Spicy Tahini Sauce

A creamy and spicy tahini sauce built on tahini, Calabrian chili peppers, garlic, and lemon juice, blended smooth in about a minute. Good for drizzling over roasted cauliflower or any roasted vegetable.

Why You'll Love Spicy Tahini Sauce

Tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and Calabrian chili all go into the blender together, then water gets drizzled in while it runs until the sauce turns silky and smooth, about a minute total. It comes together in one step and keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips and Tricks

• Use cold water when blending to help keep the tahini from seizing.
• Start with a small amount of Calabrian chili and build up to your spice preference.
• If the sauce thickens in the fridge, whisk in a little water to loosen before serving.

Variations

• Green Tahini Sauce: Add fresh parsley or cilantro for an herbaceous version.
• Sweet Heat: Stir in ½ teaspoon of maple syrup or honey for balance.
• Roasted Garlic Tahini: Swap raw garlic with roasted for deeper flavor.

Substitutions

• Calabrian chili: Use sambal oelek, harissa, or red pepper flakes as a backup.
• White wine vinegar: Substitute with rice vinegar or lemon juice.
• Tahini: Sunflower seed butter or cashew butter can be used for a nutty twist.

Best served with

• Roasted or charred cauliflower
• Grain bowls with falafel or chickpeas
• Grilled chicken or lamb skewers
• Drizzled over flatbreads or used as a dip

How to Store Leftovers

• Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before each use. If it thickens over time, simply whisk in a splash of cold water or lemon juice to restore its silky texture.

Common Questions

Spicy Tahini Sauce

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A creamy and spicy tahini sauce built on fiery Calabrian chili peppers, garlic, and lemon juice. Drizzle it over roasted cauliflower or any roasted vegetable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 11 tablespoons

Course: Dressing/Condiment

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 614

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• ¼ cup tahini
• ¼ cup water plus more to thin if needed
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 2-3 cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 1-2 teaspoon finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers adjust to taste
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• High-speed blender or mini food processor
• Airtight container for storage
• Measuring spoons and cups

Method

 

1. Add tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, and Calabrian chili peppers to a high-speed blender or mini food processor.
2. Process while slowly drizzling in water, blending for about 1 minute until silky and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, additional chili, or vinegar if desired.
4. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. Use within 5 days for best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 614kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 11gFat: 60gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 32gSodium: 26mgPotassium: 307mgFiber: 3gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 41IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days for best flavor. It thickens as it chills, so thin with a splash of water and stir before using.

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