01
Sunflower Seed Butter
10.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Nut-free; may turn green in baking (harmless)
10.0
almond butter substitute
for marinade.
Marinades need penetration, not coating. Almond butter's viscosity is a liability here — it coats the surface and blocks acid from reaching the protein, so marinades must thin it to pouring consistency with 2-3 tbsp lime juice or vinegar per 1/4 cup. Over a 2-6 hour hold at 38°F, the acid (pKa ~3.9 for citric) denatures surface proteins to a depth of roughly 2-3mm. This page ranks by thinning ease, acid compatibility, and salt-carrying capacity.
top substitutes
adjustment for marinade
Thin 1:1 tbsp with 2 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp soy per 1/4 cup before marinating chicken or tofu 2-6 hours at 38°F. The acid penetrates 2-3mm into surface protein over 4 hours. Chlorogenic acid doesn't green out with soy present — the pH stays above 5.
02
Tahini
7.51 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Sesame-based; earthier, works in savory and sweet
7.5
adjustment for marinade
Swap 1:1 tbsp in yogurt-tahini marinades for lamb or chicken. Thin with 2 tbsp lemon juice (pKa 3.13) and 1 tsp salt per 1/4 cup; marinate 4-8 hours at 38°F for surface penetration. Tahini's looser consistency coats meat evenly without pooling at the bag's corners.
03
Peanut Sauce
5.01 cup : 1 cup
Savory Asian spread; works in Thai dishes and noodle bowls, already seasoned
5.0
adjustment for marinade
Use 1:1 by cup as a pre-made satay marinade. Already balanced on acid (lime) and salt (soy, fish sauce), so no additional seasoning needed. Marinate chicken or beef skewers 2-4 hours at 38°F; longer than 6 hours the sugar begins to cure the surface and toughens texture.
show 3 more substitutes
04
Cashews
7.51 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Blend soaked cashews into butter; mild and creamy
7.5
adjustment for this dish
Blend 1 cup soaked cashews with 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp soy, and 1 clove garlic into a marinade. Use 1:1 tbsp. Milder flavor lets spices lead; marinate chicken 3-6 hours at 38°F. The lower bitter-compound load means it won't turn acrid under acid over time.
05
Cashew Butter
7.51 cup : 1 cup
Milder and creamier; 1:1 swap in smoothies, oatmeal, and sandwiches, less distinctive flavor
7.5
adjustment for this dish
Swap 1:1 by cup in Thai or coconut-leaning marinades. Thin with 3 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp fish sauce per 1/4 cup so the mixture pours rather than coats. Marinate 3-6 hours at 38°F; its neutral base carries ginger, galangal, and garlic without competing.
06
Peanut Spread
5.01 cup : 1 cup
Lower-fat peanut butter alternative; 1:1 swap with peanut flavor in sandwiches
5.0
adjustment for this dish
Use 1:1 by cup thinned with 2 tbsp rice vinegar and 1 tbsp soy per 1/4 cup. Lower fat (~28%) makes a looser marinade that penetrates 2-3mm in 4 hours at 38°F. If the brand carries added sugar, pull 1 tsp sweetener from the recipe to avoid over-curing the surface.