Honey Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, nutty, and bright with fresh lemon, this tahini sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. The ingredient list is short and entirely plant-based, so there's no sweetener of any kind hiding in the mix — just pure sesame paste, garlic, cumin, and citrus doing all the heavy lifting. The trick of adding ice water one tablespoon at a time is what transforms the thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable sauce with a texture that store-bought versions rarely match. A pinch of cumin adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the tang without overpowering the sesame flavor. It comes together in minutes and works beautifully drizzled over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, falafel, or used as a dipping sauce straight from the bowl. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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!