Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lebanese Tahini Sauce is rich, nutty, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. The creamy sesame flavor pairs beautifully with savory dishes, while the lemon and garlic add freshness and depth. It is naturally vegan and works as a dip, dressing, or sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cold water
Optional additions:
- Fresh parsley
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Olive oil drizzle
Directions
Place the tahini in a medium bowl.
Add the lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
Whisk the mixture until thick and slightly pale.
Gradually add the cold water a little at a time while whisking continuously.
Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl.
Garnish with parsley or olive oil if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 1 cup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add cumin for warm earthy flavor.
Mix in chopped parsley for freshness.
Add cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
Use roasted garlic for a milder garlic flavor.
Thin the sauce further for use as a salad dressing.
Storage/Reheating
Store Lebanese Tahini Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Stir well before serving, as the sauce may thicken during storage.
Add a small amount of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
This sauce is served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
FAQs
What is tahini?
Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds.
Why did my tahini become thick?
Tahini naturally thickens when mixed with lemon juice before water is added.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes. The recipe is naturally vegan.
What dishes pair well with tahini sauce?
Falafel, shawarma, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and salads pair beautifully.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice can work if needed.
Why is my sauce bitter?
Some tahini brands are naturally more bitter, or too much garlic may overpower the sauce.
Can I make the sauce thinner?
Yes. Add more cold water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
How long does tahini sauce last?
It can last up to 1 week when refrigerated properly.
Can I use a blender instead of whisking?
Yes. A blender creates an extra smooth texture.
What type of tahini works best?
Smooth, high-quality tahini made from hulled sesame seeds works best.
Conclusion
Lebanese Tahini Sauce is a creamy, nutty, and flavorful Middle Eastern sauce that pairs beautifully with countless dishes. Quick to prepare and wonderfully versatile, this classic sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading over your favorite savory meals.
PrintLebanese Tahini Sauce
Lebanese Tahini Sauce is a creamy and tangy Middle Eastern sauce made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water blended into a smooth consistency. This versatile sauce is perfect for shawarma, falafel, grilled meats, vegetables, and salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cold water
- Optional: fresh parsley
- Optional: cumin
- Optional: cayenne pepper
- Optional: olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Place the tahini in a medium bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
- Whisk the mixture until thick and slightly pale.
- Gradually add the cold water a little at a time while whisking continuously.
- Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with parsley or an olive oil drizzle if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Add cumin for warm earthy flavor or cayenne pepper for spice.
- Roasted garlic creates a milder and sweeter garlic flavor.
- Thin the sauce with extra water for use as a salad dressing.
- Stir well before serving if the sauce thickens during refrigeration.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
