How Much Sesame Oil to Substitute for Tahini
Works for sauteing, frying, and raw cold. Sesame Oil keeps a similar flavor profile to Tahini.
How much sesame oil equals one Tahini?
Use 1 cup Sesame Oil per cup of Tahini
Health notes
Compared with Tahini, Sesame Oil has: more calories (884 vs 570 per 100g in Tahini), more fat (100g vs 48g per 100g in Tahini), more saturated fat (14.2g vs 6.7g per 100g in Tahini), less protein (0g vs 17.8g per 100g in Tahini), and less carbs (0g vs 26.2g per 100g in Tahini).
Using sesame oil as a tahini substitute in pan-frying
1:1 swap works well. Use toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor. Add to pan at end.
Other cooking methods
- Frying
1:1; similar smoke point. Adds toasted sesame flavor to fried foods.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dressings, dips, and drizzles. Toasted flavor shines.
- Drinks
1:1 in Asian soups and broths. Drizzle just before serving.
Methods to avoid (4)
- Baking
Not recommended: sesame oil won't bind or emulsify in baked goods.
- Slow Cook
Not recommended: oil separates and won't thicken or emulsify in long cooking.
- Grilling
Not recommended: oil burns at grill temperatures and smokes heavily.
- Steaming
Not recommended: oil won't emulsify or coat in steam.
FAQ
- Can I substitute sesame oil for Tahini in pan-frying?
Yes. 1:1 swap works well. Use toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor. Add to pan at end. Not recommended: sesame oil won't bind or emulsify in baked goods.
- How much sesame oil to use as a tahini substitute?
Toasted sesame replaces nutty tahini; use less oil as flavor is more intense.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
Sesame oil keeps a similar flavor profile to tahini.
- How does texture change when substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
Sesame oil thin, pourable liquid instead of thick paste. No binding or emulsifying power. Slick mouthfeel.
- What else should I know about substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
For sauteing, raw dips, and cold dressings, use 1:1 sesame oil for tahini. Expect thinner, pourable texture with toasted sesame flavor instead of creamy paste. Skip baking, slow cooking, grilling, and steaming. Sesame oil won't bind or emulsify like tahini. Use toasted sesame oil for stronger flavor; drizzle at the end of cooking.
- What still works when substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
Sesame oil still works as a fat, flavor carrier, and texture.
- What won't work when substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
Sesame oil won't work as a emulsifier and binder.
- How well does Sesame Oil match Tahini?
Sesame oil is stretch on structure, good on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
Sesame oil has about x2 more calories, fat, and sat. fat. Sesame oil has no protein, while tahini has some.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Sesame Oil for Tahini?
The flavor shifts toward more pungent and less umami notes.