8 Best Substitutes for Sesame Seeds

Using poppy seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds can be a great option in various recipes. Poppy seeds have a similar size and a slightly nutty flavor, which makes them a suitable replacement in many dishes. Here are some ways you can use poppy seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Baked goods: Sprinkle poppy seeds on top of bread, rolls, bagels, or muffins before baking. They can add a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor to your baked goods.
2. Salad topping: Use poppy seeds as a garnish for salads. They can add texture and taste to green salads or fruit salads.
3. Coatings and crusts: Poppy seeds can be used as an alternative to sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also mix them with breadcrumbs for a delicious crunchy crust.
4. Dressings and sauces: Incorporate poppy seeds into dressings, sauces, or vinaigrettes for a subtle nutty flavor.
5. Desserts: You can also add poppy seeds to desserts like cakes, cookies, and pastries for a unique twist. Lemon-poppy seed cake is a classic example of a delightful combination, and one that goes down well in our house.
6. Rice and grain dishes: Sprinkle poppy seeds over rice, quinoa, couscous, or other grain dishes to enhance their taste and appearance.
7. Smoothies: Blend poppy seeds into your smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition and a mild nutty flavor.

When using poppy seeds as a substitute, you can generally follow the same proportions as you would with sesame seeds. Keep in mind that poppy seeds have a more mild flavor than sesame seeds, so you may need to adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences. Also, note that poppy seeds can provide a beautiful speckled appearance to your dishes, which can be especially appealing in baked goods and dressings.

Using sunflower seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds can work well in various dishes. While they are slightly larger in size, sunflower seeds have a similar nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch, making them a versatile replacement. Here are some ways to use sunflower seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Baked goods: Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top of bread, rolls, muffins, or cookies before baking. They will add a nice texture and nutty taste to your baked goods.
2. Salad topping: Use sunflower seeds as a garnish for salads. They can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to your greens.
3. Coatings and crusts: Crush or chop sunflower seeds and use them as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. They will also work well in combination with breadcrumbs or even just on their own.
4. Trail mix and granola: Add sunflower seeds to your favorite trail mix or granola recipe. They provide a satisfying crunch and contribute to the overall flavor profile.
5. Nut butters and spreads: You can make sunflower seed butter, similar to tahini made from sesame seeds. Blend roasted sunflower seeds with a bit of oil and salt to create a tasty spread.
6. Rice and grain dishes: Sprinkle sunflower seeds over rice, quinoa, couscous, or other grain dishes to add a nutty touch and increase their nutritional value.
7. Smoothies: You could also blend sunflower seeds into your smoothies to enhance the flavor and provide a protein and nutrient boost. Ensure there are no large pieces that you could choke on.

Remember that sunflower seeds have a slightly different taste compared to sesame seeds, so the final result might have a subtle variation. Adjust the quantity of sunflower seeds based on your preference and the specific recipe you’re working with. Additionally, consider toasting or roasting the sunflower seeds before use, as this can enhance their flavor and aroma.

Using flaxseeds as a substitute for sesame seeds can be a healthy and nutritious alternative. Flaxseeds have a mild nutty taste and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Here are some ways you can use flaxseeds as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Baked goods: Incorporate ground flaxseeds into muffins, bread, cookies, or other baked goods. They can add a nutty flavor and also a nutritional boost to your recipes.
2. Smoothies: Add ground flaxseeds to your smoothies for extra fiber, omega-3s, and a subtle nutty taste.
3. Coatings and crusts: Use ground flaxseeds as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. Combine them with breadcrumbs or other herbs and spices for a delicious crust.
4. Dressings and sauces: Mix ground flaxseeds into dressings, sauces, or vinaigrettes to add thickness and nutrition to your dishes.
5. Breakfast cereal or yogurt topping: Sprinkle ground flaxseeds over your morning cereal or yogurt for added texture and flavor.
6. Energy bars and granola: Incorporate ground flaxseeds into homemade energy bars, granola bars, or granola mixes for a nutritious snack.
7. Egg substitute: In some recipes, you can use ground flaxseeds mixed with water as an egg substitute for binding purposes. This works particularly well in vegan baking.

When using flaxseeds as a substitute, it’s essential to use ground flaxseeds rather than whole flaxseeds. Whole flaxseeds may pass through the digestive system undigested, meaning you won’t get the full nutritional benefit. To use ground flaxseeds as an egg substitute, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.

Keep in mind that flaxseeds have a slightly different texture and taste compared to sesame seeds, so the final result may have a subtle variation. Adjust the quantity of flaxseeds based on your preference and the specific recipe you’re working with.

Chia seeds can be a fantastic substitute for sesame seeds in various dishes. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, fiber, and protein. Here are some ways you can use chia seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Baked goods: Sprinkle chia seeds on top of bread, rolls, muffins, or cookies before baking. They will add a delightful crunch and a nutty taste to your baked goods.
2. Salad topping: Use chia seeds as a garnish for salads. They can add a pleasant crunch and a boost of nutrition to your greens.
3. Coatings and crusts: Use ground chia seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. Combine them with breadcrumbs or other herbs and spices for a flavorful crust.
4. Smoothies: You could also add chia seeds to your smoothies to enhance the texture and nutritional content. They will add thickness and help create a more filling drink.
5. Puddings and porridges: Chia seeds can be used to make chia pudding, which is a delicious and nutritious dessert or breakfast option. They absorb liquid and create a gel-like texture when mixed with milk or plant-based alternatives.
6. Homemade granola bars: Incorporate chia seeds into homemade granola bars for an extra nutritional boost and added crunch.
7. Egg substitute: Chia seeds can also be used as an egg substitute in certain recipes. To replace one egg, mix one tablespoon of whole chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.

When using chia seeds as a substitute, keep in mind that they can absorb liquid and create a gel-like texture, similar to flaxseeds. This characteristic works well in some recipes, such as puddings and smoothies, but may not be suitable for all dishes. Adjust the quantity of chia seeds based on your preference and the specific recipe you’re working with.

As with any substitute, chia seeds will have a slightly different texture and taste compared to sesame seeds. However, their nutritional benefits make them an excellent option for enhancing the overall nutritional profile of your dishes.

Using pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, as a substitute for sesame seeds can add a delicious twist to your dishes. Pumpkin seeds have a unique nutty and earthy flavor, which complements various recipes. Here are some ways you can use pumpkin seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Salad topping: Use roasted or toasted pumpkin seeds as a garnish for salads. They will add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty taste to your greens.
2. Baked goods: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of bread, rolls, muffins, or cookies before baking. They can provide a unique texture and flavor to your baked goods.
3. Coatings and crusts: Crush or chop pumpkin seeds and use them as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. They will also work well in combination with breadcrumbs or alone.
4. Snack mixes: Mix roasted pumpkin seeds with other nuts and dried fruits to create a tasty and nutritious snack mix.
5. Rice and grain dishes: Sprinkle roasted or toasted pumpkin seeds over rice, quinoa, couscous, or other grain dishes to enhance their taste and appearance.
6. Pesto: You could also replace pine nuts or sesame seeds with pumpkin seeds in pesto sauce for a delightful twist on a classic recipe.
7. Trail mix and granola: Add pumpkin seeds to your favorite trail mix or granola recipe. They provide a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrition.

When using pumpkin seeds as a substitute, consider toasting or roasting them to bring out their full flavor. Adjust the quantity of pumpkin seeds based on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re working with. Pumpkin seeds are generally larger and have a slightly different taste compared to sesame seeds, but they can still add a delightful and distinct flavor to your dishes.

Using hemp seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds can be a nutritious and flavorful option. Hemp seeds have a nutty taste and are a great source of protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and various minerals. Here are some ways you can use hemp seeds as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Salad topping: Sprinkle hemp seeds over salads to add a nutty flavor and a boost of nutrition to your greens.
2. Baked goods: Incorporate hemp seeds into muffins, bread, cookies, or other baked goods. They can add a subtle nutty taste and a nutritional boost to your recipes.
3. Smoothies: Blend hemp seeds into your smoothies for added protein, fiber, and a slightly nutty flavor.
4. Coatings and crusts: Crush or grind hemp seeds and use them as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. You could also try combining them with breadcrumbs or other seasonings for a delicious crust.
5. Breakfast cereal or yogurt topping: Sprinkle hemp seeds over your morning cereal or yogurt for added texture and nutrition.
6. Nut butters and spreads: You can make hemp seed butter, similar to tahini made from sesame seeds. Blend hemp seeds with a bit of oil and salt to create a tasty spread.
7. Energy bars and granola: Incorporate hemp seeds into homemade energy bars, granola bars, or granola mixes for a nutritious and crunchy snack.

When using hemp seeds as a substitute, keep in mind that they have a slightly different texture and taste compared to sesame seeds. However, their nutritional profile makes them an excellent choice. Adjust the quantity of hemp seeds based on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re working with.

Hemp seeds are usually available in health food stores or online. Make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness and prevent them from becoming rancid.

Using shredded coconut as a substitute for sesame seeds can add a unique tropical twist to your dishes. Shredded coconut has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, which can work well in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some ways you can use shredded coconut as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Baked goods: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of cakes, muffins, cookies, or bread before baking. It will add a delightful texture and a sweet coconut flavor to your baked goods.
2. Coatings and crusts: Use shredded coconut as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. Combine it with breadcrumbs or other seasonings for a delicious and tropical-flavored crust.
3. Desserts: Incorporate shredded coconut into desserts like pies, tarts, and bars. It can be a delicious and complementary addition to various sweet treats.
4. Rice and grain dishes: Sprinkle shredded coconut over rice, quinoa, or couscous to add a tropical touch and a subtle sweetness.
5. Smoothies and yogurt bowls: Mix shredded coconut into your smoothies or you could also sprinkle it over yogurt bowls for added texture and flavor.
6. Granola and trail mix: Mix shredded coconut with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a tasty and tropical-inspired granola or trail mix.
7. Curry dishes: Add shredded coconut to curry dishes for a creamy and sweet element that pairs well with spices.

When using shredded coconut as a substitute, consider its sweetness and adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re working with. Shredded coconut can be readily available in grocery stores and comes in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties. Depending on the dish, you can choose the appropriate type to achieve the desired level of sweetness. Also, keep in mind that the texture and appearance of shredded coconut are quite different from sesame seeds, so the final dish may have a unique and visually appealing touch.

Using almonds or other nuts as a substitute for sesame seeds can add a rich nutty flavor and crunchy texture to your dishes. Here are some ways you can use almonds or nuts as a substitute for sesame seeds:

1. Baked goods: Chop or crush almonds or other nuts and use them as a topping for bread, muffins, cookies, or other baked goods before baking. They can provide a delicious nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch.
2. Coatings and crusts: Use ground almonds or other nuts as a substitute for sesame seeds in coatings for chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also combine them with breadcrumbs or other seasonings for a flavorful crust.
3. Salad topping: Sprinkle chopped or sliced almonds or nuts over salads to add a delightful crunch and a nutty taste to your greens.
4. Nut butters and spreads: You can make almond or other nut butter by blending roasted nuts with a bit of oil and salt. This can be a delicious alternative to sesame seed butter (tahini).
5. Rice and grain dishes: Mix chopped or sliced almonds or nuts into rice, quinoa, couscous, or other grain dishes to add a nutty touch and increase their flavor and nutrition.
6. Snack mixes: Why not also try mixing chopped or sliced almonds or nuts with other nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a tasty and nutritious snack mix.
7. Desserts: Incorporate chopped or ground almonds or nuts into desserts like pies, tarts, and bars for an extra nutty flavor and texture.

When using almonds or nuts as a substitute, keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor than sesame seeds, so you may need to adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re working with. Additionally, consider any potential nut allergies when using nuts as a substitute, and be mindful of the overall flavor profile of the dish.