Name: Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: ¾ cup peeled garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups vegetable oil; 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 4 tablespoons ice water

Jump to Recipe·5 from 203 reviews

If you’ve ever tasted Middle Eastern food, chances are you’ve fallen head over heels for the lush, creamy punch of garlic in a classic Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe. This sauce, simple yet spectacular, brings a fresh zing that brightens everything from grilled meats to crisp veggies — it’s like the magic touch your kitchen has been waiting for!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile Flavor Boost: Adds a bright, garlicky punch to almost any dish.
Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry classics with no complicated steps.
Creamy & Silky Texture: The slow emulsification creates a beautifully smooth sauce.
Authentic Lebanese Experience: Brings a genuine taste of Lebanon into your home kitchen.

A close-up of a white creamy dip in a deep white bowl with a brown rim, swirled with a smooth texture and drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled black pepper on top. The bowl sits on a white cloth with a white marbled surface underneath. Around the bowl, there are garlic cloves, a whole garlic bulb, sliced yellow squash, and a sprig of green parsley. A wooden spoon lies near the bottom right corner, completing the scene with a rustic, fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity — a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role in balancing the bold taste and smooth texture you want in your sauce.

Garlic cloves: Fresh, peeled cloves pack the pungent, savory punch that defines this sauce.
Kosher salt: Enhances the garlic’s natural flavors and helps the paste form.
Vegetable oil: Used for emulsifying the sauce, lending a luscious, creamy mouthfeel.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and a zesty contrast to garlic’s richness.
Ice water: Helps achieve a smooth, fluffy texture and lightens the sauce.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

One of the wonderful aspects of the Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your kitchen’s pantry or your personal preferences. Whether you want it spicier, creamier, or adapted to dietary needs, there’s a variation waiting for you to try.

Add fresh herbs: Incorporate parsley or cilantro to introduce a fresh herbal twist.
Swap oils: Use olive oil for a richer flavor, but keep the slow drizzle to maintain smoothness.
Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or finely chopped jalapeño for an extra layer of heat.
Dairy variation: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangier, creamier outcome.

How to Make Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Garlic Paste

Start by tossing those peeled garlic cloves and kosher salt into your food processor. Pulse and process until you get a smooth, fragrant garlic paste. Don’t rush this step — scrape down the sides a few times to keep everything evenly blended and silky.

Step 2: Slowly Emulsify the Oil

With the processor running, very slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil — starting drop by drop is key. This gradual addition allows the garlic and oil to emulsify properly, which is how you get that dreamy, creamy texture. This stage takes patience but trust the process!

Step 3: Incorporate Lemon Juice and Remaining Oil

Once you’ve added about half the oil, start alternating between adding lemon juice and the remaining oil. Keep the processor running throughout, aiming for a smooth, thick consistency. This gentle technique usually takes around 20 minutes — perfect time to set the mood with some music or a little kitchen dance.

Step 4: Blend in the Ice Water and Finish

Last but not least, add the ice water and blend just enough for a velvety finish. The cold water lightens the sauce while keeping that rich garlic flavor intact. Transfer your masterpiece to a bowl, drizzle with a touch of olive oil if you like, and garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness.

For the best flavor, refrigerate overnight! This step isn’t just a suggestion — it lets all those bold, garlicky notes mellow and blend beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe

Slow Drizzle Magic: Adding the oil very slowly is crucial to avoid breaking the sauce and ensure it emulsifies smoothly.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh is best! It gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor than jarred or pre-chopped garlic.
Keep it Cold: Adding ice water at the end helps lighten the texture without diluting the flavor.
Patience Pays Off: Resist the urge to rush — slow processing leads to a beautifully creamy and stable garlic sauce.

How to Serve Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy, smooth white dip swirled on top with a little drizzle of light yellow oil and sprinkled with small black pepper bits. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partly under it. Around the bowl, there are whole and peeled garlic cloves, a head of garlic, a bunch of green parsley, a wooden spoon, and some pale yellow sliced rounds of a vegetable in the background. The scene has soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, its green brightness balancing the creamy white sauce beautifully. You can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for a glossy finish, or even sprinkle some sumac for an optional tangy twist that pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

This garlic sauce is incredibly versatile — serve it alongside grilled chicken, falafel, shawarma, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a fantastic dip for warm pita bread or a creamy spread on sandwiches and wraps. The possibilities are endless and all tantalizing!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this sauce in small ramekins as part of a mezze platter, with colorful veggies and flatbreads. You can also dollop it atop your favorite grilled meats or even use it as a salad dressing base for a zesty, garlicky punch that surprises and delights your guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lebanese garlic sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to one week, allowing you to savor those garlicky vibes any time you want with minimal fuss.

Freezing

Freezing this sauce isn’t ideal because the texture may shift after thawing, but if needed, freeze in small portions. Thaw gently in the fridge and whisk or blend again to restore some creaminess before serving.

Reheating

Lebanese garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If warmed, it might separate, so it’s better to keep it chilled or bring it out ahead to reach room temperature naturally.

FAQs

Can I make Lebanese garlic sauce without a food processor?

While a food processor makes emulsifying easier and creates a smoother texture, you can make this sauce by finely mincing garlic and vigorously whisking in the oil slowly by hand. It requires more elbow grease and patience but is totally doable!
Why is my garlic sauce bitter?

Bitter garlic sauce can result if the garlic gets over-processed or if too much salt is added early. Using fresh garlic, processing until smooth but not overly long, and balancing salt with lemon juice can help prevent bitterness.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes! Olive oil adds a beautiful, fruity richness to the sauce, though it can make the flavor stronger and sometimes more bitter. Use mild or light olive oil and continue the slow drizzle method to keep the texture creamy.
How long can Lebanese garlic sauce be refrigerated?

Stored in an airtight container, this sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. Always check for any off smells or separation before using, but typically it holds up well when refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Once you master this Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe, it’s like having a little jar of magic in your fridge. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or drizzling, the sauce brings warmth and excitement to every bite. Give it a go—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!