If you’re out of ghee and need a substitution in a hurry, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well.
Ghee is a type of Indian clarified butter that is an essential ingredient in many traditional Indian dishes. It is made by slowly simmering butter to remove the milk solids, resulting in a clear, golden liquid.
Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor and is often used to add depth of flavor to curries and other savory dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, ghee is also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a healing oil.
If you can’t find ghee or don’t want to buy it, there are plenty of other options. In this article, we’ll list and review the best ghee substitutes. We’ll also give examples of how to use them in recipes.
Best Ghee Substitutes:
- Clarified Butter
- Sesame Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Canola Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Olive Oil
- Soybean Oil
- Vegetable Oil
- Rapeseed Oil
Now that we’ve listed the best substitutes available for ghee, let’s get into the greasy details.
Clarified Butter
Clarified butter is a golden-yellow cooking fat that has been slowly simmered to remove the milk solids and water. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, which makes it ideal for pan-frying and other high-heat cooking methods.
Clarified butter can also be used as a substitute for ghee, which is a type of clarified butter that has been cooked for longer to give it a nutty flavor.
Clarified butter makes an excellent substitute for ghee in most recipes, and it can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a healthy alternative to ghee. It has a high smoke point, so it can be used for cooking at high temperatures. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, sesame oil can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. There are many other health benefits of using sesame oil as a substitute for ghee.
However, it is important to note that sesame oil does have a strong flavor, so it may not be suitable for all dishes. When substituting sesame oil for ghee, it is best to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
We recommend using 3/4 cup of sesame oil for 1 cup of ghee.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a commonly used cooking oil that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for ghee. Unlike ghee, coconut oil is solid at room temperature but melts quickly when heated. This can make it difficult to use in some recipes, but it can be a suitable substitution in many cases.
Coconut oil also has a slightly different flavor than ghee, which some people prefer. Though coconut oil is higher in saturated fat than ghee and contains no dairy, many people choose to use coconut oil as a substitute for ghee.
There are two main types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined. Refined coconut oil has been processed to remove impurities and usually has a neutral flavor. Unrefined coconut oil has a stronger coconut flavor and is often used in baking or for sautéing.
It is important to note that both types of coconut oil have the same health benefits.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil that is derived from the canola plant. It is almost flavorless, and has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking.
Canola oil can be used as a substitute for ghee in almost any recipe. When substituting, use a ratio of three-quarter parts canola oil to one part ghee.
Canola oil is also lower in erucic acid than other vegetable oils and has a higher proportion of unsaturated fats. As a result, it is often considered to be healthier than other oils. In addition, canola oil is less likely to solidify at room temperature, making it easier to use in baking recipes.
Sunflower Oil
For those looking for a cheaper option, sunflower oil is a good substitute.
Sunflower oil has a high smoke point similar to ghee, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Additionally, it has a milder flavor than ghee, so it won’t overpower the other flavors in your dish.
When substituting sunflower oil for ghee, use a ratio of 3:4. So if your recipe calls for 1 cup of ghee, you would use 3/4 cup of sunflower oil instead. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all your favorite Indian dishes without breaking the bank!
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy but expensive substitute for ghee. It has a high smoke point, so it can be used in cooking at higher temperatures.
It is also a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. When substituting olive oil for ghee, it is important to use the correct ratio.
For every 1 cup of ghee, you will need 3/4 cup of olive oil. This substitution will work in most recipes, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Ultimately, using olive oil as a substitute for ghee is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your favorite dishes.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a mild-tasting oil that is rich in protein. Luckily for you, it can be used as a substitute for ghee in many cases.
The main benefit of using soybean oil is that it has a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat than ghee. This makes it a healthier choice for cooking.
Additionally, soybean oil is less likely to smoke when heated, making it safer to use for cooking. When substituting soybean oil for ghee, it is important to keep the ratio of fats the same.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of ghee, you would use 1 cup of soybean oil.
Vegetable Oil
Another popular substitute is vegetable oil which is made from various plant extracts. Vegetable oil is available in different variants depending on the plant used.
Vegetable oil is a good substitute for ghee because it is affordable and easy to find, but it is not as healthy as ghee because it contains more saturated fat. When substituting ghee with vegetable oil, it is important to use the same ratio of plant extract to ghee.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of ghee, you would need to use 1 cup of vegetable oil. By using the same ratio, you will ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as if you had used ghee.
Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed oil is high in erucic acid, which can be harmful in large amounts. For this reason, it should be used in small portions as a substitute for ghee.
When used in moderation, rapeseed oil can provide some health benefits. For example, the high erucic acid content helps to protect against heart disease and cancer.
In addition, rapeseed oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cognitive health. Overall, rapeseed oil can be a healthy alternative to ghee, as long as it is used in moderation.
Related Questions
Here are some answers to questions you may have in mind:
What are the health benefits of ghee?
Ghee is a healthy, buttery-tasting fat that has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine. It is made by simmering butter until the water evaporates and the milk solids are left behind. These milk solids are then strained out, leaving pure ghee behind.
Ghee is a good source of vitamins A, D, and K. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
What is the best substitute?
There are a number of substitutes for ghee that you can use in your recipes. Some popular substitutes include olive oil, soybean oil, vegetable oil, and rapeseed oil. Each of these substitutes has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
Can ghee be used in place of oils?
Yes, ghee can be used in place of oils. It has a high smoke point, which makes it safe to use for cooking at high temperatures. Additionally, ghee is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. When substituting ghee for another oil
How do I substitute ghee for oil in a recipe?
When substituting ghee for oil in a recipe, you can use any kind of fat that is solid at room temperature. For every cup of ghee called for in the recipe, substitute 1 cup of the solid fat.
What butter is similar to ghee?
Clarified butter, also known as drawn butter, is a type of unsalted butter that has been heated until the water content has evaporated and the milk solids have separated from the butterfat. This type of butter is the most similar to ghee.
Can you substitute regular butter for ghee?
You can substitute regular butter for ghee in many recipes, but the flavor and texture will be different.
Is ghee healthier than butter?
Ghee is healthier than butter in some ways. However, it is also more expensive so it is not always the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve explored a few ghee substitutes, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, then coconut oil is your best bet. Olive oil also makes a good substitute if you’re following a vegan diet.
Finally, if you want to stick with an animal-based fat source, butter is always a good choice. No matter which ghee substitute you choose, remember to use the ratios given when substituting in recipes.
By knowing how to make ghee and its substitutes, you’ll never have to worry about being without this key ingredient again!