Sesame Oil Substitute

In this post, we’ll explore a range of versatile substitutes for sesame oil, whether you’re looking for a nutty flavor replacement or a neutral cooking oil option. Elevate your dishes with these kitchen-friendly alternatives.

A collage of images of ingredients that can be used as substitutions for sesame oil.

If you are looking for a sesame oil substitute and aren’t sure what to use, we’ve got you covered with this complete list of sesame oil replacements.

A bottle of sesame oil with a bowl and spoonful of sesame seeds beside it.

Sesame oil, with its distinctive nutty flavor, is a flavorful and aromatic addition to many recipes, particularly in Asian cuisine. It’s a great pantry staple, but there is no need to fret if you ever find yourself without this unique cooking oil.

Just as we walked you through a complete list of Soy Sauce Substitute and some great substitutes for Mirin, we’re at it again. If you are out of sesame oil, you’ll love these 13 substitutes for sesame oil.

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These are the 13 substitutions for Sesame Oil we’ll cover:

What is Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil is a flavorful cooking oil derived from sesame seeds. It comes in two main varieties: toasted sesame oil, which has a rich, nutty flavor and is often used as a condiment or flavoring agent in Asian cuisines, and light sesame oil, which is a milder cooking oil suitable for frying and sautéing.

Sesame oil is cherished for its unique taste and is a staple in many culinary traditions worldwide. It also offers potential health benefits due to its high content of heart-healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a versatile and nutritious addition to various dishes.

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Toasted Sesame Oil vs. Sesame Oil

Toasted sesame oil and light sesame oil are both made from sesame seeds, but there are some key differences between these two oils and how they are used in the kitchen.

Toasted Sesame Oil (Dark Sesame Oil): This oil is made from roasted sesame seeds and has a rich, nutty flavor. It is often used as a flavoring agent or condiment in Asian dishes, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. Toasted sesame oil is usually added to dishes at the end of cooking for its strong flavor.
Light Sesame Oil (Unrefined Sesame Oil): This oil is made from raw, unroasted sesame seeds and has a milder flavor. It is commonly used as a cooking oil in many cuisines, including Indian and Middle Eastern. Light sesame oil has a higher smoke point than toasted sesame oil, making it suitable for frying and sautéing.

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

The answer to this question depends a little on your recipe and whether you need to replace toasted sesame oil or light sesame oil. We’ve covered both in our list of substitutes below so you will want to choose one based on its use in the original recipe.

13 Substitutes for Sesame Oil

A bottle of sesame oil sitting in front of a bowl of toasted sesame seeds with a scoop of sesame seeds in the foreground.

Toasted Sesame Oil Substitutes

Remember that while these substitutes can mimic some aspects of toasted sesame oil, they may not replicate its full depth of flavor. The choice of a substitute depends on the specific recipe and your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment to find the best match for your needs.

A small bottle of sesame oil next to a bowl of sesame seeds and a spoonful of sesame seeds

1. Regular Sesame Oil (Light Sesame Oil)

While not as intensely nutty as toasted sesame oil, regular sesame oil can still impart a subtle sesame flavor to your dishes. It has a higher smoke point than toasted sesame oil, making it suitable for cooking and stir-frying.

A glass decanter and a bowl of peanut oil in front of a small burlap bag of peanuts.

2. Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has a mild, nutty flavor that can complement Asian dishes. It’s a good choice for stir-frying and sautéing and can work as a substitute if you’re looking for a neutral nutty flavor.

A jar of walnut oil surrounded by shelled walnuts with whole walnuts in the background.

3. Walnut Oil

Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor that can be used in salad dressings and drizzled over dishes. While it’s not a direct match for sesame oil, it can provide a unique and flavorful twist to your recipes.

A jar of almond oil sitting on a piece of wood surrounded by almonds.

4. Almond Oil

Almond oil has a subtle nutty taste and can work as a replacement in salad dressings or as a finishing oil for certain dishes. It’s a good option for those looking for a different nutty flavor.

A split picture of a bowl of soy sauce and a bowl of olive oil.

5. Soy Sauce and Olive Oil

In some cases, a combination of soy sauce and a neutral oil like olive oil can provide a savory and salty flavor that approximates the umami notes of sesame oil. This substitute is especially useful when you need the umami element in a recipe.

A wooden bowl of tahini with a spoonful of sesame seeds beside it.

6. Tahini

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, and it can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in certain recipes. While it won’t provide the same intense flavor, it does offer a sesame essence and creaminess to dishes, such as dressings and dips.

Light Sesame Oil Substitutes

When substituting light sesame oil with one of these alternatives, keep in mind that the flavor profile of your dish may change slightly, as light sesame oil has a subtle nutty taste. However, these neutral oils will provide a similar cooking performance without significantly affecting the overall taste of your recipes.

A bottle of canola oil with a sprig of canola flowers beside it.

7. Canola Oil

Canola oil is a neutral, light-flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it an excellent substitute for light sesame oil in cooking and frying. It won’t add any distinctive flavor to your dishes.

A small jar of grapeseed oil next to a spoonful of grape seeds with a bunch of purple grapes in the background.

8. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a neutral choice for cooking and frying. It works well as a substitute for light sesame oil in recipes where you want a clean, neutral taste.

A plastic bottle of vegetable oil against a dark wood background.

9. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil, such as soybean or corn oil, is widely available and has a high smoke point. It’s a versatile substitute for light sesame oil in cooking and frying applications.

A plastic bottle of sunflower oil with a bowl of sunflower seeds beside it and a sunflower in the foreground.

10. Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for sautéing, frying, and cooking. It won’t add any distinctive flavor to your dishes.

A jar of safflower oil with a sprig of safflowers beside it.

11. Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is a light, neutral oil with a high smoke point, making it a good option for replacing light sesame oil in various recipes.

A bottle of avocado oil laying on a wooden tabletop with a small bowl of oil and a halved avocado beside it.

12. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for light sesame oil. It works well in sautéing, roasting, and as a salad dressing base.

A bottle of rice bran oil sitting beside a pile of rice with a mortar and pestle in the background containing a sprig of dried bran.

13. Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it an ideal choice for stir-frying, sautéing, and deep-frying. It is often used in Asian cuisines as a cooking oil.

FAQs on Substituting Sesame Oil in Your Recipes

Can I use olive oil as a substitute for sesame oil?

While olive oil can be used as a substitute, it has a distinct flavor that may not be suitable for all recipes. It’s best for dishes where the olive oil flavor complements the other ingredients.

What’s the best substitute for sesame oil in a salad dressing?

In a salad dressing, you can use a mild-flavored oil like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil as a substitute for sesame oil. These oils won’t overpower the dressing with their own flavors.

Are there any substitutes for sesame oil for individuals with sesame allergies?

If you have a sesame allergy, it’s best to avoid sesame oil altogether. Instead, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil in your recipes.

Can I use coconut oil as a substitute for sesame oil?

Coconut oil has a distinct coconut flavor and aroma, which may not work well as a substitute for sesame oil in most recipes. It’s best to use something other than coconut oil.

What’s a suitable substitute for sesame oil when making Asian-style sauces?

When making Asian-style sauces, a combination of a neutral oil and soy sauce or tamari can provide a savory and salty flavor similar to sesame oil. Adjust the ratio to your taste preferences.

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A collage of images of different condiments than can replace soy sauce.

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Sesame Oil Substitute