Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Recipe By:
Juliette
Updated:
Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

This Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is a quick and delicious addition to your meals. With just five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this creamy sauce that elevates tacos, salads, and more. Its zesty lime flavor paired with a hint of chili makes it unique and versatile for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Prepare: This sauce takes only 5 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for last-minute meals.
  • No Blender Needed: You can easily whisk it together in a bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Versatile Flavor: Use it as a dip, dressing, or drizzle; it complements many dishes.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Made with tahini and spices, it’s packed with nutrients and flavor.
  • Customizable Thickness: Adjust the water to get your desired consistency, from thick crema to pourable dressing.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Chili Lime Tahini Sauce efficiently, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix thoroughly without spilling.
  • Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance in your sauce.

Ingredients

This creamy and drizzle-able chili-lime tahini sauce takes 5 minutes and no blender to make. Perfect for tacos, salads, and so much more.

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • Water as needed to thin

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Chili

How to Make Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl (minus water) and whisk together until well combined.

Step 2: Adjust Consistency

Gradually add water one tablespoon at a time while whisking until you’ve reached your desired consistency resembling a thick salad dressing or crema.

Step 3: Serve it Up!

Enjoy your Chili Lime Tahini Sauce as a dip for veggies, a dressing for salads, or drizzled on top of tacos!

How to Serve Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Chili lime tahini sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate various dishes. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful sauce.

As a Topping for Tacos

  • Taco Drizzle: Add a generous drizzle over your favorite tacos for a zesty kick.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top off tacos with cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

In Salads

  • Salad Dressing: Use it as a creamy dressing on mixed greens for a delicious tang.
  • Quinoa Salad: Toss it into a quinoa salad to enhance flavor and add healthy fats.

As a Dip

  • Veggie Dip: Serve it with fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers for a healthy snack.
  • Pita Chips: Pair with crunchy pita chips for a delightful appetizer.

On Grain Bowls

  • Grain Bowl Sauce: Drizzle over grain bowls made with rice, quinoa, or farro for extra flavor.
  • Protein Boost: Mix it into grilled chicken or tofu bowls for enhanced taste.

How to Perfect Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Perfecting your chili lime tahini sauce is easy with these simple tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve the best flavor and consistency.

  • Bold Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor.
  • Adjust Consistency: Add water gradually until you reach your desired thickness; it should be pourable but not runny.
  • Taste Test: Adjust seasonings based on personal preference. More chili powder adds heat while extra salt enhances flavor.
  • Storage Tips: Keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before using again.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding herbs like cilantro or spices like cumin for different flavor profiles.
Chili

Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Chili lime tahini sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their taste and presentation. Here are some great options to consider.

  1. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast until tender; serve with the sauce drizzled on top.
  2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with cilantro and lime pairs perfectly, providing a refreshing base for the sauce.
  3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries make an excellent dipper; the sweetness balances nicely with the tangy sauce.
  4. Black Bean Salad: A hearty black bean salad topped with this tahini sauce adds creaminess and flavor in every bite.
  5. Corn Salsa: Bright corn salsa brings sweetness and crunch that complements the creamy tahini beautifully.
  6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Serve stuffed peppers filled with grains and proteins, topped with this sauce for extra deliciousness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your chili lime tahini sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to get it just right.

  • Using too much water: Adding too much water can make the sauce too thin. Start with one tablespoon at a time and whisk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Skipping the salt: A generous pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Don’t skip it, or your sauce may taste bland.
  • Not adjusting the lime juice: The acidity of lime juice can vary. Taste as you go, and adjust the lime juice to ensure a balanced flavor.
  • Overlooking storage tips: Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Make sure to use airtight containers for best results.
  • Failing to experiment: This sauce is versatile! Don’t hesitate to add other spices or herbs that you enjoy for unique variations.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Containers: Use an airtight container to keep the sauce fresh and prevent absorption of other odors.

Freezing Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

  • Duration: You can freeze this sauce for up to three months.
  • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays for portion control.

Reheating Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sauce in an oven-safe dish. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwave: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between.
  • Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring continuously until heated through.
Chili

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about chili lime tahini sauce.

How can I customize my Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?

You can add herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness. Experiment with different spices such as cumin or cayenne for more heat.

Can I make this chili lime tahini sauce vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses tahini and plant-based ingredients.

What dishes pair well with chili lime tahini sauce?

This versatile sauce goes well with tacos, salads, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for snacks.

How should I store leftover chili lime tahini sauce?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Chili lime tahini sauce is not only quick and easy to prepare but also adds a burst of flavor to various dishes. Its creamy texture makes it perfect as a dressing or dip. Feel free to customize it further by adding your favorite spices or herbs. Give it a try and enjoy its versatility!

Print
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Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is your new go-to condiment that packs a punch of flavor in just five minutes. This creamy, zesty sauce combines the nutty richness of tahini with the bright acidity of fresh lime and a hint of chili powder. Perfect for drizzling over tacos, tossing in salads, or serving as a dip for veggies, it’s versatile enough to elevate any dish. With no blender required, you can whip it up quickly for last-minute meals or meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable—adjust the water to achieve your desired thickness and experiment with herbs or spices to make it your own. Enjoy this nutritious sauce as part of a healthy diet, knowing each serving is packed with beneficial ingredients.

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 4 servings (about 120ml total) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • Water as needed
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Whisk until smooth; gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  3. Serve as a dip, dressing, or drizzle over your favorite dishes.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 30g
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For an extra kick, add more chili powder or try cayenne pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

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