How Much Tahini to Substitute for Sesame Oil
Works for baking, sauteing, and raw cold. Tahini keeps a similar flavor profile to Sesame Oil.
How much tahini equals one cup of sesame oil?
Use 3/4 cup tahini per cup sesame oil.
Health notes
Compared with Sesame Oil, Tahini has: less calories (570 vs 884 per 100g in Sesame Oil), less fat (48g vs 100g per 100g in Sesame Oil), less saturated fat (6.7g vs 14.2g per 100g in Sesame Oil), more protein (17.8g vs 0g per 100g in Sesame Oil), and more carbs (26.2g vs 0g per 100g in Sesame Oil).
Using tahini as a sesame oil substitute in baking
Use 3/4 cup per cup sesame oil. Adds tender crumb and nutty depth. May need 1-2 tbsp extra liquid.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
3/4 cup per cup sesame oil. Thickens slightly; stir often to prevent sticking.
- Raw Cold
3/4 cup per cup sesame oil. Whisk with lemon and water for dressings.
- Drinks
1/2 cup per cup sesame oil. Whisk well; add water to thin.
Methods to avoid (4)
- Frying
Not recommended: tahini is too thick and will burn before food crisps.
- Slow Cook
Not recommended: tahini separates and breaks in long, moist cooking.
- Grilling
Not recommended: tahini is too thick; won't coat or brush evenly.
- Steaming
Not recommended: tahini won't emulsify or coat in steam.
FAQ
- How much tahini equals one cup of sesame oil?
Use 3/4 cup tahini per cup sesame oil.
- Can I substitute tahini for Sesame Oil in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup per cup sesame oil. Adds tender crumb and nutty depth. May need 1-2 tbsp extra liquid. Not recommended: tahini is too thick and will burn before food crisps.
- How much tahini to use as a sesame oil substitute?
Nuttier and earthier; add lemon juice or soy sauce to brighten.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Tahini for Sesame Oil?
Tahini keeps a similar flavor profile to sesame oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Tahini for Sesame Oil?
Tahini thicker, denser crumb in baked goods. Creamy, paste-like texture in sauces and dressings.
- What else should I know about substituting Tahini for Sesame Oil?
For baking, dressings, and sauces. Expect nuttier, earthier flavor with thicker texture. Skip frying, grilling, and slow cooking - tahini burns easily and separates in moist heat. For dressings, whisk tahini with lemon juice and water to loosen. Add salt or soy to brighten.
- What still works when substituting Tahini for Sesame Oil?
Tahini still works as a fat, flavor carrier, and texture.
- How well does Tahini match Sesame Oil?
Tahini is good on structure, okay on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Tahini for Sesame Oil?
Tahini has about x2 fewer calories, fat, and sat. fat. Tahini has protein, while sesame oil has none.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Tahini for Sesame Oil?
The flavor shifts toward more sweet, more bitter, less pungent, and more umami notes.