Tahini Sauce
This authentic tahini sauce recipe is a game-changer and will infuse your meals with the rich, distinctive flavors of garlic, lemon juice, and cumin. It’s perfect for elevating everything from kabobs to falafel sandwiches.
This tahini sauce is so versatile and a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Ideal for drizzling over everything from falafel to grain bowls to salads, this simple yet delicious sauce is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Enjoy this sauce with some Tasty Falafels, which are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. And if you’re looking for another sauce to spice up your dishes, don’t miss out on my toum sauce, a creamy garlic sauce that’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. You can also serve it with my Beef Burger Pizza.
❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Quick and Easy: This tahini sauce recipe is easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in no time.
- Classic Flavors: This recipe uses traditional ingredients like tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, giving you a classic, authentic taste.
- Family Favorite: This Tahini Sauce is a hit with the whole family. It is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients used in this recipe are affordable and easy to find, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Surprisingly Simple: Despite its complex flavors, this Tahini Sauce is surprisingly simple to make. Even beginners in the kitchen can easily master this recipe.
🍊 INGREDIENTS
More details about the ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below!
- Tahini Paste: This sesame seed paste is the show’s star, providing a rich, nutty flavor that is the backbone of our recipe.
- Garlic: A large clove of minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that compliments the tahini beautifully.
- White Vinegar: A touch of white vinegar brings a subtle tanginess that brightens up the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon juice not only balances the richness of the tahini but also adds a refreshing citrus note.
- Water: Water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it as thick or thin as you prefer.
🔪 HOW TO MAKE LEBANESE TAHINI SAUCE
Step 1
Mix Tahini Paste and Garlic: Start by combining your tahini paste and garlic. To do this, simply add them into a small bowl and stir until they are well mixed.
Step 2
Add Spices and Vinegar: Next, it’s time to add in your spices, salt, and vinegar. Mix these ingredients into your tahini and garlic mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 3
Adjust Consistency: Now, you’ll need to add your lemon juice and water. Start with one tablespoon of lemon juice, mix it in, then add water one or two tablespoons at a time. This gradual addition of water will help your tahini sauce come together smoothly.
Step 4
Add Lemon Juice: Finish your mixing process with an additional one and a half tablespoons of lemon juice. This final touch of acidity helps to balance out the flavors in your tahini sauce.
Step 5
Taste and Adjust: Finally, give your tahini sauce a taste test. Feel free to add more salt if you think it needs it! Your homemade tahini sauce is ready.
👩🏽🍳 PRO TIPS
- Gradually add Liquids: When adding the lemon juice and water, do so gradually, one or two tablespoons at a time. This helps the sauce come together smoothly and prevents it from becoming too thin or watery.
- Customize Consistency with Water: If your sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding more water while keeping the rest of the ingredients as the recipe recommends. You can also reduce the amount of water you add if the tahini is thinner.
- Adjust Water and Salt to Taste: The amount of water and salt you add can be adjusted according to your taste, and the consistency of the tahini paste you’re using. Some brands may be thicker than others, requiring more water for a pour-able sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your tahini sauce before serving. If needed, add more salt or spices to suit your preference. Remember, the goal is to create a sauce that you love, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
📋 VARIATIONS
- Herbs: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, this variation is for you. Simply add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to the tahini mixture. This will give your tahini sauce a refreshing twist and a vibrant color that’s visually appealing.
- Sweet: For those who prefer a hint of sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the tahini sauce. This will balance the tanginess of the lemon and vinegar, giving your sauce a sweet and sour flavor that’s incredibly delicious.
- Smoky: If you love the smoky flavor, you can intensify it by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the tahini mixture. This will give your tahini sauce a smoky, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or vegetables.
- Spicy: For those who like a bit of heat, try adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your tahini sauce. This will give your sauce a spicy twist that can liven up any dish.
🍽️ HOW TO SERVE
- Drizzle this tahini sauce over your grilled chicken such as shish tawook for a burst of flavor. The tangy, creamy sauce perfectly compliments the smoky taste of the grill.
- For a healthy and delicious snack, use this tahini sauce as a dip for fresh vegetables. The rich, nutty flavor of the sauce pairs well with the crispness of the veggies.
- Turn your ordinary salad into a gourmet meal by using this tahini sauce as a dressing. The unique blend of spices adds a refreshing twist to your greens.
- For a Mediterranean touch, serve this tahini sauce with falafels and warm pita bread. It’s a classic combination that everyone will love!
💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tahini paste is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It is a major ingredient in hummus and is often used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines.
Adding the lemon juice in stages helps to emulsify the sauce, which means it helps the oil and water in the tahini paste to blend together smoothly. This results in a creamy and well-combined sauce.
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or herbs to make your very own version of tahini sauce.
🌡️ STORING
- Refrigerate: You can store leftover tahini sauce in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight sealed container to maintain its freshness.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, tahini sauce doesn’t freeze well. The texture can change upon thaw and it may separate, which is not ideal. It is best to make it fresh and use it within a week.
⭐ PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried this recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!
Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini paste
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon salt Add more according to your taste
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ¼ teaspoon coriander powder
- 7 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the tahini paste and garlic. Mix well.
- Add the spices, salt, and vinegar and mix until combined.
- Now add one tablespoon of lemon juice and mix, then keep adding water one or two tablespoon at a time and mix, this will help the tahini sauce come together better and you will get a smooth sauce.
- End the mixing with one an half tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Taste the tahini sauce and add more salt if you wish. Your tahini sauce is ready.
Video
Notes
- It is best to add one or two tablespoons at a time from the liquids (lemon and water) if you are making the sauce for the first time.
- Every brand of tahini paste is different, some are bitter than others, some are thicker than others. The amount of ingredients stays the same; what can be changed to more or less is water and salt, depending on the tahini sauce consistency and your taste.
I would probably put tahini sauce on just about anything, I love it so much. Thanks for this authentic recipe.
Hi Jeff, I love tahini sauce and it makes grilled vegetables and meat tastes so much better, I hope you give my recipe a try 😊