If there’s one sauce to have in your cooking toolbelt, it’s Lemon Tahini. With Middle Eastern flavors, this sauce mixes zesty citrus with sesame deliciousness. Drizzle it over some roasted veggies, pair it with falafels, or mix it into a grain bowl for a lovely kick.
Why This Sauce is Boss:
- The Flavor Balance: Creamy tahini, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic come together to form a beautiful sauce worth raving about.
- It’s Nutritious: Beyond just the taste, tahini brings a wealth of nutrients to your body, including healthy fats and essential vitamins.
- It Wears Many Hats: You can use this sauce on salads, as a dip, or even a drizzle on grains. It’s super versatile!
Let’s Talk Tahini:
Tahini’s history traces back to the Middle East. where sesame seeds were central to cuisine. The name “tahini” comes from the Arabic word “tahana”, which translates to “grind” as in grinding those roasted sesame seeds into a luscious paste.
This golden delight was a favorite in ancient times, not only for its velvety texture and flavor but also its health perks. These days, tahini has found its way into kitchens worldwide, especially in vegetarian and vegan circles. Our lemony version is just a fresh take on an age-old favorite.
So Many Uses for Lemon Tahini:
Homemade sauces are a game-changer, and our Lemon Tahini Sauce is no exception. You could even make this zesty sauce on a laid-back Sunday, and then enjoy it all week long.
What makes this Lemon Tahini Sauce such a must-have? Here are just some of its potential uses:
- Buddha Bowls: Create an amazing Buddha Bowl by layering cooked quinoa, roasted veggies, chickpeas, and sliced avocado. Then drizzle some of that Lemon Tahini goodness on top!
- Salads: Mixed greens. Hearty grain salads. Twisty pasta. It doesn’t matter! This sauce goes with it all!
- Wraps & Rolls: Elevate your wraps or sandwiches with this spread by adding a dollop.
- Dippin’ Sauce: Got some fresh veggies or pita bread on hand? Maybe some falafels? Use your Lemon Tahini Sauce as a dipping sauce!
- On the Grill: Whether you’re into grilled chicken, fish, or a tofu steak, a splash of this sauce adds a gourmet touch.
No Tahini? No Problem
Sometimes your pantry doesn’t play by the recipe’s rules. No worries! You just need a little improvisation. Here are some swaps to keep the Lemon Tahini dream alive:
- Tahini Paste: Missing tahini? No problem! Swap in some nut or seed butters, like almond or sunflower seed. The flavor will be a little different, but your sauce will still have all that creamy goodness.
- Fresh Lemons: Freshly-squeezed is preferred, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will do the trick.
- No Fresh Parsley?: No problemo. Fresh cilantro or even dried parsley will work. They won’t be the exact same flavor, but it will still be great. If all else fails, grab some fresh chives or green onions to give your sauce a similar refreshing touch.
Tahini FAQs
What do I do with leftovers?
Put your Lemon Tahini Sauce in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to a week. It might thicken up a little bit. If it gets too thick for your liking, just whisk in a little water or lemon juice to thin it out.
What if I don’t like garlic?
No worries. Skip the garlic altogether and let the tahini and lemon do the talking. It’s still delish!
Can I freeze this sauce sauce?
You can freeze it, but a bit of a texture change after you thaw. Freezing in small portions as using it as needed is a great idea. Make sure to give it a good mix post-thaw!
Check Out More of Our Sauce Recipes:
- Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette
- Roasted Sesame Dressing
- Simple Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Asian Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
Let us know how you like this recipe and make sure to leave a star rating and your review below!
Lemon Tahini Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Lemon Tahini Sauce: Yields 1 cup
- ½ cup tahini
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1.5 juicy lemons
- 4-6 tbsp water more if needed for your preferred consistency
- 1 garlic clove grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Very finely chopped flat leaf parsley to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together al tahini sauce ingredients.
- Taste and adjust for more lemon, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Thin out with water to your preferred consistency.
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