Sesame Sauce
A rich, nutty sesame sauce with orange and honey notes, perfect for drizzling over vegetables, meats, or grains to add depth and flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add minced onion, crushed garlic, and salt.
- Cook slowly for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in flour and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add tahini and continue to cook over the lowest heat, whisking frequently.
- Add orange juice, water, tamari, and honey, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ghee instead of butter. If you're looking to reduce calories, you can substitute half of the tahini with Greek yogurt. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. When cooking the onions and garlic, ensure they don't brown to keep the sauce's delicate flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This sesame sauce is perfect drizzled over grilled vegetables or used as a dip for fresh veggies. It pairs beautifully with the Banana Boat Salad for a refreshing meal. You can also use it as a dressing over grain bowls or as a sauce for roasted chicken or tofu. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sesame sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water or orange juice to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Sauce contains roughly 584 calories, with 13g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sesame sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day. Just give it a good stir before serving, and adjust the consistency with a bit of water or orange juice if needed.
What can I use instead of tahini?
If you don't have tahini, you can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar consistency. While the flavor will change slightly, it will still create a creamy sauce. For a nut-free option, consider using mashed avocado.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this sesame sauce can easily be made vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure that the tamari used is also gluten-free if needed, making this sauce suitable for various dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).