Substitute for Sesame Oil
Toasted sesame oil used as a finishing oil in Asian cooking for its distinctive nutty flavor.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing sesame oil is Olive Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds at a ratio of 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds = 1 tablespoon sesame oil. This works well for stir fries, dressings, noodles. There are 2 total substitutes listed below, each suited for different situations. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Olive Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds
Flavor impact: Provides some nuttiness from the seeds. Does not replicate the full depth of sesame oil.
Dairy-freePeanut Oil
Flavor impact: Lighter nutty flavor. Good for cooking but misses the roasted sesame aroma for finishing.
Dairy-free
There is no perfect substitute for toasted sesame oil's aroma. Use the olive oil + sesame seeds trick for the best approximation. A bottle of sesame oil lasts months and is worth keeping on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Regular (light) sesame oil is mild and used for cooking at high heat. Toasted (dark) sesame oil has an intense nutty flavor and is used as a finishing oil. Most recipes mean the toasted version.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of sesame oil, the best all-around substitute is olive oil + toasted sesame seeds. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role sesame oil plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology