How Much Canola Oil to Substitute for Sesame Oil
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Canola Oil comes across milder than Sesame Oil.
How much canola oil equals one Sesame Oil?
Use 1 cup Canola Oil per cup of Sesame Oil
Health notes
Compared with Sesame Oil, Canola Oil has: less saturated fat (7.4g vs 14.2g per 100g in Sesame Oil).
Using canola oil as a sesame oil substitute in baking
1:1 swap. Neutral oil won't brown as deeply as sesame. Add a pinch of salt or vanilla to brighten flavor.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 swap works well. Higher smoke point than sesame; won't burn as easily. Flavor stays neutral.
- Frying
1:1 swap. Crisp results with clean finish. No toasted sesame notes; add sesame seeds if you want that depth.
- Grilling
1:1 swap. Brush on lean proteins and vegetables. Won't char or add depth like sesame.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dressings and dips. Neutral base works; won't carry sesame's toasted character.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Slow Cook
Not recommended: canola lacks the toasted flavor that sesame brings to long braises.
- Steaming
Not recommended: neutral oil won't add flavor to steamed dishes.
- Drinks
Not recommended: canola has no flavor for beverages.
FAQ
- Can I substitute canola oil for Sesame Oil in baking?
Yes. 1:1 swap. Neutral oil won't brown as deeply as sesame. Add a pinch of salt or vanilla to brighten flavor. Not recommended: canola lacks the toasted flavor that sesame brings to long braises.
- How much canola oil to use as a sesame oil substitute?
Canola is neutral; you'll lose sesame's toasted warmth. Toast sesame seeds and sprinkle over finished dishes.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
Canola oil comes across milder than sesame oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
Canola oil no change in texture. Slightly less browning in baking. Crisps exteriors evenly when frying.
- What else should I know about substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
For sauteing, frying, and baking, use canola oil 1:1 for sesame oil. Expect lighter color, less browning, and neutral flavor. Skip slow-cooked dishes, steaming, and drinks where sesame's toasted depth matters. Canola won't carry the same aromatic punch. Toast sesame seeds separately and sprinkle over finished dishes to recover that signature warmth.
- What still works when substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
Canola oil still works as a fat and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
Canola oil won't work as a texture.
- How well does Canola Oil match Sesame Oil?
Canola oil is strong on structure, strong on heat, and stretch on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
Canola oil has about x2 fewer sat. fat. Overall, calories, fat, and protein are similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Canola Oil for Sesame Oil?
The flavor shifts toward less bitter, less pungent, and less umami notes.