Don’t have sesame oil or did you realize you’re cooking? Here are the best sesame oil substitutes to use in recipes.
Are you preparing a recipe that calls for sesame oil and you don’t have any? Don’t worry, there are few options that make good replacements. Before we begin, let’s talk about sesame oil terminology:
- What is sesame oil? Sesame oil is made from raw sesame seeds and is often used in Asian cuisine for frying. Sesame oil has a neutral taste and light color. In fact, it doesn’t taste like sesame at all!
- what is Goal Sesame oil? Toasted sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds. It is dark in color and has a strong taste of sesame. It is used more as a finishing oil to flavor dishes and sauces.
Don’t have time to shop it? Or bypass a sesame allergy? Here are some alternative ideas for sesame oil and toasted sesame oil.
Best sesame oil substitute
1. Organic grapeseed oil, rapeseed oil or sunflower oil (for pure sesame oil)
The Best Natural Sesame Oil Substitute? Another neutral oil! Try grapeseed oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil as a 1:1 substitute for sesame oil. Find organic versions of these oils if you can. They all have a neutral flavor and are perfectly interchangeable with plain sesame oil.
2. Olive oil (for plain sesame oil).
The Next Best Regular Sesame Oil Substitute? Olive oil! You can use olive oil as a 1:1 substitute for sesame oil. Known as a healthy oil, olive oil is cooked in a manner similar to sesame oil. It has a stronger flavor than the other neutral oils above, so you might notice a subtle flavor difference.
3. Toasted Sesame Seeds + Neutral Oil (for the Toasted Sesame Oil)
The Best Substitute for Toasted Sesame Oil? Roasted sesame seeds, with some neutral oil if necessary. To add that great sesame flavor, follow these instructions for toasting sesame seeds. If the recipe calls for oil (such as when making a dressing or sauce), add neutral oil and then a handful of toasted sesame seeds for flavor. If toasted sesame oil is a garnish, you can omit the oil and just use the seeds.
Here are some recipes that use sesame oil:
