Your recipe calls for sesame oil but the bottle ran out. No problem — sesame oil, a nutty, aromatic oil made from toasted or untoasted sesame seeds, has several reliable substitutes that can preserve texture and flavor in your dishes.
Below are seven versatile alternatives to sesame oil, along with when and how to use them so your cooking stays on track.
Table of Contents
7 Easy Substitutes for Sesame Oil
If you need a sesame oil substitute, these seven oils cover a wide range of flavors and cooking needs. Use equal amounts unless noted otherwise.
| Substitute | Taste | Smoke Point | Suitable Dishes |
| Olive Oil | Fruity, peppery | 375–400°F | Stir-fries, marinades, dressings |
| Avocado Oil | Mild, buttery | 375–500°F (refined) | Sautéing, roasting, dressings |
| Peanut Oil | Neutral, slightly nutty | 450°F | Stir-fries, deep-frying |
| Toasted Walnut Oil | Rich, deeply nutty | 320°F | Salad dressings, finishing oil |
| Toasted Almond Oil | Nutty, slightly sweet | 420°F | Baking, dressings, light sautéing |
| Coconut Oil | Sweet, tropical | 350°F | Baking, roasting, some sautés |
| Grapeseed Oil | Light, neutral | 420°F | Stir-fries, marinades, dressings |
1 – Olive Oil
Olive oil is a versatile, readily available substitute. While it lacks the toasted sesame aroma, its fruity, peppery notes work well in dressings, marinades and many cooked dishes. Use it 1:1 where sesame oil is called for, especially in recipes where a robust sesame flavor isn’t essential.
2 – Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is mild and buttery with a high smoke point (refined avocado oil can handle high heat). It’s a great all-purpose substitute for sautéing, roasting and dressings. Use it in the same amount as sesame oil for a neutral result that preserves texture and mouthfeel.
3 – Peanut Oil
Peanut oil offers a faint nutty character and excellent heat tolerance, making it ideal for stir-frying and deep-frying. Swap it in at a 1:1 ratio when you need an oil that stands up to high heat without overpowering other flavors.
4 – Toasted Walnut Oil
Toasted walnut oil brings a rich, toasty nut flavor close to the profile of toasted sesame oil, though with its own distinct character. It’s best used as a finishing oil or in dressings and baked goods rather than for high-heat cooking. Use it 1:1 to add depth and warmth.
5 – Toasted Almond Oil
Toasted almond oil has a gentle, sweet nuttiness and a slightly buttery finish. It works well in dressings, baking and light sautéing. Substitute it in equal amounts when you want a warm, nutty note without the distinct sesame taste.
6 – Coconut Oil
Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical sweetness and creamy texture. It’s useful in baking and many savory dishes where a hint of coconut complements the flavors. Use it 1:1, keeping in mind its distinctive aroma will alter the final taste.
7 – Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is light and neutral, making it a dependable sesame oil substitute that won’t compete with other flavors. With a reasonably high smoke point, it suits stir-fries, marinades and dressings and can be used in equal proportions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but olive oil won’t reproduce sesame’s toasted nutty aroma. It works best in dishes where a neutral or fruity oil is acceptable.
Yes. Avocado oil is mild and blends well in dressings, though it won’t add the toasted sesame flavor.
Peanut oil is an excellent choice because of its high smoke point and subtle nutty notes.
Yes. Toasted walnut oil offers a deep, nutty flavor that makes an excellent finishing or dressing oil.
Coconut oil is creamier and slightly sweet; it works well in baking and some savory dishes but will change the flavor profile more than neutral oils.