Sesame oil is a flavorful, fragrant cooking oil that’s been used in Asia for centuries.
It has a distinctive nutty taste and is perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings.
Sesame oil is also high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re looking to add some Asian flair to your cooking, sesame oil is a great ingredient to use.
But what if you don’t have any sesame oil on hand? Never fear; there are plenty of substitutes you can use instead.
Read on for the five best substitutes for sesame oil.
What is Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from sesame seeds.
It has a light, nutty flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine.
The oil is also popular in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is used to treat various medical conditions.
Sesame oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, which makes it a healthy choice for cooking.
Sesame oil is used in many Asian cuisines, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes.
It is also used in some Middle Eastern dishes.
Sesame oil can be used for stir-frying, marinating, or as a finishing oil.
It adds flavor to food and can be used in place of other oils, such as vegetable oil or olive oil.
The flavor of sesame oil pairs well with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Toasted sesame oil has a deeper flavor and is used as a finishing oil or to add flavor to soups and sauces.
Sesame oil has a high smoke point and is a good choice for high-heat cooking.
When shopping for sesame oil, look for unrefined oil, which has a light amber color.
Refined oils are lighter in color and have a neutral flavor.
Sesame oil can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 3 years.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sesame Oil
If you’re all out of sesame oil and need a substitute for your recipe, don’t despair.
There are several options available that will work just as well in most cases.
Here are the five best substitutes for sesame oil:
1 – Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of grapes.
The oil has a light, neutral flavor and is high in healthy unsaturated fats.
It is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, making it a healthy choice for cooking and baking.
In addition, grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying and sautéing.
When shopping for grapeseed oil, look for bottles that are dark in color and have a tight seal.
The oil should also be stored in a cool, dark place to ensure freshness.
2 – Olive Oil

Many people are familiar with olive oil, but fewer know exactly what it is.
Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from olives, a fruit that grows on olive trees.
The oil is traditionally made by crushing olives and then separating the pulp from the liquid.
However, modern methods of extraction often involve the use of chemicals or centrifuges.
The final product is a clear, golden-yellow liquid with a slightly bitter taste.
Depending on the methods used and the quality of the olives, olive oil can vary in flavor from mild to strong.
It is often used in cooking, as it can add a unique flavor to dishes.
3 – Walnut Oil

Walnut oil has a light, nutty flavor that is both delicate and versatile.
It is perfect for adding richness to salads, pasta dishes, and baked goods.
It can also be used as a finishing oil, providing a beautiful shine and depth of flavor to any dish.
Because of its light flavor, walnut oil is also an excellent choice for stir-frying or sautéing.
When used in cooking, walnut oil helps to highlight the natural flavors of food without overpowering them.
As a result, it is an essential ingredient in any kitchen.
Whether you are looking to add a little something special to your next meal or simply want a healthy cooking oil, walnut oil is a perfect choice.
4 – Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a good option if you are looking for an oil that will not alter the taste of your food.
Peanut oil is a type of vegetable oil that is derived from peanuts.
It has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
Peanut oil also has a neutral flavor, which means it will not impact the taste of your food.
Peanut oil is a popular choice for stir-fries, as it can withstand the high heat of the pan without smoking or burning.
Peanut oil is also often used in Asian-style cooking, as it can help to create a light and crispy texture.
5 – Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the flesh of avocados.
It is usually green in color and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are considered to be healthy fats.
Unlike other oils, avocado oil is relatively resistant to heat-induced damage.
This means that it can be used for cooking at high temperatures without deteriorating.
Additionally, avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying foods.
The main downside of avocado oil is its price; it is often more expensive than other types of oils.
However, many believe its health benefits make it worth the cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many substitutes for sesame oil that can be used in various recipes.
Each substitute has its own unique flavor that can add an interesting twist to your dish.
When choosing a substitute, consider the flavors of the other ingredients in your recipe and select an oil that will complement them.
With a little experimentation, you’re sure to find a sesame oil substitute that you love.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sesame Oil

Ingredients
- Grapeseed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Walnut Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Avocado Oil
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.