🫒 Oils & Fats

Coconut Oil as Ghee Substitute: Complete Guide

✓

Quick Answer

Yes, coconut oil is an excellent ghee substitute. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor (1:1 ratio) or extra virgin coconut oil for a subtle coconut taste. Both work well in cooking, baking, and high-heat applications.

Best Substitutes

Refined Coconut Oil

1:1

Neutral-flavored coconut oil that closely mimics ghee

Best for:

savory cookingIndian cuisinehigh-heat cookingbaking

Processed to remove coconut flavor and aroma, making it ideal for savory dishes

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

1:1

Unrefined coconut oil with natural coconut flavor

Best for:

sweet dishesdessertstropical cuisineshealth-focused recipes

Retains natural coconut flavor and aroma, best for recipes where coconut taste is desired

Fractionated Coconut Oil

1:1

Liquid coconut oil that stays liquid at room temperature

Best for:

salad dressingssmoothieslow-heat cooking

Stays liquid at room temperature, good for applications where solid fat isn't needed

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For savory dishes, always use refined coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor
  • 💡In sweet recipes, extra virgin coconut oil can add pleasant coconut notes
  • 💡Coconut oil solidifies below 76°F, so warm it slightly for easier measuring
  • 💡When substituting in baking, ensure coconut oil is at room temperature for proper creaming
  • 💡For high-heat cooking, refined coconut oil works better than extra virgin
  • 💡Store coconut oil in a cool, dry place - it doesn't need refrigeration
  • 💡If coconut oil is too hard, warm it gently in a water bath or microwave

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Learn how to use coconut oil as a ghee substitute. Discover the differences between refined and unrefined coconut oil, ratios, and best uses in cooking and baking.