Sesame Oil Substitutes: 5 Best Nutty Oil Alternatives
The best substitute for sesame oil is Tahini + Neutral Oil at a 1 tsp tahini + 1 tsp neutral oil per 2 tsp sesame oil ratio. It works best for dressings, marinades, dipping sauces. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Tahini + Neutral Oil
1 tsp tahini + 1 tsp neutral oil per 2 tsp sesame oil
Tahini is ground sesame seeds and provides authentic sesame flavor. Thin with a neutral oil for the right consistency. The closest flavor match.
What are the other substitutes for sesame oil?
Perilla Oil
1 tsp perilla oil per 1 tsp sesame oil
Korean perilla oil has a similar nutty, earthy flavor. Works 1:1 as a finishing oil. Common in Korean cuisine as a sesame oil alternative.
Walnut Oil
1 tsp walnut oil per 1 tsp sesame oil
Rich, nutty flavor that can approximate sesame oil in dressings and finishing. Not the same flavor but provides a similar nutty depth. Low smoke point.
Peanut Oil
1 cup peanut oil per 1 cup sesame oil (for cooking)
Works 1:1 for cooking applications. Has a mild nutty flavor but lacks the intensity of toasted sesame oil. Best for stir-frying where sesame oil is the cooking fat.
Toasted Sesame Seeds + Neutral Oil
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, crushed + 1 tbsp neutral oil per 2 tbsp sesame oil
Crush toasted sesame seeds to release their oils and mix with a neutral oil. Provides authentic sesame flavor and added texture.
What should you know before substituting sesame oil?
Toasted sesame oil is a finishing oil-add it at the end of cooking or the flavor will cook away. A little goes a long way; even 1/2 teaspoon can transform a dish. Light sesame oil can be used for cooking at moderate heat. Store sesame oil in the refrigerator to prevent it from going rancid.
How do you substitute sesame oil in a recipe?
A flavorful oil made from sesame seeds. Available as toasted (dark, intensely nutty, used as a finishing oil) and untoasted (light, neutral, suitable for cooking). Essential in Asian cuisine.
The best substitute for sesame oil depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Tahini + Neutral Oil (1 tsp tahini + 1 tsp neutral oil per 2 tsp sesame oil), which works well for dressings, marinades, dipping sauces.
If you need a different option, Perilla Oil (1 tsp perilla oil per 1 tsp sesame oil) is another reliable choice. Korean perilla oil has a similar nutty, earthy flavor. Works 1:1 as a finishing oil. Common in Korean cuisine as a sesame oil alternative.
When substituting sesame oil, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and American Heart Association. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tastes like sesame oil?
Tahini thinned with neutral oil is the closest match-it is made from the same sesame seeds. Perilla oil provides a similar nutty depth. Walnut oil also offers nuttiness but with a different flavor profile.
Can I skip sesame oil in a recipe?
You can omit it but will lose significant flavor. Toasted sesame oil is used as a flavoring, not a cooking fat. Even a small amount adds depth. Try substituting with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for some of the flavor.
What is the difference between toasted and regular sesame oil?
Toasted (dark) sesame oil is made from roasted seeds and has an intense, nutty flavor-it is a finishing oil. Regular (light) sesame oil is pressed from raw seeds with a mild taste and higher smoke point for cooking.