🫒 Oils & Fats

Vegan Ghee Substitute: Best Dairy-Free Alternatives

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Refined Coconut Oil

1:1

The closest vegan alternative to ghee with similar texture and high smoke point

Best for:

high-heat cookingIndian cuisinebakingsautéing

Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor, making it ideal for savory dishes

Vegan Butter

1:1

Plant-based butter that mimics dairy butter's properties

Best for:

bakingspreadinglow-heat cooking

Choose brands with high fat content for best results

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

1:1

Unrefined coconut oil with natural coconut flavor

Best for:

sweet dishescurriesdesserts

Has a distinct coconut flavor that works well in many recipes

Avocado Oil

1:1

Neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point

Best for:

high-heat cookingsautéingroasting

Excellent for high-temperature cooking but lacks ghee's richness

Cashew Butter (Melted)

1:1

Rich, creamy alternative with nutty flavor

Best for:

saucescurriesdesserts

Add a small amount of oil to achieve the right consistency

Olive Oil

1:1

Mediterranean oil with distinct flavor

Best for:

low-heat cookingdressingsMediterranean dishes

Use extra virgin for flavor, light olive oil for high-heat cooking

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Discover the best vegan ghee substitutes including coconut oil, vegan butter, and plant-based alternatives. Perfect for dairy-free cooking and baking.