Toasted sesame oil substitutes
Toasted sesame oil substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular sesame oil
Same amount as the toasted sesame oil
Untoasted sesame oil with milder flavor but similar base notes.
The best substitutes for toasted sesame oil are regular sesame oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil, or a blend of neutral oil with sesame seeds for flavor.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- stir-fries
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of toasted sesame oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular sesame oilstir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Walnut oildressings | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Hazelnut oildressings | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Neutral oil + sesame seedscooking | 1 cup oil + 2-3 tbsp sesame seedsWorks | Works |
| 5 | Peanut oilstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Sunflower oil + sesame seedscooking | 1 cup oil + 1 tbsp sesame seedsWorks | Works |
Regular sesame oil
similar taste and texture
Untoasted sesame oil with milder flavor but similar base notes.
- Best for
- stir-fries, dressings, marinades, cooking
Less intense flavor but works in most applications.
Walnut oil
similar taste and texture
Nutty oil with rich flavor that complements Asian dishes.
- Best for
- dressings, finishing, marinades, stir-fries
More expensive but has similar nutty characteristics.
Hazelnut oil
similar taste and texture
Rich, nutty oil with similar aromatic qualities.
- Best for
- dressings, finishing, marinades
Strong nutty flavor, use sparingly.
Neutral oil + sesame seeds
similar taste and texture
Infuse neutral oil with toasted sesame seeds for similar flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, dressings, marinades
Toast seeds first, then infuse in warm oil for 30 minutes.
Peanut oil
different taste, similar texture
Nutty oil commonly used in Asian cooking.
- Best for
- stir-fries, cooking, frying
Good for high-heat cooking, less aromatic than sesame oil.
Sunflower oil + sesame seeds
similar taste and texture
Light oil infused with sesame seeds for subtle flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, dressings, marinades
Toast seeds lightly before infusing for better flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use toasted sesame oil for high-heat cooking?
Toasted sesame oil has a low smoke point and is best used as a finishing oil. For high-heat cooking, use regular sesame oil or peanut oil instead.
What's the difference between regular and toasted sesame oil?
Regular sesame oil is made from raw sesame seeds and has a mild flavor, while toasted sesame oil is made from toasted seeds and has a much stronger, nuttier aroma and flavor.
How long does toasted sesame oil last?
Toasted sesame oil can last 6-12 months when stored properly in a cool, dark place. The flavor will gradually diminish over time.
Can I substitute toasted sesame oil in non-Asian recipes?
Yes, toasted sesame oil can add interesting nutty notes to Western dishes, but use it sparingly as the flavor is quite distinctive and can overpower other ingredients.
Tips for substituting toasted sesame oil
10 tips- Toasted sesame oil is best used as a finishing oil, not for high-heat cooking
- A little goes a long way - use sparingly to avoid overpowering dishes
- Store in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity
- The oil adds depth to Asian-inspired dishes and dressings
- It pairs well with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in marinades
- Use for finishing soups, noodles, and stir-fries
- The oil can be used in both savory and sweet applications
- It's essential for authentic Asian flavor profiles
- The nutty aroma enhances the overall dining experience
- Combine with other oils for balanced flavor in dressings