Out of Sesame oil, one case
Sesame oil substitutes, in depth
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Peanut oil
Same amount as the sesame oil
The best sesame oil substitutes are peanut oil (1:1 ratio), walnut oil (1:1 ratio), or neutral oil + toasted sesame seeds (1 tbsp oil + ½ tsp seeds). For Asian cooking, use peanut oil. For stir fry, use grapeseed or vegetable oil. For flavor, add toasted sesame seeds to any neutral oil.
- Best for —
- Asian cooking
One casethe full sesame oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sesame oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peanut oilAsian cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Walnut oilSalad dressings | Same amount |
| 3 | Neutral oil + toasted sesame seedsWhen you want authentic sesame taste | 1 tbsp oil + ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds |
| 4 | Grapeseed oilHigh-heat cooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Vegetable oil + sesame seedsBudget cooking | 1 tbsp oil + 1 tsp sesame seeds |
Peanut oil
Very similar nutty flavor
Most similar to sesame oil with nutty flavor and high smoke point
- Best for
- Asian cooking, stir fry, high-heat cooking
- Texture
- Similar viscosity and mouthfeel
Closest flavor match, excellent for Asian dishes.
Walnut oil
Rich, nutty, slightly bitter
Rich, nutty oil with similar flavor profile
- Best for
- Salad dressings, finishing dishes, cold applications
- Texture
- Similar to sesame oil
More expensive but excellent flavor match.
Neutral oil + toasted sesame seeds
Authentic sesame flavor
Infuse any neutral oil with sesame flavor
- Best for
- When you want authentic sesame taste, making your own sesame oil
- Texture
- Depends on base oil used
Heat oil and seeds together, then strain.
Grapeseed oil
Neutral, clean
Neutral oil with high smoke point, good for cooking
- Best for
- High-heat cooking, stir fry, when you don't need sesame flavor
- Texture
- Light, similar viscosity
Won't have sesame taste but excellent for cooking.
Vegetable oil + sesame seeds
Mild sesame flavor
Budget-friendly option with sesame flavor
- Best for
- Budget cooking, when you have sesame seeds on hand
- Texture
- Standard vegetable oil texture
Toast seeds first for better flavor.
The longer answer
About this case
Sesame oil is a staple in Asian cuisine, prized for its distinctive nutty flavor and aromatic qualities.
Tips for substituting sesame oil
10 tips- Sesame oil is primarily used for flavor, not cooking
- Add sesame oil at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor
- Store sesame oil in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity
- A little sesame oil goes a long way due to its strong flavor
- Toasted sesame oil has a much stronger flavor than regular sesame oil
- For stir-frying, use a high-smoke-point oil and add sesame flavor at the end
- When substituting, consider whether you need the flavor or just the cooking properties
- Sesame seeds can be toasted and ground to make a sesame oil substitute
- Peanut oil is the closest substitute in terms of both flavor and cooking properties
- For cold applications like dressings, walnut oil works excellently
Notes on sesame oil
- Asian cookingPeanut OilSame amountWhy it works: Peanut oil has the most similar flavor profile and is commonly used in Asian cuisineCooking tips: Use peanut oil for stir-frying vegetables and proteins; Add a few drops of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra flavor; Peanut oil can handle high heat better than sesame oilRecipes: Stir fry; Fried rice; Lo mein; Teriyaki sauce
- Stir fryGrapeseed Oil or Peanut OilSame amountWhy it works: Both oils have high smoke points and won't burn during high-heat cookingCooking tips: Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding ingredients; Use grapeseed oil if you want neutral flavor; Use peanut oil if you want nutty flavor; Add sesame seeds at the end for authentic tasteRecipes: Beef and broccoli; Chicken stir fry; Vegetable stir fry
- Sauces and dressingsWalnut Oil or Neutral Oil + Sesame SeedsSame amountWhy it works: These provide the nutty flavor without the strong aroma of sesame oilCooking tips: For dressings, whisk oil with other ingredients; Add sesame seeds for texture and flavor; Use walnut oil for a more refined tasteRecipes: Sesame dressing; Teriyaki sauce; Asian marinades
- Fried ricePeanut Oil + Sesame Seeds1 tbsp oil + ½ tsp seedsWhy it works: Peanut oil provides the cooking base while sesame seeds add authentic flavorCooking tips: Cook rice in peanut oil for the base; Add toasted sesame seeds at the end; Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil if availableRecipes: Classic fried rice; Vegetable fried rice; Chicken fried rice
- Salad dressingsWalnut Oil or Olive Oil + Sesame SeedsSame amountWhy it works: These oils provide richness without overwhelming other flavorsCooking tips: Whisk oil with vinegar and soy sauce; Add sesame seeds for crunch and flavor; Use walnut oil for a more sophisticated tasteRecipes: Asian slaw; Cucumber salad; Mixed green salad
Avocado oilSame amount
Heart-healthy oil with high smoke point
Won't have sesame flavor but excellent for health
Benefits
- High in monounsaturated fats
- High smoke point
- Neutral flavor
Best for
- High-heat cooking
- health-conscious cooking
Coconut oilSame amount
Medium-chain triglycerides and subtle sweetness
Solid at room temperature, melts when heated
Benefits
- MCTs for energy
- Antimicrobial properties
- Stable at high heat
Best for
- Stir frying
- baking
- when you want subtle sweetness
Olive oil + sesame seeds1 tbsp oil + ½ tsp seeds
Mediterranean twist with sesame flavor
Use extra virgin for best flavor
Benefits
- Heart-healthy
- Antioxidants
- Authentic sesame taste
Best for
- Cold applications
- dressings
- finishing dishes
Sunflower oilSame amount
Nut-free alternative with high smoke point
Neutral flavor, won't taste like sesame
Best for
- High-heat cooking
- when nut allergies are a concern
- Allergy info
- Safe for nut allergies
Safflower oilSame amount
Light, neutral oil that's allergy-friendly
Very neutral flavor
Best for
- General cooking
- baking
- frying
- Allergy info
- Safe for most allergies
Canola oil + sesame seeds1 tbsp oil + ½ tsp seeds
Budget-friendly, allergy-safe option
Sesame seeds are usually safe for sesame oil allergies
Best for
- Budget cooking
- when you have sesame seeds
- Allergy info
- Safe for nut allergies
Tahini + oil1 tsp tahini + 2 tsp neutral oil
Sesame paste thinned with oil
More intense flavor than sesame oil
Best for
- When you want strong sesame flavor
- dressings
- dips
Sesame seeds + oil1 tsp seeds + 1 tbsp oil
Toast seeds and blend with oil
Toast seeds first for better flavor
Best for
- Making your own sesame oil
- when you want authentic flavor
Peanut butter + oil1 tsp peanut butter + 2 tsp oil
Peanut flavor with creamy texture
Use smooth peanut butter, thin with oil
Best for
- When you want nutty flavor
- Asian-inspired dishes
- Using too much sesame oil - it's very potent
- Cooking with sesame oil at high heat - it has a low smoke point
- Substituting with olive oil for high-heat cooking
- Not considering the flavor impact when substituting
- Using regular sesame oil when recipe calls for toasted
- Forgetting that sesame oil is primarily for flavor, not cooking fat
- Sesame oil
- 6-12 months in refrigerator
- Peanut oil
- 1-2 years in cool, dark place
- Walnut oil
- 6-12 months in refrigerator
- Grapeseed oil
- 6-12 months in cool, dark place
- Vegetable oil
- 1-2 years in cool, dark place
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sesame oil in Asian cooking?
Peanut oil is the best substitute for Asian cooking because it has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a few drops of toasted sesame oil at the end if you have it.
Can I substitute olive oil for sesame oil?
You can substitute olive oil for sesame oil, but it will change the flavor significantly. Olive oil has a fruity, peppery taste instead of the nutty sesame flavor. It's better for Mediterranean dishes than Asian cuisine.
What can I use instead of sesame oil for stir fry?
For stir fry, use grapeseed oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil. These oils have high smoke points and won't burn during high-heat cooking. Add toasted sesame seeds at the end for authentic flavor.
Is there a substitute for toasted sesame oil?
Yes, you can make your own by toasting sesame seeds and infusing them in neutral oil, or use peanut oil which has a similar nutty flavor. Regular sesame oil won't have the same intense toasted flavor.
What's a good sesame oil substitute for fried rice?
Use peanut oil for cooking the rice and add toasted sesame seeds at the end. This gives you the cooking properties you need plus the authentic sesame flavor without using actual sesame oil.
Can I substitute sesame oil with tahini?
Yes, you can thin tahini with neutral oil to create a sesame oil substitute. Use 1 teaspoon tahini mixed with 2 teaspoons neutral oil. This gives you the sesame flavor but with a thicker consistency.
What's the healthiest substitute for sesame oil?
Avocado oil is the healthiest substitute as it's high in monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point. However, it won't have the sesame flavor, so you may want to add toasted sesame seeds for taste.
Can I substitute sesame oil in salad dressing?
Yes, use walnut oil or olive oil mixed with toasted sesame seeds. Walnut oil has a similar nutty richness, while olive oil provides heart-healthy benefits. Add sesame seeds for authentic flavor and texture.
What if I'm allergic to sesame oil?
Use sunflower oil, safflower oil, or canola oil for cooking, and add other flavor enhancers like garlic, ginger, or soy sauce. Avoid sesame seeds as well, as they're from the same plant.
How do I make my own sesame oil substitute?
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden, then blend with neutral oil (like grapeseed or vegetable oil) in a 1:2 ratio (seeds to oil). Strain through cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator.