Running low on sesame oil? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About sesame oil
Sesame oil is a flavourful oil pressed from sesame seeds, available in two main forms: light (cold-pressed, mild) and toasted (dark, intensely nutty). The toasted variety is most commonly used as a finishing oil or flavouring in Asian cuisines rather than a cooking medium, due to its low smoke point and potent aroma. Its distinctive nutty, rich flavour is difficult to replicate precisely, making it a prized ingredient in stir-fries, dressings, marinades, and dipping sauces.
Best substitute
If a recipe calls for toasted (dark) sesame oil and you only have light sesame oil, you can substitute but the flavour will be significantly milder; toasting a small amount of sesame seeds separately can help compensate. The two varieties are the closest direct swaps for each other.
Alternative
Perilla oil is pressed from perilla seeds and shares a similar toasty, nutty profile used in Korean cooking. It is one of the closest flavour matches to toasted sesame oil and works well in dressings, dipping sauces, and finishing applications.
Alternative
Tahini (sesame seed paste) diluted with a neutral oil such as sunflower or grapeseed oil replicates the sesame flavour well. Whisk together equal parts tahini and neutral oil to achieve a pourable consistency before using as a substitute.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | sesame oil |
| CN | zhima you (芝麻油) |
| KR | chamgireum (참기름) |
| United Kingdom | sesame oil |
| United States | sesame oil |
Alternative
Walnut oil has a rich, nutty depth that approximates the character of toasted sesame oil in dressings and cold applications. It is best used unheated as it can turn bitter when cooked, and it lacks the distinctly Asian flavour profile of sesame.
Alternative
A neutral oil such as sunflower, grapeseed, or light olive oil combined with freshly toasted and lightly crushed sesame seeds can approximate the flavour of sesame oil in a pinch. Allow the seeds to steep in the warm oil briefly to infuse before using.