A classic Middle Eastern condiment, Lemon Tahini Sauce is used to dress shawarma, grilled meats, falafels, and more. It’s rich, unctuous and nutty. And best of all, this creamy sauce comes together in under 5 minutes and with only 5 ingredients!
Drizzle over Beef Kofta, Chicken Kofta or Chicken Shawarma!
Table of Contents
What is Tahini?
Tahini (pronounced t’heeneh in Arabic) is a Middle Eastern condiment made of ground sesame seeds. It is a classic ingredient in Levantine cuisine and especially in Palestinian recipes. It has a creamy texture and nutty flavor. It’s not pleasant to eat right out of the jar, so it is used more as a flavoring agent.
Tahini can be used in both savory and sweet preparations. It is the main ingredient in recipes such as my homemade hummus, Mutabal (roasted eggplant dip), Musabaha (warm chickpea stew), Tahini Chopped Salad and Fatteh hummus.
This sesame seed paste can also be used in salad dressings, dips and sauces like the one featured in this recipe.
Ingredients
5 simple ingredients! Yes, I said 5 ingredients are all you need!
- Tahini: Use a high-quality tahini. Tahini used to be challenging to find and you would have had to go to a local Middle Eastern grocery store to get it. Now you’ll find it at most grocery stores (either in the international aisle or where the oils and condiments are). Make sure to sit it up well before using it because it separates when it sits for too long without being used.
- Lemon: Lemon is traditional, but you can certainly use another acid like lime juice or even vinegar.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make this Homemade Tahini Sauce Recipe
It’s a 2-step process! It can’t get any easier, to be honest!
Step 1: Form the paste. In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice and salt. Whisk until a thick paste forms.
Step 2. Dilute. Add water about 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
What is Tarator Sauce Used For?
I use this simple Tarator sauce to garnish grilled meats, vegetables, grain bowls, etc. I slather it on pita bread to make wraps like shawarma. It can also be used as a dip with fresh veggies (crudité). Here are some recipes you can pair with this unintentionally vegan sauce:
- Beef Kofta (Seasoned grilled beef)
- Arayes (kafta stuffed frilled pita pockets)
- Authentic Shish Tawook
- Musakhan Rolls
- Chicken Shawarma
- Chicken Kafta
- Homemade falafels
Expert Tips
- For a dip consistency: Use less water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to achieve a thicker dip consistency
- For a drizzling consistency: Use more water (about 3-4 tablespoons) for a runnier consistency.
- Flavor your sauce: You can add garlic, sumac, maple syrup, sesame oil, and fresh herbs to your sauce. Feel free to experiment.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but do store it in an airtight container or a bowl with plastic wrap right up against the surface of the sauce. If exposed to air, the sauce will dry and thicken. Another way to store the sauce is in a squeeze bottle. The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to give it a good stir or shake the squeeze bottle before using it.
Much like making your own almond butter or peanut butter, you could technically process roasted sesame seeds in a food processor until you get to a creamy tahini texture. However, I recommend you simply buy a jar of tahini and leave the hard work to the professionals!
Other Sauces and Condiments
Appetizers
Levantine Recipes
Levantine Recipes
Levantine Recipes
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How to Make Lemon Tahini Sauce (Authentic and Easy)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Tahini paste
- 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- 2-4 tbsp Water – See note
Instructions
- Form the paste. In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice and salt. Whisk until a thick smooth paste forms.
- Dilute. Add water about 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Notes
- Tahini: Use a high-quality tahini. Tahini used to be challenging to find and you would have had to go to a local Middle Eastern grocery store to get it. Now you’ll find sesame paste at most grocery stores (either in the international aisle or where the oils and condiments are). Make sure to sit it up well before using it because it separates when it sits for too long without being used.
- Lemon: Lemon is traditional, but you can certainly use another acid like lime juice or even vinegar.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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