Seed Oil Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, bright, and deeply savory, this tahini sauce comes together in minutes with nothing but a bowl and a whisk. The base is pure sesame paste — no refined oils, no emulsifiers, no fillers — just tahini loosened with ice water until it transforms into something silky and pourable. That cold water trick is the real magic here: it causes the tahini to seize up first, then gradually relax into a glossy, ribbon-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you drizzle it over. Fresh lemon juice and a single clove of garlic keep things lively, while a pinch of cumin adds just enough warmth to make it feel like more than the sum of its parts. Store-bought versions often sneak in soybean or sunflower oil to stretch the product, so making it yourself is the only way to know exactly what's in the jar. A finishing scatter of flat-leaf parsley lifts the whole thing with a pop of color and freshness. Use it as a dip, a dressing, a sauce for roasted vegetables, or a drizzle over grain bowls — it earns its place at every meal.
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!