Vegetarian Classic Tahini Sauce
Rich, nutty, and bright with fresh lemon, this tahini sauce comes together in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. The magic happens when ice water is whisked in gradually — it transforms a thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you drizzle it over. A touch of cumin adds warmth and depth that makes this feel like far more than the sum of its parts. It works as a dip, a dressing, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a finishing sauce for grain bowls and falafel alike. Every ingredient here is entirely plant-based, so it fits naturally into a meat-free kitchen without any substitutions or workarounds. The optional parsley adds a pop of color and freshness if you want to dress it up for company, but it's just as satisfying kept simple. Make a batch, keep it in the fridge, and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week long.
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!