Article on the various alternatives to clarified butter in Indian cooking. Includes information about each ghee substitute, how it is used, and some recipes that use them as ingredients.
Jump to:
- What is Ghee?
- The List Of 18 Best Substitutes For Ghee
- 1. Butter
- 2. Coconut Oil
- 3. Olive Oil
- 4. Vegetable Shortening
- 5. Corn Oil
- 6. Sunflower Oil
- 7. Sesame Oil
- 8. Canola Oil
- 9. Soybean Oil
- 10. Rice Bran Oil
- 11. Peanut Oil
- 12. Cottonseed Oil
- 13. Cashew Oil
- 14. Almond Oil
- 15. Walnut Oil
- 16. Hazelnut Oil
- 17. Avocado Oil
- 18. Rapeseed Oil
- People Also Ask [FAQs]
- Wrap Up: Best Ghee Substitutes
What is Ghee?
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is popular in Indian cuisine. It is made by simmering butter until the water evaporates and the milk solids separate from the fat. The solids are then removed, leaving behind golden-yellow butterfat.
Ghee has a rich flavor and is often used in curries and other dishes. It is also a popular choice for cooking, as it has a high smoke point and does not burn easily. Ghee is also said to have numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation.
The List Of 18 Best Substitutes For Ghee
1. Butter
Butter is a great ghee alternative, and it's the most natural ghee substitute because it's formed of the same ingredients as Ghee. It has a similar fat content and smoke point, so it will work well in most recipes.
The only downside is that regular butter doesn't have the same nutty flavor as ghee. If you're looking for a flavor match, you can try using clarified butter.
Measurement
- 1 tablespoon of ghee = 2 tablespoons of butter
2. Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil is a popular oil that is often used in cooking. It has a high smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for frying food.
Research indicates that some coconut oils (made of 100% MCTs) might have health benefits, but regular store-bought coconut oil, which increases good and bad cholesterol, isn't heart-healthy and should be used sparingly.
When substituting coconut oil for ghee, it is important to use the same quantity of oil. The smoke point of coconut oil is also higher than the smoke point of ghee so that it can be used for cooking at higher temperatures.
3. Olive Oil
Olive Oil is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol levels. But can olive oil be used as a substitute for ghee?
As it turns out, yes, olive oil can be used to substitute ghee. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Olive oil has varying smoke points depending on its quality.
- Olive oil is less saturated than ghee, so it won't solidify at room temperature in the same way that ghee does.
- Finally, because olive oil is less saturated than ghee, it may not have the same rich flavor.
4. Vegetable Shortening
If you're out of ghee or just looking for a cheaper alternative, you can use vegetable shortening as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it won't have the same flavor or health benefits as ghee. To make up for the lack of flavor, you can add some spices to your dish.
5. Corn Oil
Corn oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from corn kernels. It has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Plus, it's a neutral oil, so it won't alter the flavor of your food.
When substituting corn oil for ghee, use the same amount of oil as you would ghee.
6. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil can be used in place of ghee, although the flavor will be slightly different.
When substituting sunflower oil for ghee, use equal parts oil and ghee. Keep in mind that sunflower oil has a higher smoke point than ghee, so it can withstand higher temperatures without burning.
Additionally, sunflower oil is lower in saturated fat than ghee, so it may not be as flavorful.
7. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil or toasted sesame oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. It also has a nutty flavor that can enhance the flavor of your food.
When substituting sesame oil for ghee, use a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that sesame oil is a bit lighter than ghee, so it may not give your dish the same rich flavor.
8. Canola Oil
Canola oil is also popular cooking oil and can be used to replace ghee. However, there are some important distinctions between the two oils that should be considered before using them as substitutes for each other.
- Canola oil has a lighter flavor than ghee, so it may not be suitable for all dishes.
- In addition, canola oil has a lower smoke point than ghee, which means it can start to smoke and break down at lower temperatures.
9. Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from soybeans. It is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fats.
When substituting soybean oil for ghee in cooking, it is also important to take into account the different flavors of the two oils. Soybean oil has a milder flavor than ghee.
10. Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil has a smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a good choice for high-heat cooking methods like deep frying and sauteing.
Additionally, its neutral flavor means it won't alter the taste of your food the way that other oils can. When substituting rice bran oil for ghee, use a 1:1 ratio.
11. Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is a popular cooking oil that can be used to replace ghee. It has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying and sauteing.
Peanut oil is also a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. When substituting peanut oil for ghee, use ½ cup of peanut oil for every 1 cup of ghee.
Keep in mind that peanut oil will add a nutty flavor to your dishes, so use it in recipes that call for nuts or nut butter.
12. Cottonseed Oil
Cottonseed oil is a popular cooking oil that has a good source of healthy fats and nutrients. It can be used in baking and desserts, or as a spread and condiments. When substituting cottonseed oil for ghee, it is important to use the same quantity of oil.
13. Cashew Oil
This nutty-tasting oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and it has a smoke point of 300 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for cooking.
Just be sure to use the oil in moderation, as it is high in calories. One tablespoon of cashew oil contains 120 calories, so it's best to use it sparingly.
14. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a neutral-tasting oil that is extracted from almonds. It also has a high smoke point, making it a good choice for cooking at high temperatures. However, almond oil is significantly more expensive than ghee, so it is not always a practical substitute.
When substituting almond oil for ghee, use the same quantity of oil called for in the recipe.
Keep in mind that almond oil will impart a subtle almond flavor to your dishes, so it is best suited for recipes where this flavor would be complementary.
15. Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is a great substitute for ghee. It has a smoke point of 320 degrees, so it can handle high heat without smoking.
It's also a healthy fat, full of omega-3 fatty acids. And it has a nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
To substitute walnut oil for ghee, use ¼ cup of oil for every ½ cup of ghee called for in the recipe.
16. Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil is a type of nut oil that is made from pressing hazelnuts. It has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking.
It also has a light, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. When substituting hazelnut oil for ghee, use the same quantity of oil as you would ghee.
Keep in mind that hazelnut oil has a strong flavor, so you may want to use less if you are trying to achieve a more subtle flavor.
17. Avocado Oil
Avocados are a healthy fruit that is high in nutrients and antioxidants. The oil from avocados is also healthy and has many benefits.
Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for ghee, but it has a lower smoke point. This means that it will burn at lower temperatures than ghee.
Avocado oil is also a healthy fat, but it should be used in moderation. When substituting avocado oil for ghee, use ¼ cup of avocado oil for every 1 cup of ghee.
18. Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed oil is a good substitute for ghee and can be used in a 1:1 ratio. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. However, it does have a strong flavor, so you may want to use it in small quantities.
If you're looking for a healthy option, rapeseed oil is a good choice as it's high in monounsaturated fat and low in saturated fat.
People Also Ask [FAQs]
Ghee is not vegan because it is a dairy product.
Yes, ghee is keto. Ghee is often considered to be keto-friendly because it is composed mostly of fat.
You can purchase ghee at most grocery stores. It is often shelved with the other cooking oils. Ghee is also available online through retailers that sell Indian groceries.
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Wrap Up: Best Ghee Substitutes
- There are many ghee substitutes that can be used in cooking. Some of the most popular ghee substitutes include soybean oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, cashew oil, almond oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, rapeseed oil, and hazelnut oil.
- Each of these oils has its own unique properties that make it a good fit for different recipes.
- When substituting one oil for ghee, it is important to take into account the different flavors of the two oils. Additionally, some oils are better suited for high-heat cooking methods, while others have a more neutral flavor that won't alter the taste of your food.
- Ghee is a dairy product, so it is not vegan. However, it is keto-friendly because it is composed mostly of fat.
- Ghee can be found at most grocery stores or online through retailers that sell Indian groceries.
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