Substitute for Sesame Oil: Ratios and Best Uses

By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made

The right substitute for sesame oil depends on whether a recipe calls for plain or toasted oil. If you need a cooking fat, any neutral vegetable oil is a simple 1 for 1 replacement. If a recipe uses toasted sesame oil for its nutty flavor, ground toasted sesame seeds or a small amount of tahini provide the closest taste.

Understanding the two types of sesame oil helps in choosing a substitute. Plain, or light, sesame oil is a neutral cooking oil used for frying. Toasted, or dark, sesame oil has a strong, nutty aroma and is used as a finishing oil. It burns easily and is typically added at the end of cooking to add flavor to sauces, dressings, and noodle dishes.

Substitutes for sesame oil

Ratios are common kitchen equivalents; results vary by recipe, so try a swap in a forgiving recipe first.

Good to know

• Toasted sesame oil burns easily; it is usually added at the end
• Sesame is a major food allergen in the US

How to choose the right sesame oil substitute

To select the best alternative, first determine the role of sesame oil in your recipe: is it a cooking fat or a flavor enhancer? For sauteing and stir-frying, recipes usually intend plain sesame oil. Its purpose is to cook ingredients without adding a strong taste. In this case, another neutral oil, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil, works as a direct replacement.

If the recipe specifies toasted sesame oil, or if it is added at the end of cooking, its purpose is flavor. To replicate its distinctive nutty character, you need an ingredient with a similar profile. Ground toasted sesame seeds or tahini, which is a paste made from sesame seeds, are effective options. Another alternative is perilla oil, which brings a similar nutty quality but also adds its own distinct herbal notes, making it a good fit for many Korean dishes.

Swaps by recipe type

Your choice of substitute will change based on the dish you are making. Here are some common applications:

• Stir-frying and sauteing: When sesame oil is the primary cooking fat, replace it with the same amount of a neutral oil. This provides the necessary fat for cooking without adding an unintended flavor.
• Dressings and noodle sauces: For recipes where toasted sesame oil is whisked into a sauce or dressing, a small amount of tahini can be used. Because tahini is a thick paste, you may need to add a little extra water or other liquid to get the right consistency. A spoonful of ground toasted sesame seeds also works well to add flavor.
• Finishing a dish: If a recipe calls for drizzling toasted sesame oil over noodles, soups, or steamed vegetables just before serving, a sprinkle of ground toasted sesame seeds will add a similar nutty taste and aroma.

What changes when you swap

Using a substitute for sesame oil will naturally cause some changes in the final dish. Replacing plain sesame oil with another neutral oil will have almost no impact on the flavor. The primary function is simply to be a medium for cooking.

When replacing toasted sesame oil, the changes are more noticeable. Tahini will make sauces and dressings creamier and thicker. You may need to thin the mixture with a little water to achieve the desired texture. Using ground sesame seeds will introduce a slightly gritty texture that the smooth oil would not have. Perilla oil is an effective flavor substitute, but it contributes an herbal flavor that is different from the purely nutty taste of sesame.

Remember that sesame is a major food allergen in the United States. If you are substituting due to an allergy, be sure that your chosen alternative, such as tahini, does not also contain sesame.

Sources and method

• Substitution ratios: common equivalents from US university extension substitution tables and standard cookbooks, cross-checked by the editors

Last checked October 21, 2026.