How Much Tahini to Substitute for Cashew Nut
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Tahini brings a noticeably different flavor than Cashew Nut.
How much tahini equals one cup of cashews?
Use 3/4 cup tahini per 1 cup cashews.
Health notes
Compared with Cashew Nut, Tahini has: more fat (48g vs 43.9g per 100g in Cashew Nut), less saturated fat (6.7g vs 7.8g per 100g in Cashew Nut), and less carbs (26.2g vs 30.2g per 100g in Cashew Nut).
Using tahini as a cashew nut substitute in baking
Use 3/4 cup tahini per 1 cup cashews; batters turn denser and richer with a sesame note.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
3/4 cup per 1 cup; stir in near the end so it doesn't seize.
- Slow Cook
3/4 cup per 1 cup; stir in late for a creamy, nutty body.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dips, dressings, and sauces for a creamy, savory base.
- Drinks
3/4 cup per 1 cup for creamy shakes or plant-based drinks.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Frying
Not recommended: tahini isn't a whole nut and won't crisp or fry like cashews.
- Grilling
Not recommended: tahini has no structure to grill or skewer.
- Steaming
Not recommended: paste doesn't hold up under steam heat.
FAQ
- How much tahini equals one cup of cashews?
Use 3/4 cup tahini per 1 cup cashews.
- Can I substitute tahini for Cashew Nut in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup tahini per 1 cup cashews; batters turn denser and richer with a sesame note. Not recommended: tahini isn't a whole nut and won't crisp or fry like cashews.
- How much tahini to use as a cashew nut substitute?
More bitter and savory than cashew, with a distinct sesame taste.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
Tahini brings a noticeably different flavor than cashew nut.
- How does texture change when substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
Tahini smooth, pourable paste instead of whole pieces; no crunch, just creaminess and body.
- What else should I know about substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
For sauces, dressings, dips, and creamy baked goods. Expect a smooth, pourable texture with no crunch and a stronger sesame flavor. Skip frying, grilling, and steaming since tahini has no structure to crisp or hold shape. Stir well before using, and add lemon or garlic to round out the taste. Works great raw in dips.
- What still works when substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
Tahini still works as a fat, texture, and emulsifier.
- What won't work when substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
Tahini won't work as a thickener.
- How well does Tahini match Cashew Nut?
Tahini is okay on structure, stretch on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
Tahini is slightly lower in sat. fat. Overall, calories, fat, and protein are similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Tahini for Cashew Nut?
The flavor shifts toward less sweet, more bitter, more pungent, and more umami notes.