Butter Substitute for Ghee: Exact Ratio
Looking for a ghee substitute? Butter works as a direct replacement. Use 1 1/4 cups butter per 1 cup ghee in any recipe that calls for ghee. This swap works best for baking, sautéing, spreading.
Best Substitute
Butter
1 1/4 cups butter per 1 cup ghee
Butter has 20% water content. Use 25% more butter than ghee. Reduce other liquids slightly.
Tips When Replacing Ghee in Recipes
Ghee's high smoke point makes it excellent for searing and deep frying. Its nutty, caramelized flavor comes from browning the milk solids before straining. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate ghee since the milk solids are removed. To make ghee at home, melt butter slowly and skim off the foam until the liquid is clear and golden.
What Is Ghee and Why Substitute It?
Clarified butter with milk solids and water fully removed, leaving nearly pure butterfat with a rich, nutty flavor and very high smoke point (485°F). A staple in Indian and South Asian cooking.
Butter is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of ghee. For a complete list of ghee substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full ghee substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Ghee?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of ghee?
Yes, you can use butter as a substitute for ghee. Use 1 1/4 cups butter per 1 cup ghee. Butter has 20% water content. Use 25% more butter than ghee. Reduce other liquids slightly.
How much butter equals ghee?
Use 1 1/4 cups butter per 1 cup ghee to replace ghee with butter. Works best for baking, sautéing, spreading.
What is the best substitute for ghee?
Butter is a popular substitute for ghee. Use 1 1/4 cups butter per 1 cup ghee for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our ghee substitute page.