Running low on ghee? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About ghee
Ghee is a form of clarified butter originating from South Asian cuisine, made by slowly simmering butter until all moisture evaporates and the milk solids are removed, leaving behind pure golden butterfat. It has a rich, nutty, caramelised flavour and a very high smoke point (around 250°C), making it excellent for high-heat cooking. Its lack of milk solids means it is shelf-stable at room temperature and suitable for those with lactose sensitivities.
Best substitute
Clarified butter is essentially the same product as ghee — both are pure butterfat with milk solids removed — though ghee is cooked slightly longer, giving it a nuttier flavour. It performs identically in almost every application.
Alternative
Unsalted butter adds the same richness and flavour base but contains water (about 15–18%) and milk solids, which lowers its smoke point significantly. It works well in most baking and low-to-medium heat cooking but will brown and burn more quickly at high temperatures.
Alternative
Refined coconut oil has a high smoke point similar to ghee and is a popular dairy-free alternative. It adds a mild coconut flavour (refined versions are relatively neutral) and works well in both savoury and sweet applications, though it lacks the buttery nuttiness of ghee.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | ghee |
| IN | ghee (desi ghee) |
| United Kingdom | ghee |
| United States | ghee |
Alternative
A neutral vegetable oil such as canola or sunflower oil can replace ghee for high-heat cooking and in recipes where fat is primarily a cooking medium. It lacks the distinctive nutty, buttery flavour of ghee, so flavour complexity will be reduced.
Alternative
Rendered lard has a high smoke point comparable to ghee and provides excellent flavour and texture in savoury cooking and pastry. It is not suitable for those avoiding animal products, and its pork flavour makes it unsuitable for dishes where a neutral or buttery taste is expected.