Substitution for sesame

Clare B. (Q&A ID 16233)

Hello. I am allergic to sesame and am wondering if you have a suggestion for an oil that would be a good substitution. I am also allergic to pecans, walnuts and Brazil nuts but can eat peanuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and cashews. Would one of those nut oils be a good taste substitute for the sesame?. …And if I wanted to make za’atar could I just leave out the sesame seeds and still have it taste good? Thank you!

Clare B. (Q&A ID 16233)

I am disappointed that I haven’t had any response. I thought I was supposed to have one within 2 days.

James M. (Q&A ID 1830)

You could try Perilla oil. It's an oil used in Japanese and Korean cooking.

Clare B. (Q&A ID 16233)

Thank you! I will try that.

Elizabeth M. (Q&A ID 13500)

Hello Clare B.,

At Milk Street we usually call for a roasted sesame oil for its characteristic nutty flavor in Asian dishes or as a finishing oil. Roasted peanut oil would be a good substitute.

For the sesame seed-free za'atar, you can substitute toasted cumin, coriander and/or poppy seeds for the sesame seeds.

The Milk Street Team