This traditional Middle Eastern shawarma sauce is creamy and delicious. It's made with tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, yogurt, salt, and water, whipped up in just 5 minutes to create the best garlic yogurt sauce that pairs well with many foods.
Well, folks, I’ve got to tell you, if you’re looking for the sauce of all sauces, shawarma sauce is the way to go, IMO. It's a flavor I grew up on and savor in my homemade shawarma wraps (plus more suggestions below).
It's extremely easy to make, and ready in 5 Minutes.
Ingredients and Variations
The measurements of these ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.
Tahini is the star ingredient which has a rich nutty flavor. It's a paste made with sesame seeds which can be found at your local grocery store. Or, buy it tahini online here.
Fresh lemon juice is a must as yields the best results. Avoid store-bought lemon juice, these contain unwanted ingredients and can sometimes be bitter. There have been times when I have used lime juice instead. The taste is negligible.
Salt is added to taste.
Water is needed to help turn the tahini into a delicious creaminess. Use filtered water when possible.
Yogurt must be plain. No flavors, I prefer to use a dairy-free yogurt, however, you can use Greek yogurt instead if you prefer. You can also make this shawarma sauce without yogurt and it is still magical.
Optional Ingredients
Fresh garlic cloves will need to be crushed prior to whisking into this sauce. Garlic powder is okay to use, however, if you want an unreal garlicky sauce go for fresh it makes the best flavor.
Fresh herbs are amazing, with freshly chopped parsley being a popular choice by Middle Easterners.
For a chili kick, try blending a sprinkle of paprika, cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This traditional shawarma sauce is used in so many different ways with many popular street food.
Falafel is also commonly served with this delicious sauce. try it in the best falafel pita sandwich or drizzled onto a salad with falafel.
Paired with fried foods - such as golden brown cauliflower florets, air fried fries with this dipping sauce are the best!
More Tahini Sauces and Dressing Recipes
My versatile miso tahini dressing is another delicious sauce that is fabulous with salads or grilled veggies.
This other authentic shawarma sauce is made up of mostly garlic and it's so delish.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Recipe
Middle Eastern Shawarma Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 small Lemon freshly squeezed
- 5 tablespoons Tahini
- 1 pinch Salt
- 3 tablespoons Water
Optional
- 1 tablespoon Parsley finely chopped
- 1 small Garlic clove crushed
- 2 tablespoons Plain yogurt dairy free
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, tahini, and salt until well blended. You can add any or all of the optional ingredients - plain yogurt, finely chopped parsley and cruch garlic cloves anytime.
- Add in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce reaches a nice consistency. If desired, more spoonfuls of water can be added to thin out this sauce. Whisk in any of your deisred optional ingredients.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Kirsten
This is very similar to the recipe I’ve used for over a decade. It’s delicious! I thought I was the only person to dip fries in this sauce. It’s the only way to eat fries in my book! I like it on salads too and of course on falafel pitas. Mine is the garlic version with salt used to pulverize the garlic in a mortar and pestle before emulsifying the tahini and lemon juice.
Janelle Hama
Yum! I love the garlic version, so pungently delicious. With fries is the best!
Tim
easy, made it with your falafels and your falafel wraps. recommend
nancy
i just had salmon with this sauce and it was delicious
Billy
This sauce is pretty popular in Turkey as well, I made it with some vegan yogurt. It's awesome, I've been eating it with salads
Samira
May tayta used to make this, and for years I didn't know how to search for this, I came across your recipe via google and I am greatful to be able to make this. I know you don't eat fish, but I like to have it with fish & chips.
plantbasedfolk
aww I am happy to have helped you. I loved it with fish too when I was a kid
Hiba
I love this sauce. I use it also in my salads.