Tahini Sauce
A rich, creamy Tahini Sauce that adds a delicious flavor to many Lebanese dishes. This traditional sauce is made from ground sesame seeds and is perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or falafel.

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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of tahini with 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and stir until smooth.
- 2
Add 1/2 cup of water gradually to the tahini mixture, mixing continuously until you reach a creamy consistency.
- 3
Incorporate 1 clove of minced garlic into the sauce for flavor, stirring well to combine.
- 4
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting until you reach your preferred level of seasoning.
- 5
Serve the tahini sauce immediately or store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Cook notes
Tips
If your tahini is too thick, add more water little by little until the desired consistency is reached.
For a more pronounced garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic used.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover tahini sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If the sauce thickens after storage, simply whisk in a bit of water to restore its consistency.
Substitutions
- If you don't have tahini, you can use sunflower seed butter for a similar taste.
- For a milder flavor, substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder.
What to Serve With
- Falafel wraps
- Fresh vegetable sticks
- Grilled chicken
- Pita bread
Common Mistakes
- Adding too much water at once can make the sauce too thin; add gradually instead.
- Not mixing well enough can leave lumps in the sauce; ensure a thorough blend.
Recipe FAQ
Can I adjust the garlic in the tahini sauce?
Yes, feel free to add more or less garlic according to your taste.
How long can I store tahini sauce in the fridge?
Tahini sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What can I use tahini sauce for?
Use tahini sauce as a dressing for salads, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for falafel.
Kitchen tools
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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