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The Best Sesame Oil Substitutes can easily be found in your pantry. These substitutes can still help with your cooking and baking needs.

A close up image of sesame oil in a bowl
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The Best Sesame Oil Substitute:

Sesame Oil is an essential ingredient in a lot of our Asian Dish. It has a nutty flavor that adds so much flavor to our recipes. It can also offer many health benefits.

We have gathered The Best Substitute for Sesame Oil for all your cooking and baking dishes. Some might need a substitute because you are out or you may be allergic to it, so you are looking for an alternative.

If you are needing an oil with a high smoke point, make a stir fry or just looking for alternate for health reasons, these substitutes will help.

What is Sesame Oil?

Sesame Oil is a cooking oil that is made from sesame seeds. We usually use this oil in our Asian cooking dishes. You may notice a variety ways of how sesame oil is made. It is could be made with plain seeds or roasted sesame seeds

Light sesame oil is used as a neutral cooking oil while toasted sesame oil is used mainly for sauces and soups.

A close up image of sesame oil in a bowl

How to Use Sesame Seed Oil:

There are many ways to use Sesame Seed Oil. These are some of our favorite ways to use Toasted Sesame Seed Oil:

  • Add to your favorite soup
  • Make a Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
  • Toss in your Favorite Stir-Fry
  • Drizzle over some Cooked Noodles

Does Sesame Seed Oil go bad?

Sesame Seed Oil doesn’t last forever. Store leftover sesame seed oil in the refrigerator. It will last about 12 months if stored properly. It may become a little cloudy while stored in the refrigerator.

A close up image of sesame oil in a bowl

What is the Difference between Sesame Oil and Sesame Seed Oil:

There are two different types of sesame oil, one is light and one is dark. Sometime you might find that they label them interchangeably. Both are made with seeds, it just depends on the coloring.

A jar labeled sesame oil is using the lighter oil. If the jar is labeled sesame seed oil it is the darker oil.

Types of Sesame Seed Oil:

Sesame oil can be bottled in different forms. But commonly you will find a dark and light sesame seed oil.

  • Light Sesame Oil – This is a lighter version and is made with untoasted seeds with a mild flavor. This light oil is great for cooking and has a high smoke point.
  • Dark Sesame Oil – This is a darker version and is made with toasted seeds which makes it have a nutty taste. You can use this oil for cooking as it has a high smoke point. But if used at a high heat for to long, it could lose its flavoring.
  • Unrefined Oil – This organic sesame oil is found at your health food stores. This cold-pressed, extra virgin sesame oil is used for health benefits. But it can also be used in cooking or stir-frying.
  • Black Sesame Oil – This version is sesame oil is made from black sesame seeds. This cold-pressed option is flavorful and get for cooking. It can also be mixed in your salad dressing recipes.

1. Olive Oil:

Olive is the best replacement for sesame oil for cooking. To match the natural flavoring of sesame oil, we recommend using virgin, light or extra light olive oil.

The texture of olive oil is similar to sesame oil so it is a great option for cooking. This substitute is great for stir fries, pan-searing, dressing and baking.

Perilla Oil is the closest to sesame oil, but Olive oil is most commonly found oil in your pantry.

A close up image of sesame oil in a bowl

2. Grapeseed Oil:

This substitute is a great option. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. You can also use it if making your own sesame oil. It works best with recipes that have high-end ingredients.

Grapeseed oil adds flavor to your baking, frying, sauteing recipes. This a good alternative to sesame oil.

3. Walnut Oil:

Walnut oil has the mild nutty flavor that we love about sesame oil. This good substitute suited best for mixing in your marinades but not for cooking on high heat.

If you are needing a substitute for a finishing touch on your recipe, choose Walnut oil. Add it to your marinades or salad dressings.

A close up image of sesame oil in a bowl

4. Avocado Oil:

This sesame oil replacement is perfect because of its richness and texture. It doesn’t have the nutty, toasted flavor like sesame oil but it does add it a rich flavor to your recipe. Avocado oil is a good neutral oil.

Avocado oil does have a high smoke point, so you can use it your deep-frying recipes as well as your salad dressings and marinades.

Sunflower oil is also has a natural flavor that is great for cooking and sauteing.

5. Peanut Oil:

We use peanut oil in a lot of Asian recipes. So if you are out of sesame oil, this is a great alternative. The rich and nutty flavor that peanut oil shines through when cooking in your skillet or wok.

Peanut oil has a high smoke point, so it the perfect stir-fry option as well as frying and sauteing.

A close up image of sesame oil in a bowl

6. Butter:

Butter is a great option if you are needing an oil to finish off the dish. It doesn’t have the nutty, rich flavor that sesame oil has but it is a great alternative. Use when stir-frying, cooking, or baking. You can also just reach for vegetable oil or canola oil, if that is all you have.

Recipes with Sesame Oil:

1. Panda Express String Bean Chicken:

The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil with other simple ingredients to cook the tender chicken and string beans. Easy copycat recipe made at home with the added flavor of sesame oil.

A close-up of a stir-fry dish in a skillet, featuring sliced chicken pieces and green beans cooked in a savory sauce reminiscent of Panda Express String Bean Chicken. The dish is garnished with sesame seeds, giving it a flavorful and visually appealing presentation.
Panda Express String Bean Chicken
This Panda Express String Bean Chicken is the best copycat recipe. Stir Fry chicken beast with string green beans in an soy sauce marinade.
Panda Express String Bean Chicken

2. Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe:

If you love beef and broccoli take out, this recipe is a must try. The mixture of sesame oil and soy sauce is with the beef and broccoli to make an tasty and easy meal.

Easy Crock pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot Recipe is a great meal that is tasty and easy. Forget take out when you can enjoy tender beef and broccoli in the slow cooker.
Easy Crock pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

3. Easy Fried Rice Recipe:

Learn how to make this delicious fried rice recipe in just minutes. Your family can enjoy authentic fried rice with very little work. Our entire family loves fried rice but take out gets expensive especially for a large family like ours.

Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Enjoy this easy Fried Rice Recipe in less than 10 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.  Make this rice in less time than it takes to get take out.
Easy Fried Rice Recipe

4. Easy Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe:

This Orange Chicken Recipe is quick and easy when made in the skillet. The crispy chicken texture mixed with the sweet and tangy sauce makes this a family favorite. We love this meal for a quick dinner.

Easy Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe
Orange chicken recipe is a skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights. Anytime our family wants take out, I make this instead. The orange sauce is divine.
Easy Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe

More Helpful Substitutes:

The Best Sesame Oil Substitutes can easily be found in your pantry. These substitutes can still help with your cooking and baking needs. Still make all your favorite Asian recipes with these easy sesame oil substitution ideas. #eatingonadime #ingredientsubstitutions #sesameoil #substitutions

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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