Ghee is a versatile cooking fat used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisine. But if you don’t have it or can’t find it in stores, don’t worry!
There are plenty of alternatives that will work just as well in your recipes! Read on to learn the best substitutes for ghee and how to use them in various dishes.
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14 Substitute for Ghee
The best substitute for ghee are sunflower oil and canola oil. You can also use sesame oil, coconut oil, and olive oil as ghee substitute.
Keep reading to learn about these top substitutes for ghee and how to use them in your cookery!
1. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a vegetable oil that can be used as a substitute for ghee in many baking recipes. It has a similar flavor and health benefits to ghee while being vegan and dairy-free. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies or vegan diets.
Due to its nutty flavor and high smoke point, sunflower oil is a great alternative to ghee. That a result, you can cook with it in the same manner as you would with ghee by frying or sautéing meals. Furthermore, sunflower oil has a variety of health advantages as well, making it an even better ingredient than ghee.
Concerned about sunflower oil? Once it is done, you can substitute it for ghee in a three-to-four or one-to-one ratio. The latter, however, calls for you to drain additional liquid from your dish.
Store sunflower oil in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. You can also use sunflower oil in place of ghee in savory dishes like stir fries or curries. Its versatile flavor means that it can be used interchangeably with other oils in most cooking applications – making it one healthy option!
2. Canola Oil
For those who prefer a nearly flavorless alternative to ghee, canola oil is a wonderful replacement. In actuality, the best thing about canola oil is that you can add extra spices or butter to customize the flavor to your liking.
Canola oil also has the advantage of having a smoke point that is nearly comparable to ghee. Because of this, you can cook with canola oil for the same length of time as you would with ghee without worrying about overcooking or scorching the oil.
The majority of recipes advise substituting canola oil in a three-to-four ratio for ghee. But if you lower one of the recipe’s liquids, you can also make a one-for-one conversion.
Canola oil is a fantastic substitute for ghee – it has many properties that make it the best cooking oil out there. Furthermore, canola oil is vegan-friendly and has health benefits too! Some of these include reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.
As canola oil doesn’t contain dairy products as ghee does, it can also be used to cook gluten-free food items with ease. Finally, store your canola oil in a cool dark place to keep it fresh and flavorful!
3. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a good substitute since it has a flavor that is strong and reminiscent of ghee. Sesame oil can also be used for sautéing or frying, just like ghee.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that there are several kinds of sesame oil, including cold-pressed, light, and toasted. Most chefs advise using toasted sesame oil since it has a more potent flavor and texture after being toasted. So using toasted sesame oil is the way to go if you want to mimic the nutty flavor of ghee.
Sesame oil can be used as a three-to-four alternative for ghee, just like other comparable products. But if you think your recipe lacks taste, you may always add additional sesame oil. Just be careful not to add too much because doing so may give your favorite food an oily texture, which will ruin it.
Sesame oil is a versatile substitute for ghee and can be used in baking, sauces, dips, etc. As it is a natural product, there are no side effects to worry about when using sesame oil. In fact, sesame oil has health benefits as well- especially if you’re looking to reduce your intake of saturated fats.
Keep sesame oil in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and quality- otherwise, it might go bad pretty quickly! It also has a longer shelf life than ghee so you can store it away for future use. Finally, have a nutty flavor that goes great with most dishes- making sesame oil the perfect option for cooking at home or on any occasion!
4. Coconut Oil
Similar to ghee, coconut oil is a popular, tasty, and healthful ingredient that will enhance the flavor of your favorite food. It’s crucial to note that there are two types of coconut oil, so the substitution you choose will depend on your preferences.
One option is unrefined coconut oil, which has a distinct and pronounced coconut flavor. On the other side, you can select refined coconut oil, which has a much more subdued coconut flavor. You should be aware that coconut oil and ghee have comparable molecular structures if you decide to use coconut oil as a replacement for ghee.
As a result, you can substitute it for ghee in a 1:1 ratio without having to worry about the dish’s flavor being harmed. The best part is that coconut oil is very accessible, being sold in most grocery stores.
Coconut oil is a versatile cooking oil that can be used to substitute ghee in many dishes. Coconut oil is also high in monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart health.
In addition, it has a mild flavor and can be used in place of olive or vegetable oil in baking recipes or as the main fat source when cooking. Store coconut oil in an airtight container to keep it fresh and free from odor.
5. Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a versatile substitute for ghee that can be used in all the same ways. It has a high smoke point, so it doesn’t spoil easily and is a healthy option as it contains cholesterol-free soybean oil and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
It can be substituted for butter or cream in many recipes – making Soybean oil the perfect choice if you are looking to reduce your dairy intake.
Soybean oil also has a mild taste that can be enhanced with spices, nuts, or herbs – giving you endless possibilities when cooking! There are various grades of soybean oil available on the market, so make sure to choose the best one for your needs.
6. Olive Oil
If you’re looking to cut down on your dairy intake, olive oil is a great substitute for ghee. It has a milder flavor and doesn’t have an unpleasant odor, making it the perfect choice for people with food allergies or sensitivities to dairy products.
Olive oil can be used in place of ghee in many dishes, such as chapati, naan bread, and curries – all without changing the overall taste. In addition to being health-promoting, olive oil is also high in healthy fats which are essential for our body’s development and health!
So if you’re looking to enjoy delicious cuisine while promoting good health at the same time – olive oil should definitely feature high on your list of ingredients!
7. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a vegetable oil that can be used to substitute ghee (clarified butter) in many recipes. It has a similar flavor and consistency, making it a perfect alternative for those who are looking for an authentic dairy-free cooking experience.
In addition to being a good substitute for ghee, grapeseed oil can also be used as salad dressing, baking powder substitute, or even deep frying olive oil replacement!
One of the best things about grapeseed oil is that it’s high in antioxidants and has lower levels of saturated fats and cholesterol – making it healthier than most vegetable oils. Store your grapeseed oil in a cool place away from light to maintain its freshness and flavor
8. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a great substitute for ghee because it has many benefits over ghee. It is high in monounsaturated fats, has anti-inflammatory properties, and has a high smoke point – meaning it doesn’t spoil easily.
You can use avocado oil as a replacement for ghee in many recipes – from curries to cookies! To get the most out of your avocado oil, remember to adjust the seasoning depending on what you are cooking with it.
For example, if you are frying food with avocado oil then add more salt to taste. Additionally, olive oil can also be used instead of avocado oil in some cases – but keep in mind that olive oil does not have as many health benefits as avocado oil does!
9. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils are great substitutes for ghee and can be used in various cooking applications. They have a high smoke point, making them ideal for cooking, while also containing health benefits like reducing bad cholesterol levels.
Many vegetarians and vegans use vegetable oil as a substitute for ghee because it has many of the same benefits as dairy products which can be problematic for some people.
Make sure to store vegetable oils properly to prolong their shelf life and preserve their nutritional value.
10. Clarified Butter
Clarified butter is a substitute for ghee that has a high smoke point and can be used in many recipes. It is also very versatile – can be used for baking, frying, sautéing, etc.
Keep clarified butter in a cold place to prevent it from becoming rancid.
Clarified butter is an easy and healthy substitution for ghee because it has a similar flavor and texture to ghee as well as being high in vitamin A which makes it an excellent dietary supplement.
11. Butter
Butter is a dairy product that can be used in place of ghee (clarified butter) in many recipes. It has a much lower saturated fat content than ghee and is also healthier for you. You can use butter instead of ghee to substitute for oil or other cooking fats in bread, pancakes, muffins, and other baked goods.
Butter is also good for savory dishes as well as sweet ones – just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly! Keep stored in the fridge to keep it fresh and tasty.
12. Margarine
Margarine is a healthy substitute for ghee and can be used in place of butter or cream in many recipes. It is perfect for those who are looking to reduce their fat intake or eat gluten-free.
Margarine can also be used for frying, baking, or as a spread on food – making it the perfect choice for many people. Keep in mind that margarine does not have the same nutritional value as ghee – make sure you are getting the right amount of nutrients in your diet!
Additionally, if you have dairy allergies, please remember to check whether margarine contains milk solids which can cause allergic reactions.
13. Lard
If you’re looking for a healthier substitute to butter, ghee, or oil, lard may be the best option for you. This fat is made from pig’s meat and has many health benefits including being a natural substitute for ghee and having a similar flavor and texture to butter.
It can also be used in place of salad dressings, dips, and sauces – making it an ideal choice if you are trying to cut down on your calorie intake or live gluten-free.
Finally, because lard is smoke-free, it can also be used in places where ghee would not normally be allowed.
14. Homemade Ghee
If you’re an avid fan of Indian cuisine, then you’ll definitely love ghee. This butter-like substance is used in a variety of dishes and can add some serious flavor to your meals.
Making your own ghee at home is simple – all you need are milk and a saucepan. Simply simmer milk until it thickens into cream, then strain it before using.
Store homemade ghee in the fridge for best results – just make sure to store it in a cool place!
How Does Ghee Taste Like?
In reality, ghee tastes like a cleaner, richer, more decadent version of the butter itself – more buttery butter, if you will. Ghee tends to be one of those hyperbole-inducing foods, like macarons and gelato, that people describe quite dramatically as being “heavenly” or the “best thing ever.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can be used instead of ghee?
You can replace ghee with a variety of oils because they have a high smoke point and nutty flavor.
Olive oil, toasted sesame oil, sesame oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, and canola oil are a few of the oils on this list.
2. Can you substitute regular butter for ghee?
Butter can typically be substituted for ghee in a one-to-one ratio. However, because ghee is wetter than butter, you might need to adjust the quantities of the dry ingredients to compensate. You can combine butter and olive oil to achieve the nutty flavor and texture of ghee.
3. What is a healthy substitute for ghee?
Olive oil is a wonderful alternative to butter and ghee since it is high in vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds. Olive oil combats heart illnesses and eases joint discomfort because it contains less saturated fat.
4. What butter is similar to ghee?
Ghee can be replaced with plain, unsalted butter, especially in dishes that often require lower cooking temperatures. Butter has all the fatty acids and milk solids in its raw form, which results in a creamier and more delicious product.
