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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of ghee?

Clarified butter, Butter and Coconut oil are the easiest swaps. Below: 3 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Clarified butter. Use the same amount. Functionally identical — ghee is butterfat cooked a minute further for nuttiness.

Adjust: Direct swap.

  1. Clarified butter

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Functionally identical — ghee is butterfat cooked a minute further for nuttiness.

    Flavor
    Mildly less nutty.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Direct swap.
    Best for
    Any recipe

    lactose free

  2. Butter

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Milk solids burn above ~150 °C — use medium heat and add a splash of oil to raise the smoke point.

    Flavor
    Sweeter, less nutty.
    Texture
    Same when melted.
    Moisture
    Butter is ~15% water; ghee is not — sauces may be slightly looser.
    Adjust
    Not for high-heat searing.
    Best for
    Baking, Pan-frying (low heat), Finishing

    contains dairy

  3. Coconut oil

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Solid at room temp like ghee; high smoke point.

    Flavor
    Coconut unless refined.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Use refined for a neutral taste.
    Best for
    High-heat cooking, Vegan baking, Curries

    vegan · dairy free

Common questions

What is the best substitute for ghee?

Clarified butter is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Functionally identical — ghee is butterfat cooked a minute further for nuttiness.

What is a vegan substitute for ghee?

Good vegan options are Coconut oil.

What is a dairy-free substitute for ghee?

Good dairy-free options are Coconut oil.

How much should I use instead of ghee?

It depends on the swap. Clarified butter: Use the same amount. Butter: Use the same amount. Coconut oil: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use ghee

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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