Perfect Tahini Sauce
This perfect tahini sauce recipe is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s rich and luscious from the tahini paste, made tangy and fresh with the addition of lime juice, made smokey and flavorful with the addition of cumin spice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice ( a really big juicy one, or use a full lime if not that juicy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup water cold
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
-
In a bowl whisk the tahini with lime juice and salt. You will notice a change in texture and body of the tahini paste.
-
thin it our with water to your desired consistency, the 3 Tablespoons water will make a thick sauce.
-
Whisk the water and add the cumin at the end and which it in.
-
taste and adjust salt, cumin or more lime to your taste.
-
Then adjust thickness to your taste, add more water if you need to thin it out and add more tahini paste if you need to thicken it out.
-
Serve and enjoy!:)
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips For Tahini Sauce
- First of all, make sure you mix the jar well before using it.
- You'll need to whisk in water to the paste so it turns in to a sauce for you. Initially the paste will separate and look like a mess, so just keep going.. :)
- The beauty of this sauce recipe is that you absolutely control the thickness of the finished sauce, it can be as runny as a salad dressing or think as a dip.
- That’s mainly because sesame paste on it’s own is a paste and as you whisk in the water and lime juice it will thicken up and change it’s character from an oily seed paste into a smoother lighter paste.
- Here you need to add some water to thin out this paste. It's entirely optional how much you'll need to add. So however you prefer the thickness of your sauce to be is how much you should add water.
- Seasoning is very important because sesame is quite bland. So salt and cumin are classic here and just perfect.
- Variations: Add herbs minced, garlic, chilli flakes, garam masala, or any of your favorite spices!
- Use it over my Best Falafel Sandwich as a Falafel Sauce!
Tahini Sauce Variations
- Classic Lebanese Tahini Sauce: Lemon focused and thinner silky consistency
- Garlic Tahini Sauce: Sharper and more savory
- Creamy Yogurt Tahini: Softer and milder
- Spicy Tahini Sauce: Chili or harissa added
- Green Herb Tahini: Parsley, cilantro, dill, or mint
- Tahini Dressing: Thinner consistency for salads and bowls
- Best for shawarma: medium to thick sauce
- For salads: thinner dressing consistency
- To drizzle on falafel: classic lemon garlic version
- Best for bowls: herb tahini versions
Tahini Sauce vs Tahini Paste
- Tahini paste is concentrated sesame paste
- Tahini sauce is emulsified finished sauce
Tahini Sauce vs Hummus
- Tahini sauce is thinner and sesame based
- Hummus includes chickpeas and has heavier body
Tahini Sauce vs Tarator
Some regions use the names interchangeably, though tarator can refer to heavy garlic tahini sauces.
Should tahini be refrigerated?
No because it will harden tremendously and you won't be able to whisk it. I've read in some sites where they do recommend storing it in the fridge. I will say however, that my family has been doing tahini for years and years and my grandma has never stored it in the fridge.
What if Sauce is Too Thick
Add more water gradually
If My Sauce turns Too Thin
Here you will add more tahini
What if it has a Bitter Flavor
You used a poor quality tahini
Why do I have a Separated Sauce
You probably didn't whisk the sauce properly
What if I have a Grainy Texture
You need to whisk more with water.
Storage
Refrigerate airtight in the fridge and it will thicken naturally when chilled. Loosen with water before serving to reach your desired consistency.
What is tahini sauce made of?
Tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt.
Why does tahini sauce get thick before thinning out?
The sesame proteins react during emulsification before relaxing into a smooth sauce.
How do you fix bitter tahini sauce?
Use better quality tahini and balance with acid and water.
Is tahini sauce healthy?
Yes, it contains healthy fats and minerals from sesame seeds.
Can tahini sauce be made ahead?
Yes, though it thickens in the refrigerator.
How do you thin tahini sauce?
Whisk in cold water gradually.