Creamy, nutty, and packed with a fiery kick, this Spicy Tahini Sauce is the perfect way to add bold flavor to any dish. Made with rich tahini, zesty lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of heat from sriracha, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between smooth, tangy, and spicy. It’s incredibly versatile—drizzle it over grain bowls, roasted veggies, falafel, or shawarma, or use it as a dipping sauce for pita bread.
Ingredient Notes for Spicy Tahini Sauce
- Tahini: Tahini is a smooth, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, known for its rich, nutty flavor and velvety texture. It’s a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines, used in both savory and sweet dishes. Tahini adds a deep, earthy richness to any recipe. It’s high in heart-healthy monounsaturated & polyunsaturated fats and contains 5g of protein per 2 tablespoons, making it a great addition to plant-based diets.
- Soy Sauce: If you are completely vegan and do not want to use soy sauce, I would recommend coconut aminos or Bragg’s liquid aminos. You could use tamari but keep in mind it will make the sauce look dark which may be unappealing.
- Maple Syrup: You need some kind of sweetener for this sauce. I have used maple syrup in this recipe but you could also use agave. I would not recommend honey as you want a more neutral-flavored sweetener to bring out the flavor in the other ingredients.
- Sriracha: You could use cayenne pepper or some other red pepper based spice if you wish. I love the flavor of sriracha and find it very easy to measure out the exact amount needed. It also blends very well.
- Lemon: I think it goes without saying, but please only use fresh lemon juice. No bottled lemon juice
Preparation Noted for Spicy Tahini Sauce
- For best results, throw all of the ingredients into a blender or blender cup and blend until smooth. You could also try an immersion blender if that’s what you have on hand.
- Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking by experimenting with the amounts. The measurements listed in the recipe are what I have found to work best but you can certainly make adjustments to make it more pleasing to your palate.
- Be sure to use it on Roasted Cauliflower Shawarma.
Ways to Use Spicy Tahini Sauce
- Drizzle Over Shawarma or Falafel – The creamy heat pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern flavors.
- Toss into Salads or Grain Bowls – A perfect dressing for quinoa, couscous, or roasted veggie bowls.
- Dip for Pita, Fries, or Roasted Potatoes – Adds a spicy, savory punch.
- Spread on Wraps, Tacos, or Burgers – Elevates sandwiches and plant-based burgers.
- Serve with Roasted Vegetables – Pairs beautifully with cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
