All About Sesame oil
Your complete guide to sesame oil - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
Best Substitutes for Sesame oil
Don't have sesame oil? Try these alternatives in your recipes.
Sesame oil is rarely used in sweet baking; if used, it's typically for savory applications where its distinctive flavor is intended. Substitutions consider both fat function and savory flavor.
Neutral Vegetable Oil (e.g., Canola, Grapeseed, Sunflower)
If the recipe primarily requires the fat content of sesame oil and its specific flavor is not paramount or needs to be toned down. This will provide the necessary fat without imparting a strong flavor.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (added to dough/batter)
Add 1-2 tsp toasted sesame seeds per 1 tbsp sesame oil, adjusting other fats as needed ratio
To achieve the characteristic sesame flavor and a pleasant crunch without using the oil itself. Adjust other liquid/fat in the recipe as needed to maintain consistency.
Peanut Oil
If a nutty flavor is desired in savory baked goods and there are no peanut allergies. It offers a milder nutty profile than sesame oil.
For stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and general savory cooking where sesame oil's flavor and oil properties are important.
Peanut Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds
1:1 for peanut oil, add 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds per 1 tbsp original sesame oil ratio
Excellent for high-heat cooking like stir-fries due to peanut oil's high smoke point. The seeds provide the authentic sesame aroma and flavor.
Canola or Grapeseed Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds/Tahini
1:1 for neutral oil, add 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds or 1/4 tsp tahini per 1 tbsp original sesame oil ratio
A versatile option for all-purpose cooking. These neutral oils provide the fat function, and the sesame flavor can be adjusted by adding seeds (for texture/aroma) or tahini (for strong flavor/emulsification).
Toasted Walnut Oil
Closest flavor match for toasted sesame oil. Best for dressings, marinades, or as a finishing oil where its flavor can shine. Not ideal for high-heat cooking due to a lower smoke point.
Tahini (diluted)
Dilute 1 part tahini with 1-2 parts water or other oil (e.g., neutral vegetable oil) to achieve desired consistency and flavor intensity ratio
Provides intense sesame flavor and can act as an emulsifier in dressings and marinades. Not suitable for high-heat cooking.
For individuals with nut allergies, as some may also react to sesame or avoid it due to cross-contamination concerns. Substitutions avoid tree nuts, peanuts, and other common seed allergens.
Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil
Offers a rich, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor profile without tree nuts or peanuts. Excellent as a finishing oil for dressings and low-heat applications. Distinctive flavor.
Toasted Sunflower Seed Oil
Provides a milder nutty flavor compared to pumpkin seed oil, offering a good seed-based alternative without common nut allergens. Suitable for general cooking and dressings.
Avocado Oil
A neutral-flavored oil with a very high smoke point, making it versatile for high-heat cooking and dressings. It does not provide a nutty or sesame-like flavor but is a safe, effective oil substitute.
Grapeseed Oil
A very neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, suitable for general cooking. It lacks the distinctive nutty flavor of sesame oil but is a safe, allergen-friendly option.
Common all-purpose substitutions that work in most savory recipes, focusing on replicating both the oil's function and its distinctive nutty, aromatic flavor (especially for toasted sesame oil).
Toasted Walnut Oil
Offers a rich, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor profile, which is the closest match to toasted sesame oil. Best for dressings, marinades, or as a finishing oil. It has a lower smoke point, so use for low-heat cooking.
Peanut Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds
1:1 for peanut oil, add 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds per 1 tbsp original sesame oil ratio
Peanut oil provides a mild nutty flavor and has a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking. Adding toasted sesame seeds reintroduces the characteristic aroma and flavor of sesame.
Light Olive Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds
1:1 for olive oil, add 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds per 1 tbsp original sesame oil ratio
Use a mild or light-flavored olive oil to avoid overpowering the dish. This provides the oil function, and the toasted sesame seeds bring back the authentic sesame aroma and flavor.
Tahini (diluted)
Dilute 1 part tahini with 1-2 parts water or neutral oil (e.g., canola) to desired consistency ratio
Provides an intense, creamy sesame flavor. Best for dressings, marinades, or dips where a strong sesame profile is desired. Not suitable for high-heat cooking.