How Much Olive Oil to Substitute for Sesame Oil
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Olive Oil comes across milder than Sesame Oil.
How much olive oil equals one cup of sesame?
Use 1:1 olive oil for sesame oil. Expect a milder, grassy flavor with less toasted depth. Skip baking and laminated dough - olive oil won't brown like sesame. For baking, use 3/4 cup olive oil per cup sesame.
Using olive oil as a sesame oil substitute in baking
Use 3/4 cup per cup sesame oil. Cakes stay moist but won't brown as deeply. Skip laminated dough.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 swap works well. Lower smoke point than sesame, so watch heat carefully.
- Frying
1:1; crisp results with a grassy, herbaceous finish instead of toasted.
- Slow Cook
1:1; adds body without the toasted sesame character.
- Grilling
Brush on at 1:1 for lean proteins and vegetables.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dressings, dips, and drizzles.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Steaming
Not recommended: oil won't emulsify in steam.
- Drinks
Not recommended: olive oil doesn't dissolve in beverages.
FAQ
- How much olive oil equals one cup of sesame?
Use 1:1 olive oil for sesame oil. Expect a milder, grassy flavor with less toasted depth. Skip baking and laminated dough - olive oil won't brown like sesame. For baking, use 3/4 cup olive oil per cup sesame.
- Can I substitute olive oil for Sesame Oil in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup per cup sesame oil. Cakes stay moist but won't brown as deeply. Skip laminated dough. Not recommended: oil won't emulsify in steam.
- How much olive oil to use as a sesame oil substitute?
Milder and grassy; add soy sauce, salt, or a splash of rice vinegar to round it out.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
Olive oil comes across milder than sesame oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
Olive oil softer crumb in baked goods, less browning on top, paler color overall.
- What else should I know about substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
For sauteing, frying, and finishing dishes. Add a pinch of salt or splash of soy to sharpen flavor if you miss the toasted notes.
- What still works when substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
Olive oil still works as a fat and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
Olive oil won't work as a texture.
- How well does Olive Oil match Sesame Oil?
Olive oil is good on structure, good on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
Overall, calories, fat, sat. fat, and protein are similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
The flavor shifts toward more acidic, less pungent, and less umami notes.