The Best Substitutes for Ghee

Ghee, a kind of clarified butter without water, made by slowly cooking butter and separating milk solids from the butter, is the popular ingredient of Asian Kitchens, especially India. You may need Ghee Substitutes if you run out of it or are looking for a vegan option or are just trying to replace ghee for dietary reasons. This post contains a detailed list of Ghee Alternatives that you may find interesting and useful.

Hailing from India means loving Desi Ghee by default, more so as we grew up with the aroma of ghee when it was being made at home. Those were the days...

As I type this post for my readers who might be looking for the substitutes for ghee for various reasons, I feel overwhelmed as ghee has played an incredible part in my health and life. Those who have been reading my blog already are aware that Ghee is the secret ingredient of so many recipes that I have posted. In fact, a few of my baking recipes also include desi ghee and in my humble opinion, ghee did take those recipes to another level.

What is Ghee?

Ghee is aromatic and nutty clarified butter. It's made using the butter from the milk by slowly cooking it in a heavy bottomed pan till the water and milk solids separate from it. Made generally using cow's milk, ghee is easily made at Indian households and it's the recommended as the best for kids.

Ghee has a high smoking point and can be used for high-heating. Indian food is mostly made in ghee and ghee lovers would always opt for dishes made exclusively in ghee. Most popular include desi ghee parathas, Ghee tempering to Dal/ Lentils, Sweet dishes made in ghee, and a long list.

Not just cooking, I have used ghee for massaging my daughter when she was a kid. Ghee acts as a healer as per Ayurveda. We use ghee for religious purposes as well. A Bhog made for God is always made in ghee. The lamp lit while doing Hindu Puja is with ghee in it.

Health Benefits of Ghee

Being rich in Vitamin A, D, E and K, Ghee is indeed a great source of energy. It's great for lactose intolerant people as milk solids are separated from it while making it. It is considered as an healthy alternative to butter. When used in moderation, ghee is considered to be a healthy fat. Good for a healthy gut, ghee keeps you warm and is known to save you from cough and cold. [1]

Best Substitutes for Ghee

If you are looking for an alternative to ghee, you may get the best options compiled at one place for you. Ghee is used extensively in Indian cuisines (Middle Eastern cuisines as well) and helps you cook healthy meals. Yet if for some reason, you can't have ghee, you may look for the following substitutes.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has similar nutty flavor like ghee. Though low in smoking point, coconut oil can be used for cooking daily meals, baking desserts, or add creamy flavor to smoothies/ dips.

South Indian food uses coconut oil in most of their dishes. You may make curries or dry vegetables using coconut oil. It is solid at room temperature like ghee. If you are not a fan of coconut flavor, scroll down for more options or use refined coconut oil which would have toned down flavor.

Generally, coconut oil can replace ghee in 1:1 ratio, that is, same amount of coconut oil is used as that of ghee, with no changes in the recipe.

2. Olive Oil

Olive Oil is a light liquid oil, unlike solid ghee. It's a popular and expensive oil that is used in pizza, pasta, fresh salads and breads.

It won't be very nutty like ghee but has a fresh aroma, is buttery and tastes like herbs, little bitter. Since it is in liquid state, it may be ideally used less than ghee and not in 1:1 ratio. Perhaps, 1: ½-3/4 may work depending upon the recipe.

3. Sesame Oil

Sesame seeds are one of my favorite and I use them in pastas, Ladoos and on chili potatoes. They are naturally rich in oil and the sesame oil is indeed a healthy choice.

Dark Sesame oil has a nutty and earthy flavor similar to ghee and can replace ghee in most of the recipes. It has a neutral taste and can be used in stir fry, lentils, etc. It can also be used for frying.

Since sesame oil is also liquid at room temperature, you would need it less than ghee. A ratio of 1: ¾ works best for recipes substitutions.

4. Avocado Oil

Avocado has nutty, grassy and mild flavor and is considered the best vegan ghee substitute. Mostly they taste like avocados.

From baking desserts to cooking pasta, avocado oil works best for low carb diets. It works with 1:1 ratio for recipes.

5. Mustard Oil

A very commonly Indian oil used in vegetable cooking is mustard oil. Strong in flavor, mustard oil has anti fungal properties making it best for Pickles and dry vegetables. It adds spicy touch to the vegetables. The ratio for substituting would be 1: ¾.

In few countries, it is not used for edible option. You may feel free to choose other substitutes for ghee.

6. Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil has mild and little flavor. It doesn't add much flavor to the food which is cooked in it. It has high smoking point just like ghee and is best suited for frying food.

It can replace ghee in 1:1 ratio. You may use little less as sunflower is a liquid oil, unlike ghee.

7. Butter

Since ghee is a clarified butter, butter makes a decent ghee substitute. Butter is closest to taste in ghee and though less in fat part, it gives similar flavor to the dish.

Ghee has no water and hence it doesn't splutter when cooked. Butter can substitute for ghee in 1:1 ratio.

8. Vegetable Oil

A common refined or vegetable oil can replace ghee for several recipes like stir fry veggies, lentils, pancakes, etc. Yet the taste of ghee is far superior to taste than any brand of vegetable oil. Use ratio 1: ¾ for recipes.

This is not to discourage you if you love vegetable oil. It's just Indians love ghee in every dish. I may be biased and encourage to choose any oil as per your preference.

FAQ

Q1. Can I substitute ghee for butter?

Yes, you may use ghee as an alternative to butter in the ratio 1:1.

Q2. What's the difference between ghee and butter?

Ghee is a type of clarified butter. It's more concentrated in fat than butter.

Note: This post in now way discourages users to have ghee. As mentioned, author is a great fan of ghee. It's meant for users who can't locate ghee or have allergies or follow eating preferences recommended by doctor.

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