Best Substitutes for Ghee
Clarified butter with rich, nutty, buttery flavor and high smoke point.
Substitutes by Use Case
general
1:1Closest flavor substitute. Contains milk solids so lower smoke point. Works in most uses.
1:1High smoke point. Adds slight coconut flavor. Good vegan substitute for high-heat cooking.
1:1Melt butter, skim foam, pour off golden liquid. Identical to ghee if cooked slightly longer.
1:1Highest smoke point of all oils. Neutral flavor. Great for high-heat applications.
1:1Dairy-free butter. Works in baking and low-heat cooking. Not for very high heat.
💡 Expert Tips
- ✓For Indian cooking, coconut oil is the best vegan substitute that holds up to high heat
- ✓Ghee has a deeper, nuttier flavor than plain butter — add a drop of walnut oil to approximate it
- ✓Avocado oil is best when you need a neutral high-smoke-point fat
❌ Do NOT Use
- ✗Olive oil (too low smoke point and wrong flavor)
- ✗Margarine (too much water, will spatter)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for ghee?
Butter — use 1:1. Closest flavor substitute. Contains milk solids so lower smoke point. Works in most uses.
Can I substitute ghee in baking?
Yes. The best options for baking are: Butter and Coconut oil. Always match the ratio exactly for best results.
What is a vegan substitute for ghee?
Coconut oil — High smoke point. Adds slight coconut flavor. Good vegan substitute for high-heat cooking.
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