Substitutes for Ghee: 10 Best Alternatives + FAQs!

Ghee is a popular cooking ingredient in India. It’s also becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It’s a different type of clarified butter utilized for cooking and rituals. Although this high-quality ghee may be difficult to substitute in most meals, it’s helpful to know that there are many alternatives.

Sesame oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, canola oil, coconut oil, butter, olive oil, clarified butter, vegetable oil, and rapeseed oil can all be used in place of ghee. Let’s look at utilizing these ten ghee alternatives in various recipes.

1. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is one of my favorite cooking oils on this list. Sesame oil is similar to ghee and is popular in most Asian nations because of its health advantages. Sesame oil is made from fresh sesame seeds, thus the name. It has a deeper hue, it is thicker, and has a strong scent.

It’s not only an excellent substitute for ghee in cooking, but it’s also a great topping. You can top salads, rice dishes, noodles, sauces, and so much more with it. Because of its potential to enhance our blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy cardiac state, it is a healthier alternative to utilize.

2. Sunflower Oil

Sunflowers are well-known for being the ideal summer blossoms. On the other hand, its blossoms do not go to waste when it blooms. Its seeds are gathered for food, such as sesame seeds for healthful snacks and sunflower oil extraction from sesame seeds. It has a strong scent, similar to sesame oil. There’s no need to season your cuisine with spices to make it aromatic.

When you replace it with ghee, you may use this as excellent cooking oil for pan-fried or stir-fried foods. It works well as a salad dressing when combined with balsamic vinegar. Use caution while deep frying or frying for lengthy periods since the oil burns quickly. The dish will have a scorched flavor and will be less flavorful.

3. Soybean Oil

Soybeans are a high-protein food that you may manufacture into various products, including soymilk, soybean paste, and even soybean cakes. Soybean oil is another standard product generated from these nutritious beans. It’s a healthier alternative to ghee that works well with baked dishes.

You may follow the 1:1 ratio to any baked item when substituting it with ghee. It gives your favorite pies and pastries moisture and a chewy texture. Because it tends to burn, I don’t suggest using it as a cooking oil. Because of its high quantities of polyunsaturated fats, it’s best to take it in moderation.

4. Canola Oil

Vegetable oils come in various forms, one of which is the well-known canola oil. This oil, extracted from the vivid yellow blossoms of the canola plant, is an excellent alternative for ghee because of its scent and flavor. It’s also a healthier option because it contains less erucic acid and unsaturated fat.

Canola has a wide range of applications and is quite adaptable. It’s ideal for pan-frying, stir-frying, and deep-frying. It works well for grilling meats and veggies as well. However, I don’t suggest using it for baking due to the lower fat level because it makes pastries and baked meals less airy and soft.

5. Coconut Oil

It’s no surprise that coconut trees are known as “trees of life” because of their numerous applications. There is no waste from the roots to the fruit, and you may use it for various medical and home medicine purposes. Coconut oil is one of the highly recommended items. Coconut oil is not only delicious, but it also offers medical benefits. It may treat dry skin, scalp problems, and even as a hair conditioner.

Coconut oil is your best choice for healthy baked food items. It has a richer flavor and a more fragrant scent than ghee, making it a better dessert component. You don’t need to add cinnamon or vanilla essence to make the dish smell good when using coconut oil. Coconut oil can accomplish it all by itself, and it’s also healthier and more helpful to your body.

6. Butter

The most prevalent alternative in this list is butter. We can’t imagine not having this in our kitchen. There are many options when choosing the best butter to use as a ghee alternative. There is butter manufactured from cow’s milk if you want a tastier option.

Vegan butter is readily accessible to help you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle. Butter appeals to me because of its versatility. It’s delicious on its own, especially when combined with bread, and it’s also great in baked foods and savory cuisine. You may also acquire it in large chunks for a low price that will last you long.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the more costly but healthiest options on our list. Popular in Europe and the Middle East, this oil is an excellent ghee alternative. It has a deeper tint, mainly using extra virgin olive oil. It also has a strong scent and flavor.

Salad dressings, sauces, and cooking oil for healthful pan-fried and stir-fried foods are all highly recommended. I occasionally use it in baking, such as cookies and brownies. However, I don’t use it to make cakes since I don’t think it works well for fluffy cakes.

8. Refined Butter

Clarified butter resembles the liquid version of regular butter. Separating the milk curds from the water is how it’s processed. The result is lovely golden transparent butter. Because its bright yellow hue resembles ghee. However, it does not harden when exposed to cold temperatures.

I like to use clarified butter for fried butter chicken and other crispy foods. It’s an excellent choice for deep frying because it doesn’t burn right away. It’s surprisingly adaptable since it may also be used as an ingredient in cakes, cookies, and other baked products.

9. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a catch-all word for any plant-based oil available on the market. Olive oil is one of them, and it’s also the healthiest. Peanut oil, avocado oil, and safflower oil are all healthful alternatives if those aren’t accessible.

In most kitchens, vegetable oil is one of the most often used cooking oils. It’s easily accessible, simple to use, and inexpensive. It’s ideal for various culinary methods, including pan-frying and deep-frying. In most savory meals, it works well as a replacement for ghee.

10. Rapeseed Oil

Rapeseed oil is identical to canola oil, which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The sole difference between it and canola is its high erucic acid level. It is highly recommended that you eat it in moderation and, if possible, in smaller amounts. You may use this oil in various recipes, particularly savory ones.

When creating soups or stews, you may use a small quantity of rapeseed oil to sauté your ingredients. This is an excellent method to get the most out of your oil by using precisely the correct quantity.

FAQs

Is ghee a good source of fat?

Yes, it is a healthier alternative to using traditional cooking oils. It is free of trans fats, which can cause health concerns. It’s perfectly safe to use for a more nutritious and balanced diet and prepare foods without endangering your health. Still, like with any meal, it’s best to take it in moderation.

Is it true that ghee has medicinal properties?

Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, you can use ghee to treat edema or infection in the body. It contains Butyrate, a beneficial component that helps the immune system combat toxins and dangerous microorganisms that might invade the body. As a result, ghee can treat minor burns or wounds as a medical or home cure.

Does ghee have a buttery flavor?

Ghee has a cleaner and fresher taste than butter, despite its look. Furthermore, it is a healthier choice, suitable for savory recipes. It doesn’t have that fatty meal aftertaste that you want to wipe away with water. It’s a little more delicate and understated, especially in tiny doses. Because it originates from grass-fed cows, ghee has superior quality.

That concludes the discussion. You now have ten distinct and beautiful options when you run out of ghee. It’s up to you to decide which one to use to prepare your cuisine. It’s better to get to know each of those before attempting the substitution and see whether it works for you.

Most essential, ask your doctor if using such alternatives is safe for you, especially if you have any current ailments that necessitate a more cautious diet. Some oils may cause allergic reactions, so it’s wise to examine your alternatives before making the switch. However, you have ten options to select from, and it’s advisable to go with the healthier options for your next meal.