MSG Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, bright, and deeply savory, this tahini sauce comes together in minutes with nothing more than a whisk and a bowl. The combination of nutty tahini, sharp fresh lemon juice, raw garlic, and a whisper of cumin creates a sauce that tastes far more complex than its short ingredient list suggests. Adding ice water gradually is the real trick here — it transforms a seized, chalky paste into a silky, pourable ribbon that clings beautifully to whatever you drizzle it over. Every ingredient is whole and straightforward, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additives that often sneak into store-bought versions. A finishing handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of color and a clean herbal note that makes the whole thing feel restaurant-worthy. Use it as a dip, a dressing, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a sauce for grilled proteins — it's genuinely one of those recipes you'll find yourself making on repeat.
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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.
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