If you’ve ever had Middle Eastern food, then you know how delicious tahini sauce can be.
This creamy sesame seed paste is a staple in many dishes, from hummus to falafel.
It adds a nutty flavor and richness that can’t be replicated with any other ingredient.
But sometimes, tahini sauce isn’t available or just not what you want.
That’s when it’s time to look for substitutes!
Fortunately, there are several options out there that make great replacements for tahini sauce.
In this article, I will discuss the seven best substitutes for tahini sauce so that you never have to go without your favorite dish again!
What is Tahini Sauce?
Tahini sauce is a creamy, nutty condiment made from ground sesame seeds.
It’s popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, where it’s used as a dip for vegetables or pita bread, or as an ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush.
Tahini sauce can also be used to top falafel sandwiches, salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats and fish.
Tahini sauce is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients: tahini (ground sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil and salt.
The ingredients are blended together until smooth and creamy.
Depending on the desired consistency of the sauce you may need to add more liquid such as water or olive oil.
You can also adjust the flavor by adding more garlic or lemon juice if desired.
Once prepared it will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks so you can enjoy it all week long!
The 7 Best Substitutes For Tahini Sauce
Tahini sauce is a delicious condiment to add to your dishes.
However, it can be hard to find in some places.
If you’re looking for an alternative, here are seven substitutes that will still give you the same benefits:
1. Cashew Butter
Cashew butter is a delicious and creamy nut butter made from ground cashews.
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with savory dishes like sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Cashew butter can be used as an alternative to tahini sauce in many recipes.
It adds creaminess to sauces and dressings while providing a hint of sweetness.
Cashew butter also makes for an excellent dip or spread on toast or crackers.
For those looking for a healthier option than tahini sauce, cashew butter is the perfect substitute!
2. Sunflower Butter
Sunflower butter is a delicious alternative to tahini sauce.
It is made from roasted sunflower seeds and has a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Sunflower butter can be used as a spread on toast or sandwiches, stirred into oatmeal or yogurt for added creaminess, or blended into smoothies for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.
It also makes an excellent substitute for tahini in sauces and dressings.
Sunflower butter adds richness and depth to hummus, baba ghanoush, and other Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.
3. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a fragrant and flavorful cooking oil made from sesame seeds.
It has a nutty, earthy flavor that adds depth to dishes like stir-fries, marinades, and dressings.
The oil can be used as an alternative to tahini sauce in many recipes. It’s great for adding richness to hummus or drizzling over roasted vegetables.
Sesame oil also works well as a finishing touch on soups and salads, providing an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
When substituting sesame oil for tahini sauce, it’s important to remember that the former is much more potent than the latter – so use it sparingly!
4. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a type of strained yogurt that has been thickened by straining out the liquid whey.
It is made from cow’s milk and contains live cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that help with digestion.
Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and it has a tangy flavor.
- Examples: Greek yogurt can be used as an ingredient in many dishes such as dips, sauces, dressings, marinades, desserts, smoothies, and more. It can also be eaten plain or topped with fruits or nuts for a healthy snack.
- Where to Find: Greek yogurt can be found in most grocery stores in the dairy section near other types of yogurts. It is usually sold in individual containers or larger tubs depending on the brand.
5. Homemade Tahini
Homemade tahini is a great way to enjoy the nutty, creamy flavor of this Middle Eastern condiment without having to buy it from the store.
It’s easy to make and requires only two ingredients: sesame seeds and oil.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
Then grind them into a paste using either a food processor or mortar and pestle.
Add oil gradually while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
The amount of oil will depend on how thick or thin you want your tahini sauce to be.
Once blended, transfer the mixture into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Homemade tahini can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for various dishes such as falafel, hummus, salads, sandwiches, and more!
6. Almond Butter
Almond butter is a delicious and nutritious alternative to tahini sauce.
It’s made from ground almonds, which are high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Almond butter has a creamy texture and nutty flavor that can be used as a spread or added to sauces for extra richness.
It also makes an excellent substitute for tahini when making hummus or other Middle Eastern dishes.
When using almond butter as a replacement for tahini, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid used in the recipe since almond butter is thicker than tahini.
You can also add some lemon juice or vinegar to give it more of a tangy flavor similar to tahini sauce.
7. Soy Butter
Soy butter is a vegan alternative to traditional butter that can be used in many recipes.
It is made from ground soybeans and has a creamy texture similar to peanut butter.
Soy butter has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with savory dishes like stir-fries or sandwiches.
It also works great as an ingredient for sauces and dressings, such as tahini sauce.
When substituting soy butter for tahini sauce, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid ingredients added depending on how thick or thin you want your sauce to be.
Soy butter is a great way to add richness and depth of flavor without compromising on taste or texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tahini sauce is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used in many different dishes.
However, if you don’t have tahini sauce on hand, there are a few great substitutes that can be used in its place.
The best substitutes for tahini sauce are cashew butter, sunflower butter, sesame oil, Greek yogurt, homemade tahini, almond butter, and soy butter.
All of these ingredients have a similar flavor and texture to tahini sauce and can be used in many different recipes.
Using these substitutes can help you create flavorful dishes without having to use tahini sauce.
So, the next time you’re in a pinch, reach for one of these substitutes and enjoy the delicious results.
The 7 Best Substitutes For Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- Cashew Butter
- Sunflower Butter
- Sesame Oil
- Greek Yogurt
- Homemade Tahini
- Almond Butter
- Soy Butter
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.