Out of Ghee, one case
Vegan ghee substitute: best dairy-free alternatives
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Refined coconut oil
Same amount as the ghee
The best vegan ghee substitutes are coconut oil, vegan butter, and refined coconut oil. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes, with coconut oil being the closest match for ghee's high smoke point and texture.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- neutral taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- high-heat cooking
One casethe full ghee card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ghee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refined coconut oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amountTweak it |
| 2 | Vegan butterbaking | Same amount |
| 3 | Extra virgin coconut oilsweet dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Avocado oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Cashew butter (melted)sauces | Same amount |
| 6 | Olive oillow-heat cooking | Same amount |
Refined coconut oil
neutral taste, similar texture
The closest vegan alternative to ghee with similar texture and high smoke point
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, Indian cuisine, baking, sautéing
- Smoke point
- 400°F (204°C)
Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor, making it ideal for savory dishes.
Vegan butter
buttery · similar texture
Plant-based butter that mimics dairy butter's properties
- Best for
- baking, spreading, low-heat cooking
- Smoke point
- 350°F (177°C)
Choose brands with high fat content for best results.
Extra virgin coconut oil
coconut · similar texture
Unrefined coconut oil with natural coconut flavor
- Best for
- sweet dishes, curries, desserts
- Smoke point
- 350°F (177°C)
Has a distinct coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.
Avocado oil
neutral taste, liquid texture
Neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, sautéing, roasting
- Smoke point
- 520°F (271°C)
Excellent for high-temperature cooking but lacks ghee's richness.
Cashew butter (melted)
nutty
Rich, creamy alternative with nutty flavor
- Best for
- sauces, curries, desserts
- Texture
- creamy
- Smoke point
- 300°F (149°C)
Add a small amount of oil to achieve the right consistency.
Olive oil
fruity
Mediterranean oil with distinct flavor
- Best for
- low-heat cooking, dressings, Mediterranean dishes
- Texture
- liquid
- Smoke point
- 375°F (191°C)
Use extra virgin for flavor, light olive oil for high-heat cooking.
The longer answer
About this case
Ghee, a clarified butter popular in Indian cuisine, presents a challenge for those following a vegan lifestyle. However, there are several excellent plant-based alternatives that can replicate ghee's unique properties in cooking and baking.
Tips for substituting ghee
7 tips- For authentic Indian dishes, refined coconut oil works best as it has a neutral flavor
- When making vegan ghee, gently heat coconut oil with a pinch of turmeric for color
- For baking, vegan butter provides the best texture and flavor
- Add a small amount of nutritional yeast to coconut oil for a more buttery flavor
- Store homemade vegan ghee in the refrigerator for up to 3 months
- For high-heat cooking, use avocado oil or refined coconut oil
- When substituting in curries, add the oil at the beginning of cooking for best flavor
Notes on ghee
Homemade vegan ghee
This creates a ghee-like substitute good for Indian cooking
Ingredients
- 1 cup refined coconut oil
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat
- Add turmeric powder and stir until dissolved
- Add nutritional yeast if using for extra flavor
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Vegan butter chicken
Use refined coconut oil for the most authentic flavor
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegan ghee substitute (refined coconut oil)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegan ghee substitute in a large pan
- Sauté onions until golden brown
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute
- Add spices and cook until fragrant
- Add tomatoes and cook until softened
- Add coconut milk and simmer for 15 minutes
- Season with salt and serve
- Store refined coconut oil at room temperature for up to 2 years
- Keep vegan butter refrigerated and use within 3 months
- Homemade vegan ghee can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 months
- Avocado oil should be stored in a cool, dark place
- Always check expiration dates on commercial vegan products
Questions
8 questionsWhat is the best vegan substitute for ghee?
Refined coconut oil is the best vegan substitute for ghee because it has a similar texture, high smoke point, and neutral flavor that works well in most recipes.
Can I use coconut oil instead of ghee?
Yes, coconut oil is an excellent substitute for ghee. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor or extra virgin coconut oil if you want a subtle coconut taste.
Is there a dairy-free ghee substitute?
Yes, several dairy-free alternatives work well including coconut oil, vegan butter, avocado oil, and cashew butter. Each has different properties suited for different cooking methods.
Can I make vegan ghee at home?
Yes, you can make a vegan ghee substitute by melting refined coconut oil and adding turmeric for color and nutritional yeast for flavor. This creates a close approximation to traditional ghee.
What's the difference between ghee and vegan ghee?
Traditional ghee is made from butter with milk solids removed, while vegan ghee is made from plant-based oils. Vegan ghee lacks the dairy proteins but can achieve similar texture and cooking properties.
Can I use vegan ghee in baking?
Yes, vegan ghee substitutes work well in baking. Use vegan butter for the best results in pastries and cakes, or refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavor.
Does vegan ghee have the same smoke point as regular ghee?
It depends on the substitute used. Refined coconut oil has a similar smoke point to ghee (400°F), while avocado oil has an even higher smoke point (520°F).
Can I substitute ghee with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil can work as a ghee substitute, but it has a distinct flavor that may not work in all recipes. Use light olive oil for high-heat cooking or extra virgin for flavor.