This Spicy Chipotle Tahini Sauce is seriously life-changing. It's perfect on tacos, salads, bowls – you name it! So creamy, the perfect amount of spice... this stuff is pure magic. You only need a few ingredients, and it whips up in minutes.
Ingredients (for Chipotle Tahini Sauce)
Tahini Sauce. ⇢ The creamy MVP. This sesame seed paste adds richness, a slightly nutty flavor, and that perfect sauce consistency. Make sure to stir it well before measuring!
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce. ⇢ This is where the smoky heat comes from. Chipotles are smoked, dried jalapeños packed in a tangy adobo sauce. Start with one for mild spice, add a second if you like things fiery.
Garlic Clove. ⇢ A classic flavor booster, garlic adds a little savory punch.
Orange Juice. ⇢ The surprise ingredient! Orange juice adds a subtle sweetness and bright acidity that balances out the smoky heat. Freshly squeezed is best.
Water. ⇢ Water is key to getting that perfectly smooth, pourable sauce consistency. Start with ¼ cup and add more a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture.
Coarse Salt. ⇢ Just a touch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Lime Juice. ⇢ We love a final squeeze of lime juice to boost the freshness factor. Add a little, taste, and adjust as you like.
Maple Syrup (optional). ⇢ If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, a drizzle of maple syrup does the trick.
Chipotle Tahini Sauce Guide (Step by Step)
Grab your stuff.
Get all your ingredients together – tahini, chipotles, garlic, orange juice, water, salt, lime juice (and maybe some maple syrup if you like it sweet).
Mix it up.
Toss everything into your blender or food processor. Give it a good whirl until it transforms into a smooth, creamy dream.
Give it a taste.
Dip in a chip or spoon and give it a try! Need more heat? Add another chipotle. Craving a bit more zing? Another squeeze of lime. This is where you make it YOUR perfect sauce.
Get the Right Consistency.
Want it a bit thinner? Add a teaspoon of water at a time and blend again until it's perfectly drizzly.
Dip, Drizzle & Devour.
This sauce is your new best friend. Dunk veggies, drizzle over bowls, top your tacos... the possibilities are endless.
Storage Tip: Leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll thicken up a bit, but no worries – a quick splash of water and a stir will bring it back to life.
Full Recipe
Chipotle Tahini Sauce
Pin RecipeEquipments:
- food processor or blender
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup Tahini paste
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 or 2 pieces Chipotle peppers (in adobo sauce)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoon water (if needed if you want to thin out the sauce)
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional if you like a bit sweet)
Instructions:
- Grab your stuff.Get together your tahini, chipotles, garlic, orange juice, water, salt, lime juice, and optional maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Blend It Up: Throw everything into your blender or food processor. Blend until it becomes a smooth, creamy dream.
- Make It Yours: Give it a taste test! Want it spicier? Add another chipotle pepper. Need more zing? Squeeze in some more lime. This is where you customize it to perfection!
- Find Your Ideal Drizzle: Prefer a thinner sauce? Add water, a teaspoon at a time, and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Enjoy the Flavor Explosion: This sauce is your new favorite! Dip your veggies, drizzle over bowls, top your tacos, or get creative – the possibilities are endless.
Notes:
How to store chipotle tahini sauce
- Airtight is Right: Use an airtight container like a jar or food storage container. This keeps the sauce fresh and prevents it from picking up other flavors in your fridge.
- Fridge is Best: Store your Chipotle Tahini sauce in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to a week.
- Expect Thickening: The sauce will naturally thicken a bit when chilled. It's totally normal!
Make your chipotle tahini sauce even better
- Spice it up (or not!): Start with one chipotle pepper for a mild heat, then add another if you're feeling fiery. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!
- Citrus Zing: Don't be afraid to experiment with the citrus element. Orange juice is classic, but lemon or lime can add a different bright, tangy flavor.
- Sweetness Switch-Up: Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, but a touch of honey or agave nectar works beautifully too. You can even skip the sweetener altogether if you prefer.
- Get Extra Creamy: For an ultra-luxurious sauce, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Smooth it Out: If your tahini is super thick, a tiny drizzle of olive oil can help loosen it up for easier blending.
Nutrition Information:
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
Uses for Chipotle Tahini Sauce
Here's a breakdown of the many delicious uses for Chipotle Tahini Sauce, ranging from the expected to the more creative:
The Classics
- Tacos: Drizzled over your favorite veggie or protein-based tacos like this Air Fryer Salmon Tacos.
- Bowls: Enhance grain bowls, burrito bowls, or this Yard House Steak bowls.
- Salads: From hearty protein salads like our Chipotle Tuna Salad to light and refreshing Thai Beef Salad, this Chipotle Tahini dressing adds a flavorful kick to any kind.
- Dipping Sauce Delights: Dunk your crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bites into this creamy, flavorful sauce for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Dip-tastic
- Veggies: Dip raw carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, or anything you like!
- Pita & Chips: Enjoy with warm pita bread or tortilla chips.
- Fries: Upgrade your fries with a drizzle for a unique flavor combo (especially sweet potato fries!).
Creative Flavor Boosts
- Eggs: Add a dollop to scrambled eggs or top your favorite omelet.
- Grilled Meats & Fish: Use as a marinade or finishing sauce for chicken, fish, or steak. Try it with our recipes for Panda Express Crispy Almond Chicken, Bonchon Chicken Soy Garlic Wings, or Pan-Seared Salmon.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Think your favorite chicken sandwich has the best sauce? This Chipotle Tahini might just change your mind! Give our Popeyes Chicken Sandwich recipe or the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich a try and see for yourself.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables in the sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Pizza Topping: Drizzle on pizza for a smoky, creamy element.
Bonus:
- Homemade Salad Dressing: Thin it out slightly to create a Chipotle Tahini salad dressing.
Make Your Chipotle Tahini Sauce Even Better
- Spice it up (or not!): Start with one chipotle pepper for a mild heat, then add another if you're feeling fiery. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!
- Citrus Zing: Don't be afraid to experiment with the citrus element. Orange juice is classic, but lemon or lime can add a different bright, tangy flavor.
- Sweetness Switch-Up: Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, but a touch of honey or agave nectar works beautifully too. You can even skip the sweetener altogether if you prefer.
- Get Extra Creamy: For an ultra-luxurious sauce, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Smooth it Out: If your tahini is super thick, a tiny drizzle of olive oil can help loosen it up for easier blending.
- Make It a Meal Prep Staple: Double or triple the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge. This sauce is amazing on meal prep bowls and salads throughout the week.
- Beyond the Basics: Think outside the taco! Drizzle it on roasted vegetables, use it as a sandwich spread, or toss it with grilled chicken for a flavor-packed meal.
How to store Chipotle Tahini sauce
- Airtight is Right: Use an airtight container like a jar or food storage container. This keeps the sauce fresh and prevents it from picking up other flavors in your fridge.
- Fridge is Best: Store your Chipotle Tahini sauce in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to a week.
- Expect Thickening: The sauce will naturally thicken a bit when chilled. It's totally normal!
Pro Tip: Before you use it again, give the sauce a good stir (or a quick whiz in the blender if needed) to bring it back to your desired consistency.