Sesame Oil Alternative – What You Can Use Instead
Out of Sesame Oil? Here Are the Best Alternatives
So you’re halfway through cooking your fave stir-fry or dressing and suddenly realize… you’re totally out of sesame oil. The bottle’s dry. The pantry’s empty. And now you’re wondering—can I swap it with something else? Don’t panic—I’ve got you!
Let’s break down what sesame oil is, why it’s special, and which substitutes you can totally use in a pinch—without sacrificing flavor, texture, or vibe.
What Makes Sesame Oil So Special?
Sesame oil isn’t just oil—it’s a flavor bomb. It comes in two main types:
| Type | Color | Flavor | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toasted (Dark) | Deep amber-brown | Rich, nutty, earthy, intense | Finishing oil, marinades, sauces |
| Untoasted (Light) | Pale yellow | Mild, slightly nutty | Cooking oil, frying, sautéing |
Most Asian recipes—like Korean bibimbap, Chinese stir-fries, or Japanese dressings—call for toasted sesame oil. It’s not meant for high-heat cooking; it’s more of a finishing touch, like a drizzle of flair.
Sesame Oil Substitution Chart
Here’s a handy chart so you can quickly find a sesame oil swap depending on what you’re making:
| Substitute | Best For | Flavor Match | Heat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toasted sesame oil (duh) | Literally the same thing | Perfect | Low |
| Tahini + neutral oil | Dressings, dips, sauces | Close-ish | Medium |
| Peanut oil | Stir-fries, marinades | Nutty, mild | High |
| Walnut oil | Salads, drizzles | Nutty, light | Low |
| Avocado oil + sesame seeds | Cooking and finishing (if toasted seeds) | Mild | High |
| Olive oil (light) | Sautéing, not ideal for Asian flavors | Slight mismatch | Medium |
| Sunflower or Canola oil | Frying, basic stir-fries | Neutral | High |
| Grapeseed oil + a splash soy sauce | Marinades, dressings | Savory twist | High |
Quick DIY Hack: Faux Sesame Oil
Out of sesame oil but want that signature flavor? Try this:
1 Tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
½ tsp tahini (or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds)
Optional: a dash of soy sauce or miso for umami
Whisk it together, and boom—homemade sesame-ish oil. It’s not 100% perfect, but it’ll give your dish a similar vibe in a pinch.
FAQs
Q: What’s the closest flavor match?
A: For flavor? Toasted sesame oil is kind of in its own league, but tahini (made from sesame seeds) mixed with a neutral oil gets you close. Peanut oil comes in second for nutty notes.
Q: Can I skip sesame oil completely?
A: You can, but you might lose some of that deep, roasty flavor—especially in dishes like sesame noodles, stir-fried veggies, or miso dressing. If you can, use a flavorful nut oil or tahini to make up for it.
Q: Is sesame oil healthy?
A: It actually has a nice fatty acid profile, including anti-inflammatory sesamol and sesamin. But like all oils, moderation is key—especially toasted sesame oil, since it’s not meant for high-heat cooking.
Q: Can I use sesame seeds instead?
A: Yes! Toasted sesame seeds can bring back that nutty flavor. Sprinkle them on top of your dish or stir them into sauces for a crunchy, aromatic kick. Bonus: they look pretty too.
Flavor Swaps: When Taste Matters Most
Here’s a little cheat sheet based on the dish you’re making and the best oil to use in place of sesame oil:
| Dish | Best Sub | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asian stir-fry | Peanut oil | Holds up to heat + nutty taste |
| Sesame noodles | Tahini + neutral oil | Closest match to sesame depth |
| Dumpling sauce | Walnut oil or tahini + soy | Subtle nuttiness with umami |
| Salad dressing | Olive oil + toasted sesame seeds | Not exact, but flavorful |
| Fried rice | Avocado oil + sprinkle of sesame seeds | Neutral cooking oil, but seeds help flavor |
Label Matters!
If you’re in the store looking at bottles, read the label carefully:
- If it says “toasted”, it’s the rich-flavored finishing oil.
- If it’s just “sesame oil” with a light color, it’s for cooking.
They’re not the same—so double check before you drizzle.
Shopping Tip: Can’t Find Sesame Oil?
- Check the international aisle or Asian grocery stores.
- Look for small glass bottles with deep amber-colored oil (that’s the toasted kind).
- If you’re shopping online, brands like Kadoya, Eden, or Spectrum are solid.
