Have you ever had a delicious sandwich with sprouts or a salad with sunflower seeds on it? Chances are, if you have, the seeds in those dishes were sesame seeds.
Sesame seeds are tiny, nutritional powerhouses that add flavor and texture to all kinds of dishes.
They’re used to add flavor and texture to many recipes and dishes worldwide.
Sesame seeds also offer important nutritional benefits and can even help prevent certain diseases.
Sesame seeds have a nutty flavor that makes them popular in many different dishes and baked goods throughout the world.
They are used in several different foods but are perhaps best known for their use in Asian cuisines.
They are popular ingredients in many Indian dishes, Thai and Korean recipes.
You can use sesame seeds to add flavor and texture to many different recipes.
When substituting for sesame seeds, you can use several other ingredients that will provide similar benefits in terms of taste and nutrition.
This article will provide you with several alternative ingredients to help you create the same flavor and texture as sesame seeds in your next recipe.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sesame Seeds
Have you ever run out of sesame seeds and needed a substitution in a hurry? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here are five substitutes for sesame seeds that will work just as well in your recipes:
1 – Poppy Seeds
These tiny round seeds are found on the poppy plant.
They come in different colors, including black, white, and blue.
Poppy seeds are another popular addition to bagels and other foods that contain bread or buns.
However, they can also be used to make cakes, pasta noodles, rice dishes, salads, and so much more.
Since these seeds emit a strong and distinctive flavor, they’re often used as an ingredient in recipes that require spices or herbs.
The texture of these tiny round seeds is crunchy and crispy.
Some people tend to chew on them while cooking other dishes.
If you ever want to use poppy seeds as an alternative for sesame seeds, just remember that they’re usually added to recipes during the last few minutes of cooking.
2 – Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are another popular addition to salads and other recipes that require crunch.
Hemp plants contain several nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and omega fatty acids.
This makes it an increasingly popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian diets.
These seeds can be purchased either hulled or unhulled.
Similar to sesame seeds, they have a nutty and slightly sweet taste.
When adding it to recipes, remember that the seeds will offer a crunchy texture and a strong flavor.
Hemp seeds are known for being high in protein and fiber.
In addition, they have essential fatty acids.
Hemp seeds range from light greenish-gray to dark green in terms of appearance.
They’re also available in different sizes.
If you need to substitute hemp seeds for sesame seeds, keep in mind that they have thicker skins and a more pronounced flavor.
3 – Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are another popular addition to baked goods, salads, and granola bars.
These tiny brown seeds are well known for their large size.
They are available either raw or roasted.
When adding them to other dishes, remember that they have a crunchy texture and very subtle flavor.
Sunflower seeds are packed with nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and zinc.
They are also high in protein and fiber.
These seeds have a dark brown exterior with a lighter-colored interior when it comes to appearance.
In terms of taste and texture, sunflower seeds are very similar to sesame seeds- making them a good substitute for your recipes that call for this ingredient.
4 – Flax Seeds
Flaxseeds are another popular addition to baked goods and trail mix.
They’re also known for being a nutritious alternative in various recipes.
You’ll find that they come in two varieties: brown or golden.
Both types of these seeds have a nutty taste when added to other dishes, but the flavor is very mild compared to sunflower seeds.
Flaxseeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and fiber.
In addition, they have several minerals that the body needs to function properly.
These small brown seeds have a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
If you’re looking for a sesame seed substitute, keep in mind that they have a mild flavor.
5 – Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are another option for people looking to sub-sesame seeds with something else.
These cute white seeds are often used as an alternative for peas, artichokes, and other foods that contain vegetables or cheese.
Their texture is crunchy, while the flavor is somewhat nutty.
When substituting pine nuts for sesame seeds, keep in mind that they have a lighter color and are smaller than this ingredient.
Pine nuts are packed with minerals, including manganese, magnesium, and calcium.
Plus, they’re also high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
If you’re looking to substitute sesame seeds for pine nuts, keep in mind that their coloring and texture are the main difference.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
- Poppy Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Pine Nuts
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Follow the substitution ratio to determine how much is required in your recipe.
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