Can You Substitute Tahini for Peanut Butter? Complete Guide
Learn how to substitute tahini for peanut butter in recipes. Discover the differences, ratios, and best practices for using tahini as a peanut butter alternative.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute tahini for peanut butter, but it requires adjustments. Use 3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp salt for every 1 cup of peanut butter, and reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons.
Best Substitutes
Tahini
1 cup peanut butter = 3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp saltSesame seed paste that works well in savory applications and provides unique flavor
Best for:
More liquid than peanut butter. Add oil and salt to match consistency and flavor.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For savory dishes: tahini works best in sauces, dips, and dressings
- 💡For baking: reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of tahini
- 💡For consistency: mix tahini with oil and salt to match peanut butter texture
- 💡For flavor: tahini has a more bitter taste, so it works best in savory applications
- 💡For storage: tahini keeps well in the refrigerator and doesn't separate
- 💡For mixing: tahini is more liquid, so it blends easily with other ingredients
- 💡For cost: tahini is often more expensive than peanut butter
- 💡For nutrition: tahini is higher in calcium and iron than peanut butter
- 💡For allergies: tahini is safe for nut allergies as it's made from sesame seeds
- 💡For authenticity: tahini is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute tahini for peanut butter in baking?
Yes, but tahini is more liquid than peanut butter, so you'll need to reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of tahini used. It also has a more bitter taste that works better in savory baked goods.
Is tahini a good substitute for peanut butter?
Tahini works well as a substitute in savory applications like sauces and dips, but it has a different flavor profile and is more liquid than peanut butter. It's not ideal for sweet applications.
Can I use tahini if I have nut allergies?
Yes, tahini is safe for nut allergies as it's made from sesame seeds, not nuts. It's a great nut-free alternative to peanut butter.
Why does tahini taste different from peanut butter?
Tahini has a more bitter, earthy taste compared to peanut butter's sweeter, nuttier flavor. It's also made from sesame seeds, which have a different flavor profile than peanuts.
How do I make tahini taste more like peanut butter?
To make tahini taste more like peanut butter, mix it with oil and salt (3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp salt for every 1 cup of peanut butter). This helps match the consistency and flavor profile.
Summary
Learn how to substitute tahini for peanut butter in recipes. Discover the differences, ratios, and best practices for using tahini as a peanut butter alternative.