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Tahini Sauce is a simple, versatile condiment that is easy to whip up and adds a delicious nutty, tangy flavor to any dish. Plus, it takes just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to put together. You'll want to put it on everything!
Whether drizzling it over a fresh salad, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip, Tahini Sauce is a game-changer. It boasts a unique taste that's both nutty and tangy. The sesame seeds give it a rich, earthy flavor, while the lemon juice adds a zesty kick making it anything but boring.
It's a common addition to shawarma, gyro, and falafel wraps, but goes so well with almost anything. You'll love it with my mushroom shawarma, roasted veggies, or these grilled portobello mushroom steaks. I love drizzling it on tofu scramble or white bean avocado toast for added richness and protein.
While tahini itself is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, tahini sauce typically involves blending tahini with ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, water, and sometimes olive oil or yogurt. This transformation into a sauce is believed to have ancient origins, with its earliest uses found in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Ingredients Needed
It takes just 6 ingredients to pull this sauce together. Here is what you'll need:
- Tahini - A good tahini makes all the difference. Look for a brand that’s smooth and not too bitter. I highly recommend Soom tahini.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh is best here! Lime juice will work in a pinch but will change the flavor.
- Granulated Garlic - For a stronger garlic flavor, use 1 small clove of crushed garlic.
- Ground Cumin - You can omit this if you don't have it.
- Cold Water - The cold water smooths it out faster, but room temp will work too.
How to make Tahini Sauce
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, you're just minutes away from making this easy and delicious tahini sauce. Here's how to do it:
- In a small bowl, whisk the tahini, lemon, garlic, cumin, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water to combine.
- It’ll be fairly thick at this point so add 1 tablespoon of water and whisk again. Repeat with the remaining water only if needed. The consistency should be somewhat thin like a pourable dressing, yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Taste for flavor and adjust if needed.Place in the fridge until ready to serve. It may thicken in the fridge, so just add a splash
of water and stir.
Variations
One of the best things about tahini sauce is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Herbs: Add some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Heat: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Zest: Add a ½ teaspoon of sumac for a tangy, lemony twist.
Storing Recommendations
It stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If it thickens too much, just add a little water and stir.
- Freezing: Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir well before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Tahini sauce makes a fantastic salad dressing. Just thin it out with a bit more water or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
More condiment recipes to try
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Recipe
Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini (see note)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh-squeezed
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt , more to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water , more as needed
Recommended Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the tahini, lemon, garlic, cumin, salt, and only 2 tablespoons of water to start. Whisk together until combined. It’ll start to seize up and be fairly thick at this point so add 1 tablespoon of water and whisk again.
- Repeat with the remaining water only if needed. The consistency should be somewhat thin like a pourable dressing, yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste for flavor and adjust if needed.
- Place in the fridge until ready to serve. It may thicken in the fridge, so just add a splash of water and stir.
Sharon Stergis
Authentic. Adding garlic is challenged. Wrong. This is one of only two sauces(the other being vinegrette/lemon)that are my favorite.