replacement in Pancakes, the Complete Guide!
Which oil you choose instead of sesame oil will depend on a number of things, such as what you have on hand at the time, and if you have dietary restrictions. It may also depend on what you like the taste of.