This Tahini Sauce with fresh lemon and garlic is bright, creamy, tangy, and perfect for your favorite vegan recipes! Pair this tasty tahini lemon sauce with falafel, shawarma, salads, and more for the best flavors.
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What Is Tahini Sauce?
Creamy tahini lemon sauce is made with only three ingredients and is traditionally served as a Middle Eastern condiment for all types of plates and sandwiches: such as gyros, wraps, hummus, and more.
Made with tahini paste which is derived from nutty sesame seeds, tahini sauce is known to be earthy, nutty, tangy, oily, and can be even slightly bitter. You will certainly want to try this sauce drizzled over your favorite tender chicken, za'atar potatoes and lamb kababs.
In several cultures and cuisines, tahini sauce is traditionally made with a whisk (similar to tzatziki sauce) to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Adding freshly chopped parsley to the sauce, also known as tahini with parsley, is traditionally served in both Egyptian and Lebanese cuisines and a great way to experience a wide array of indulgent flavors.
This Vegan tahini sauce is gluten-free and flavor-packed with bright ingredients which makes it a great option for so many different types of recipes. This homemade sauce is a common delicacy throughout the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions and is served alongside other main or side dishes that are filled with warm and zesty spices.
Ingredients
- Tahini Paste: Use store-bought tahini paste or make your own. I linked my favorite tahini paste recipe above, and I highly recommend making your own because it is flavorful and has such a smooth texture.
- Garlic: Use minced or pressed fresh garlic for aromatic flavors that are savory and delicious. If you do not have fresh garlic, then you can also use ground garlic powder.
- Sea Salt: You can use any type of sea salt for this tahini recipe! Season to your preference.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice gives this condiment bright citrus accents that are tasty and balanced. Use either lemon or lime juice as both provide just enough tart flavors the tahini needs.
- Water: Just enough water is needed to give this sauce the perfect texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Top the tahini lemon sauce with freshly chopped parlsey for additional bright and succulent flavors.
How To Make Tahini Sauce?
This tahini sauce recipe is so easy to make and perfect alongside your favorite lunches and dinners. Ready in just a few simple steps!
First, in a bowl, combine the tahini paste, garlic, salt, and lemon juice.
Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes firm.
Next, add a little bit of water to the tahini mixture and whisk again. Keep adding a little bit of water to the bowl until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and pourable.
Taste and add more seasoning as needed.
Transfer the mixed sauce to a serving bowl and serve with your favorite dishes. If preferred, add a handful of chopped parsley before serving.
FAQs
Yes, you can freeze this sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to three months.
This tahini lemon sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just be sure to mix it before serving!
I usually use my homemade tahini paste which never gives it a bitter flavor. However, the store-bought tahini paste may give a bitter taste, so try to use different brands to see what suits you the best. Adding some olive oil to the tahini mixture may mellow down the bitterness.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the water and add more to the sauce for a thinner consistency that would be tasty with sandwiches, grilled meats, salads, and wraps. Light and tasty!
- For a thicker and creamier sauce, use less water. The thicker sauce can be used as a dip for fries, pita bread, chips, vegetables, and more.
- For a quicker method, mix all of the ingredients in a food processor.
Flavor Variations
- Cumin: Adding ground cumin to the tahini sauce will give it a warm, smoky, and zesty flavor that is typically found in recipes that are rich and full of aromatics.
- Paprika: Ground paprika is a great way to add a little bit of warmth, color, and spice to the sauce. Great for using as a dipping sauce!
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a great way to add extra bold and bright flavors to the sauce! If you love cilantro, then you will love this variation! You can even add avocado and lime!
- Dill: Aromatic fresh dill is another herb that is perfect served with the homemade tahini lemon sauce. Bright, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients!
- Mint: Leafy fresh mint is a great way to add a spin to fresh tahini lemon sauce. Switch things up with different types of mint leaves, too!
- Turmeric: Bright ground turmeric will add a distinct richness giving the twist that sauce needs.
Serving Suggestions
- This sauce is a great combination with Middle Eastern Recipes such as hummus, pita bread, Lavash, different proteins, and more. Even salads!
- Serve this with vegan falafel for a well-rounded filling meal drizzled with your favorite zesty sauce.
- Enjoy this sauce drizzled and layered between your favorite sandwiches and wraps. Serve them either warm or cold for the best flavors!
- Different types of shawarma are delicious with this tahini sauce such as lamb, beef, and chicken. The sauce creates extra tender flavors!
- Dip your favorite crisp fresh veggies, fries and sweet peppers in this creamy sauce for a quick and easy appetizer or side dish!
- Drizzle this bright sauce over roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, squash, mushrooms, potatoes, and more.
- Grilled meats such as chicken and kebobs are super tasty coated are dipped in this lemon tahini sauce. This is the best dip for different types of meats!
- Pair crunchy toasted pita bread or chips with this sauce in addition to various types of flatbread filled with cheeses and herbs.
- Incorporate this sauce in your favorite bright salad dressings to coat your favorite leafy greens or pasta.
- Pour some of this sauce in a jar and serve as a mezze platter appetizer with hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, tzatziki sauce, and more.
More Recipes You Will Love
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📖 Recipe
Tahini Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Tahini Paste
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced/pressed or ¼ tsp Garlic Powder)
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ⅓ cup Fresh Lemon Juice (or feel free to use Lime Juice)
- ¼-⅓ cup Cold Water
Instructions
- In bowl, combine tahini paste, garlic, sea salt and lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly, it will firm up first.
- Add little water and whisk well again. Keep adding little water and whisk well until you reach smooth creamy, smooth and pourable consistency. Do the taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Alternatively, combine tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a food processor. Then, slowly add water and blend again until desired consistency.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and serve! You can add handful of chopped fresh pasrley to tahini before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the water and add more to the sauce for a thinner consistency that would be tasty with sandwiches, grilled meats, salads, and wraps. Light and tasty!
- For a thicker and creamier sauce, use less water. The thicker sauce can be used as a dip for fries, pita bread, chips, vegetables, and more.
- For a quicker method, mix all of the ingredients in a food processor.
- Cumin: Adding ground cumin to the sauce will give it a warm, smoky, and zesty flavor that is typically found in recipes that are rich and full of aromatics.
- Paprika: Ground paprika is a great way to add a little bit of warmth, color, and spice to the sauce. Great for using as a dipping sauce!
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a great way to add extra bold and bright flavors to the sauce! If you love cilantro, then you will love this variation! You can even add avocado and lime!
- Dill: Aromatic fresh dill is another herb that is perfect served with this homemade sauce. Bright, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients!
- Mint: Leafy fresh mint is a great way to add a spin to fresh sauce. Switch things up with different types of mint leaves, too!
- Turmeric: Bright ground turmeric will add a distinct richness to the sauce giving it the twist it needs.
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