Sesame oil is a popular cooking oil that has a unique flavor. However, it can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find.
If you are looking for substitutes for sesame oil, you’re in luck!
In this article, we will discuss 15 different oils that can be used as a replacement for sesame oil. We will explain the differences and similarities between these oils, and provide the exact ratios to use when substituting. Lastly, we will also give examples of how we have used these oils in our own cooking.
So, let’s start!
Substitutes for Sesame Oil:
- Perilla oil
- Sunflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Canola oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Walnut oil
- Peanut oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Tahini paste
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Coconut oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Fish oil
- Butter
Perilla oil
Perilla oil is the closest alternative to sesame seed oil and can be used as a replacement in most cases.
Using the perilla oil has a few benefits. First, it is lower in saturated fat than sesame oil and rich in antioxidants. It is also high in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. This means this oil is one of the healthiest oil options.
Second, because of its high smoking point, perilla oil is perfect for cooking. Lastly, it has a distinct aroma and nutty flavor that is perfect for salad dressings.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is a mild-flavored oil with an earthy taste. It can be a good substitute for sesame oil in some cases.
Sesame oil has a strong flavor, so it can be overpowering in dishes. Sunflower oil is milder, so it can be a good alternative.
It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for an oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to smoke and break down. Sunflower oil has a smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, while sesame oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, if you’re cooking at a high temperature, sunflower oil is a better choice.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is a winemaking by-product that has a number of culinary uses. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying and sauteing. And its neutral flavor makes it an all-purpose cooking oil.
Additionally, grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E and has a nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of certain dishes!
In terms of sesame oil substitution, grapeseed oil can be used in any recipe that calls for a light, neutral-tasting oil. It will not impart any additional flavor to the dish, but it will provide the same level of moisture and texture.
You can use it in soups, stews, salad dressings, and more.
Canola oil
One oil that can be used as a substitute for sesame oil is canola oil. Canola oil has a nutty flavor, which makes it a good choice for cooking. In addition, canola oil is a good source of vitamin E and K.
However, it is important to note that canola oil should only be used for cooking and not for frying. Canola oil has a lower smoke point and will break down at high temperatures.
However, it can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in other recipes. When substituting canola oil for sesame oil, it is important to keep the ratio of oils the same. For every one cup of sesame oil, use one cup of canola oil.
Avocado oil
While Avocado oil is more expensive than sesame oil, it can be used as a substitute in many recipes. When using avocado oil as a substitute for sesame oil, it is important to keep in mind that the flavor will be light.
This makes it ideal for dishes where you do not want the oil to overpower the other ingredients. For example, avocado oil would be a good choice for stir-frying vegetables or marinating chicken.
Additionally, the high smoke point of avocado oil means that it can be used for cooking at high temperatures without burning.
Finally, while avocado oil does have some health benefits, it is important to remember that it is still a source of fat and should be consumed in moderation.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a healthy, readily available oil that has a nutty buttery flavor. It is less expensive than sesame oil and has a high heat tolerance.
It is also versatile and can be used in almost anything. You can use olive oil as a substitute for sesame oil in any recipe that calls for sesame oil.
Olive oil is also one of the healthiest oil. And it contains a ton of nutrients.
Walnut oil
Walnut oil is perfect for drizzling over salads or using in marinades. Its mild flavor pair well with other ingredients.
However, it is not well suited for baking or frying due to its low smoke point. Because it turns bitter on high heat and can ruin your dish.
Lastly, walnut oil is also considered a healthy oil. As it contains omega-3 fatty acids, you will be getting both nutrients and a delicious taste.
Peanut oil
Peanut oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from peanuts. It has a light flavor and is neutral in taste, making it a good choice for cooking.
Peanut oil also has a high smoke point, which means it can be used for high-heat cooking methods such as frying. In addition, peanut oil is rich in vitamin E, which is an important nutrient for the skin and hair.
However, one downside of peanut oil is that it has a high chance of causing allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when using this oil, particularly if you have a history of allergies.
Hemp seed oil
If you’re out of sesame oil and need a substitute for your recipe, consider using hemp seed oil. This oil has similar nutrients to sesame oil.
It also has a similar taste, with notes of walnut and sunflower oil. Hemp seed oil can be used in similar ways to sesame oil, but it has a slightly lower heat tolerance.
When cooking with hemp seed oil, be sure to use it at medium heat to avoid damaging the delicate flavor compounds.
Tahini paste
Wait, a paste to substitute an oil? Yes! It works.
Tahini paste is made from sesame seeds, and it has a similar taste to sesame oil. It can be used as a substitute for Sesame oil in dips, sauces, and dressings.
Tahini paste is easy to find in most grocery stores. It is also relatively inexpensive.
Tahini paste contains no cholesterol and is high in calcium and iron. It is also a good source of vitamin E.
When used as a replacement for Sesame oil, Tahini paste can provide the same flavor without the unhealthy fats.
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is a versatile ingredient. It can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in many sweet and savory dishes.
The oil has an intense nutty flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Pumpkin seed oil is also a good choice for salad dressings and other cold dishes because it does not solidify when chilled.
In addition, the oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for many recipes.
Coconut oil
Many people think of coconut oil as a healthy alternative to other cooking oils. but it can also be a great replacement for sesame oil.
Sesame oil has a strong flavor that can be overwhelming in certain dishes. Coconut oil has a more subtle, sweet nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of your food without being overpowering.
In addition, coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it’s ideal for baking and cooking. You can also use it for sauteing and stir-frying.
Overall, coconut oil is a versatile and healthy substitute for sesame oil.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is one of the best substitutes for sesame oil. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to protect against heart disease.
Additionally, flaxseed oil has a high smoke point, making it less likely to burn. As a result, it’s an ideal cooking oil for sauces, dips, soups, and stews.
Fish oil
If you use sesame oil for its health benefits, then there is something even better for you!
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart and blood vessels. It is also a good source of vitamin A and D, making it a great supplement for kids.
One downside of fish oil is that it can be quite smelly, so it is not ideal for cooking. However, you only need to take one spoon of fish oil every day to get all the benefits.
Remember, that fish oil is smelly and should never be used in cooking.
Butter
Butter is a common ingredient that can be used as a substitute for sesame oil. Butter is easy to find and has a versatile, buttery flavor.
It is also good for baking and spreading. The benefits of using butter as a substitute for sesame oil include the easy availability of butter and the familiar taste of butter.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using butter as a substitute for sesame oil. Butter can burn easily, so it is important to be careful when cooking with it.
In addition, the flavor of butter may not be as bold as the flavor of sesame oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sesame seed oil alternative in kimbap?
Kimbap is a Korean dish mainly made with rice. The dish contains sesame seed oil. But if you do not have sesame seed oil at hand, then use grapeseed oil or sunflower oil for similar rest.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, e.g canola oil, instead of sesame oil for cooking. However, remember that vegetable oil does not have a distinct flavor like sesame oil. So, the taste of the recipe might differ.
In conclusion
There are many sesame seed substitutes on the market. You can use any of the substitutes depending on your need. Each substitute has its own strength and weakness. Choose the one that works best for you!