Coconut Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, nutty, and bright with fresh lemon, this tahini sauce is one of those condiments that makes everything it touches taste better. The base is pure sesame paste whisked together with garlic, cumin, and a generous squeeze of lemon — nothing fussy, nothing hidden. Adding ice water a tablespoon at a time is the real trick here: it transforms a thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable sauce with a texture that store-bought versions rarely match. Because every ingredient is straightforward and plant-based, there's no need to scan labels for sneaky coconut derivatives that sometimes show up in bottled dressings and sauces. A pinch of cumin adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting without overpowering the sesame, and the optional parsley brings a pop of color and freshness to finish. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a dip, or thin it out a little more for a salad dressing — this sauce earns its place in the fridge rotation fast.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ½ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 3–5 tbsp ice water, plus more as needed
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin until the mixture seizes into a thick, pale paste.
- 2
Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition, until the sauce loosens to a smooth, pourable consistency that falls off the whisk in a slow, steady ribbon. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more for a thinner sauce.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!