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Transport Yourself to the Mediterranean with Chef John’s Tzatziki Sauce Recipe!
Take your taste buds on a Mediterranean adventure with Chef John’s Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. This cool and creamy sauce is a staple in Greek cuisine and is made with refreshing cucumber, tangy yogurt, and a combination of herbs and spices. Serve it as a dip for veggie sticks or pita chips, or use it as a sauce for your grilled meats and vegetables. With its zesty and satisfying flavor, Chef John’s Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is the perfect addition to your summer table. Try it out and impress your guests with a taste of the best of the Mediterranean!
Chef Tips: Professional Advice for making Chef John’s Tzatziki Sauce
Choose the Right Cucumber
It is recommended to choose seedless or English cucumbers for this recipe. These types of cucumbers have less water content and are less bitter, which are ideal for making tzatziki sauce.
Drain the Excess Liquid
After grating the cucumber, it is important to drain the excess liquid from it. Excess liquid can make the sauce too watery and affect the texture.
Take Time to Chill
Allow the sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more delicious tzatziki sauce.
Adjust the Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt or lemon juice to make it tangier or spicier. You can also add more fresh dill to make the sauce more herbaceous.
Serve with Complementary Foods
Tzatziki sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread. Use it as a dip for fried foods or as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Store Properly
Tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to stir the sauce well before serving, as it may separate over time.
How many calories are in Chef John’s Tzatziki Sauce?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
-
Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 1310mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g
Drink Pairings
Wine pairing: A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc would be a great match for this Tzatziki sauce, as the wine’s bright acidity and citrus notes would complement the lemon juice and fresh dill in the recipe.
Mixed drink pairing: A suitable mixed drink pairing for this Tzatziki Sauce could be a traditional Greek cocktail called Ouzo. The anise-flavored liquor would complement the fresh dill and addition of cayenne pepper in the sauce, making for a delightful pairing.
How to Make Chef John’s Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Start by grating the cucumber with a box grater.
- Spread out the grated cucumber on a few layers of paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Gently squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated cucumber using paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, olive oil, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the grated and squeezed cucumber to the bowl and mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold as a dip or sauce with your favorite appetizers, grilled meats, or vegetables. Enjoy!