Spicy Tahini Sauce

Name: Spicy Tahini Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup tahini; 1/4 cup water (plus more to thin if needed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp white wine vinegar; 2-3 cloves garlic (roughly chopped); 1 –2 tsp finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers (adjust to taste); Kosher salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

A creamy and spicy tahini sauce featuring fiery Calabrian chili peppers, perfect for drizzling over roasted cauliflower or any veggie.

Why You'll Love Spicy Tahini Sauce❤️

This sauce is creamy, spicy, and bright-with just the right amount of heat and tang. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or grilled proteins. Ready in under 5 minutes, it's the versatile condiment you didn't know you needed.

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

What if I don't have Calabrian chili peppers?

You can substitute with red pepper flakes or a mild chili paste, but the unique flavor of Calabrian chili is worth seeking out for this recipe.

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Start with 1 teaspoon of Calabrian chili and adjust slowly. You can also omit chili and add a pinch of smoked paprika for mild smoky flavor.

Close-up of a food processor blade surrounded by creamy, orange sauce with small chunks, viewed from above.

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A creamy and spicy tahini sauce featuring fiery Calabrian chili peppers, perfect for drizzling over roasted cauliflower or any veggie.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course: Dressing/Condiment

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 614

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

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

Add tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, and Calabrian chili peppers to a high-speed blender or mini food processor.
Process while slowly drizzling in water, blending for about 1 minute until silky and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, additional chili, or vinegar if desired.
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