Out of Toasted sesame oil, one case
Toasted sesame oil substitute, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular sesame oil
Same amount as the toasted sesame oil
The best substitutes for toasted sesame oil are regular sesame oil (1:1 ratio), peanut oil (1:1 ratio), or neutral oil + toasted sesame seeds (1 tbsp oil + ½ tsp seeds). For authentic Asian flavor, use regular sesame oil. For stir fry, use peanut oil. For flavor enhancement, add toasted sesame seeds to any neutral oil.
- Best for —
- Asian stir fry
One casethe full sesame oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of toasted sesame oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular sesame oilAsian stir fry | Same amount |
| 2 | Peanut oilstir frying | Same amount |
| 3 | Neutral oil + toasted sesame seedswhen you need sesame flavor | 1 tbsp neutral oil + ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds |
| 4 | Walnut oilsalad dressings | Same amount |
| 5 | Grapeseed oil + sesame seedshigh-heat cooking | 1 tbsp grapeseed oil + 1 tsp sesame seeds |
| 6 | Sunflower oil + sesame seedsgeneral cooking | 1 tbsp sunflower oil + 1 tsp sesame seeds |
Regular sesame oil
similar but lighter · identical texture
Regular sesame oil has the same base flavor as toasted sesame oil but with less intensity. It's made from raw sesame seeds rather than toasted ones, giving it a lighter, more subtle taste. Use the same amount or slightly more to achieve similar flavor intensity.
- Best for
- Asian stir fry, sauces and marinades, salad dressings, finishing oil
- Smoke point
- 350°F
- Cooking method
- finishing, low-heat cooking
Lighter flavor but same base taste. Use slightly more for similar intensity.
Peanut oil
nutty, similar · identical texture
Peanut oil offers a similar nutty flavor profile to toasted sesame oil with a much higher smoke point, making it good for high-heat cooking methods like stir frying. It's commonly used in Asian cuisine and provides excellent flavor without burning.
- Best for
- stir frying, high-heat cooking, Asian dishes, deep frying
- Smoke point
- 450°F
- Cooking method
- stir frying, deep frying, high-heat cooking
Similar nutty flavor and high smoke point. Excellent for stir frying.
Neutral oil + toasted sesame seeds
customizable sesame
Combine any neutral oil (grapeseed, vegetable, canola) with toasted sesame seeds to create a custom sesame oil substitute. Toast the seeds first to enhance their flavor, then add them to the oil. This method gives you control over the intensity of the sesame flavor.
- Best for
- when you need sesame flavor, dressings and sauces, finishing dishes, custom flavor profiles
- Texture
- identical with seed bits
- Smoke point
- varies by oil used
- Cooking method
- finishing, low-heat cooking
Infuse neutral oil with sesame flavor. Toast seeds first for best results.
Walnut oil
rich, nutty · identical texture
Walnut oil provides a rich, nutty flavor similar to toasted sesame oil but with its own distinctive character. It's best used as a finishing oil or in cold applications like dressings, as it has a low smoke point and can become bitter when heated.
- Best for
- salad dressings, finishing oil, cold sauces, gourmet dishes
- Smoke point
- 320°F
- Cooking method
- finishing, cold applications
Rich, nutty flavor. Use for finishing and dressings only.
Grapeseed oil + sesame seeds
mild sesame
Grapeseed oil provides excellent heat tolerance while sesame seeds add the desired flavor. This combination works well for high-heat cooking methods where you need both the smoke point of grapeseed oil and the flavor of sesame.
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, stir frying, when you need both heat tolerance and sesame flavor
- Texture
- identical with seed bits
- Smoke point
- 420°F
- Cooking method
- stir frying, high-heat cooking
High smoke point with sesame flavor. Toast seeds before adding.
Sunflower oil + sesame seeds
mild sesame
Sunflower oil provides a neutral base that won't interfere with other flavors, while sesame seeds add the desired nutty taste. This is a budget-friendly option that works well for general cooking applications.
- Best for
- general cooking, when you want mild sesame flavor, budget-friendly option
- Texture
- identical with seed bits
- Smoke point
- 440°F
- Cooking method
- general cooking, stir frying
Neutral base with sesame flavor. Good for general cooking.
The longer answer
About this case
Toasted sesame oil is prized for its intense, nutty flavor and aromatic qualities that make it essential in Asian cuisine.
Tips for substituting toasted sesame oil
10 tips- Toasted sesame oil is primarily used for flavor, not cooking - add it at the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic qualities
- If using regular sesame oil as a substitute, use 1½ times the amount to match the intensity of toasted sesame oil
- For stir frying, peanut oil is the best substitute as it has a high smoke point and similar nutty flavor
- When making your own sesame oil substitute, always toast the sesame seeds first to enhance their flavor
- Store homemade sesame oil substitutes in the refrigerator to prevent the seeds from going rancid
- For salad dressings, walnut oil provides the most sophisticated flavor profile as a toasted sesame oil substitute
- If you need the oil for high-heat cooking, use grapeseed or peanut oil with added sesame seeds rather than pure sesame oil
- A little toasted sesame oil goes a long way - start with half the amount and adjust to taste
- For authentic Asian dishes, regular sesame oil is the closest substitute to toasted sesame oil
- When substituting in marinades, regular sesame oil works just as well as toasted sesame oil
Notes on toasted sesame oil
- Stir fry cookingPeanut OilSame amountHigh smoke point and similar nutty flavor make it good for high-heat stir frying
- Salad dressingsWalnut OilSame amountRich, nutty flavor that works well in cold applications without heating
- Asian sauces and marinadesRegular Sesame OilSame amountSame base flavor with authentic Asian taste, just slightly less intense
- Finishing oilRegular Sesame OilSame amountSame aromatic qualities as toasted sesame oil, good for drizzling on finished dishes
- High-heat cookingGrapeseed Oil + Sesame Seeds1 tbsp oil + 1 tsp seedsCombines high smoke point with sesame flavor for cooking applications
- Using toasted sesame oil for high-heat cooking - it has a low smoke point and will burn
- Not toasting sesame seeds when making homemade substitutes - raw seeds won't provide the same flavor
- Using too much toasted sesame oil - it's very potent and a little goes a long way
- Substituting with oils that have very different flavor profiles (like olive oil) without considering the impact on the dish
- Not considering the smoke point when choosing a substitute for cooking applications
- Storing homemade sesame oil substitutes at room temperature - the seeds can go rancid
- Store toasted sesame oil in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity
- Homemade sesame oil substitutes with seeds should also be refrigerated
- Regular sesame oil can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place
- Check the expiration date on sesame oil - it can go rancid over time
- If your sesame oil smells off or has a bitter taste, it's time to replace it
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the difference between toasted sesame oil and regular sesame oil?
Toasted sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds, giving it a much more intense, nutty flavor and darker color. Regular sesame oil is made from raw sesame seeds and has a lighter, more subtle taste. Toasted sesame oil is typically used as a finishing oil, while regular sesame oil can be used for cooking.
Can I substitute regular sesame oil for toasted sesame oil?
Yes, regular sesame oil is the closest substitute for toasted sesame oil. Use the same amount or slightly more (1.5x) to achieve similar flavor intensity. Regular sesame oil has the same base flavor but is less intense than toasted sesame oil.
What's the best substitute for toasted sesame oil in stir fry?
Peanut oil is the best substitute for toasted sesame oil in stir fry because it has a high smoke point (450°F) and similar nutty flavor. You can also use grapeseed oil with added toasted sesame seeds for both heat tolerance and sesame flavor.
Can I use toasted sesame oil for cooking?
Toasted sesame oil has a low smoke point (around 350°F) and is best used as a finishing oil rather than for high-heat cooking. For cooking, use peanut oil, grapeseed oil, or regular sesame oil instead. Add toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.
How do I make my own toasted sesame oil substitute?
Combine 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (grapeseed, vegetable, or canola) with ½ to 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Toast the sesame seeds first in a dry pan until golden, then add them to the oil. Let it infuse for a few minutes before using.
Is there a substitute for toasted sesame oil in salad dressings?
For salad dressings, walnut oil provides the most sophisticated flavor profile as a toasted sesame oil substitute. You can also use regular sesame oil or a combination of neutral oil with toasted sesame seeds. Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor that works well in cold applications.
Can I substitute sesame oil for toasted sesame oil?
Yes, you can substitute regular sesame oil for toasted sesame oil, but you may need to use slightly more to achieve the same flavor intensity. Regular sesame oil has a lighter, more subtle taste compared to the intense nutty flavor of toasted sesame oil.
What's a good substitute for toasted sesame oil in Asian cooking?
For Asian cooking, peanut oil is the best substitute for toasted sesame oil because it has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point. Regular sesame oil also works well. For authentic flavor, use regular sesame oil; for high-heat cooking, use peanut oil.