23+ Best Dipping Sauces for Kebabs (Easy Recipes)

by
Jump to Recipe

Kebabs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sauces. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Middle Eastern sauce or something a little more exotic, there’s a sauce out there that’s perfect for your kebabs.

Collage of sauces for kebabs with text overlay.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Recipe

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Platings + Pairings.

I’ll usually chose a kebab sauce based on the type of kebab that I’m making.

For example, traditional Middle Eastern kebabs pair well with sauces like tzatziki or hummus. If you’re making a more American-style kebab, you might want to try a sauce like BBQ sauce or sweet and sour sauce.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a more exotic sauce like peanut sauce or teriyaki sauce.

No matter what sauce you choose, be sure to serve it with some fresh pita bread or rice to soak up all the deliciousness.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the perfect sauce for your kebabs:

  • Consider the flavors of the kebab. If your kebab is made with grilled chicken, you might want to choose a sauce that has a bit of a kick, like a spicy peanut sauce or a gochujang sauce. If your kebab is made with grilled vegetables, you might want to choose a sauce that is more mild, like a yogurt marinade or a pesto sauce.
  • Think about the occasion. If you’re serving your kebabs at a casual get-together, you might want to choose a more basic sauce, like ketchup or mustard. If you’re serving your kebabs at a more formal event, you might want to choose a more sophisticated sauce, like a tzatziki sauce or a chimichurri sauce.
  • Experiment! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the perfect sauce for your kebabs. The best way to find the perfect sauce for you is to experiment and see what you like.

I hope you enjoy trying some of these different sauces with your kebabs!

The BEST Sauces for Kebabs

Overhead shot of prepared tzatziki sauce in bowl surrounded by pita bread.
Tzatziki:
This creamy Greek sauce is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. It's the perfect way to cool down a hot kebab and add a refreshing flavor.
Tzatziki Sauce
Overhead close up of bowl of harissa hummus.
Hummus:
This Middle Eastern dip is made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a great way to add protein and nutrients to your kebabs.
Get the RECIPE
Grilled lamb kebabs on plate with dollops of sesame sauce.
Sesame Sauce:
Sesame sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes, including kebabs. It is made with sesame paste, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. The sauce has a nutty, savory flavor that is perfect for grilled meats and vegetables.
Get the RECIPE
Creamy harissa sauce in small bowl next to spoon.
Creamy Harissa Sauce:
This naturally dairy-free and gluten-free Creamy Harissa Sauce is addictively delicious! Tahini, harissa paste, lemon, and maple syrup are whisked until smooth, leaving you with a bold and tangy sauce to drizzle over everything, from salads to eggs to meat.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of tahini yogurt sauce in bowl topped with pomegranate seeds and with pita dipped into it.
Tahini Sauce:
This nutty sauce is made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water. It's a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes.
Get the RECIPE
Basil Arugula pesto in small white bowl with spoon.
Pesto: 
This Italian sauce is made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It's a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes.
Get the RECIPE
Spoonful of peri peri sauce.
Peri Peri Sauce:
Awaken your taste buds with Peri Peri Sauce, a classic South African condiment made with African bird's eye chili peppers, garlic, and citrus.
Peri Peri Sauce
Overhead shot of prepared raita sauce in bowl next to pita pieces.
Raita Sauce
Raita is a yogurt-based sauce that is commonly served as a side dish in Indian cuisine. Its creamy and tangy flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to kebabs.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of chimichurri in small rustic bowl with gold spoon.
Chimichurri: 
This Argentinian sauce is made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices. It's a bright and flavorful sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of yogurt dill sauce with spoon and slices of lemon, drizzled with olive oil.
Yogurt Dill Sauce: This delicious Yogurt Dill Sauce is a creamy yet light all-purpose sauce you’ll want to use on everything. Easy to make with Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill, just a scoop adds bright and vibrant flavors to salad bowls, veggies, grilled meats, and more!
Yogurt Dill Sauce
Romesco sauce in white bowl next to almonds and crusty bread.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
Roasted red pepper sauce lends a sweet and smoky flavor to your gyro. Blend roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of paprika to create a vibrant and velvety sauce that enhances a kebabs flavor.
Get the RECIPE
Homemade pesto mayo in bowl swirled with pesto and topped with basil leaf.
Pesto Mayo: This easy, creamy Pesto Mayo Sauce combines mayo, pesto, and lemon juice to give you an addictively delicious condiment to spread on a sandwich, drizzle on a salad, and more!
Pesto Mayo
Fluffy toum in bowl with spoon
Garlic Sauce (Toum): 
This creamy sauce is made with garlic, lemon juice, and spices. It's a great way to add flavor and moisture to your kebabs.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of bottle of salsa taquera next to dried chiles and spoon with sauce.
Salsa Taquera: 
This Mexican sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spices. It's a refreshing and flavorful sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE
Hand holding jar of homemade bbq sauce
BBQ Sauce: 
This American sauce is made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, spices, and sometimes tomatoes. It's a sweet and tangy sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE
Lamb chops arranged on grey plate next to bowl of peanut sauce.
Peanut Sauce: 
This Thai sauce is made with peanuts, soy sauce, lime juice, and spices. It's a creamy and flavorful sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE
Honey mustard dipping sauce in small serving bowl next to honey wand.
Honey Mustard: 
This versatile condiment is made with mustard, honey, and spices. It's a flavorful and easy-to-make sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes.
Get the RECIPE
Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.
Cilantro Lime Sauce:
If you're a fan of vibrant and zesty flavors, cilantro lime sauce is a winner. Blend together fresh cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and a hint of cumin. The bright and tangy taste of this sauce will tantalize your taste buds.
Get the RECIPE
Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.
Chipotle Sauce
Bring a smoky and slightly spicy kick to your gyro with chipotle sauce. Combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a dash of cumin. The smoky and complex flavors of chipotle will add depth to your kebab experience.
Get the RECIPE
Mint Yogurt Sauce:
For a refreshing twist, try mint yogurt sauce. Blend together yogurt, fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. The bright and cooling flavors of this sauce complement a kebab's warmth and enhance its overall taste.
Get the RECIPE from Walder Wellness
Sweet and Sour Sauce: 
This Chinese sauce is made with vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and spices. It's a sweet and sour sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE from Okonomi Kitchen
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
For those who prefer a little kick, sriracha mayo is the ideal choice. Mix mayonnaise with sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar to create a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that adds an exciting dimension to your kebab.
Sriracha Mayo
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce: 
This Japanese sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. It's a sweet and savory sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE from Sue Bee Homemaker
Lemon Dill Sauce
Lemon Dill Sauce:
Lemon dill sauce brings a zesty and herbaceous element to your gyro. Blend together lemon juice, fresh dill, Greek yogurt, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. This sauce adds brightness and freshness to kebabs. It's a delightful choice for chicken kebabs.
Get the RECIPE from A Couple Cooks
Gochujang Sauce
Gochujang: 
This Korean chili paste is made with chili peppers, fermented soybeans, and other spices. It's a spicy and flavorful sauce that's perfect for grilled meats.
Get the RECIPE from Zestful Kitchen
Creamy Feta Vinaigrette » Tide & Thyme
Greek Feta Dressing:
This tangy dressing combines crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. The briny and creamy feta perfectly balances the flavors of a kebab, adding a burst of Greek goodness to every bite.
Get the RECIPE from Tide & Thyme
Harissa Sauce:
Harissa, a North African chili paste, adds a fiery kick to your gyro. Combine harissa paste, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to create a bold and spicy sauce. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly if you prefer a milder heat.
Get the RECIPE from Feel Good Foodie

How to make ahead & store

Many of these sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More sauce recipes

Did you make any of these sauces for kebabs?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of kebab sauces. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Collage of sauces for kebabs.

23+ Sauces for Kebabs

Kebabs are a delicious & versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sauces. Here are 20+ delicious sauces for kebabs to try out! Try this Garlic Sauce. Made with only four ingredients, you can make your own whipped, creamy and delicious Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, at home!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 people
Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place garlic and salt in a food processor and pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the garlic is finely chopped.
  • Add 1 TBSP lemon juice and continue processing until a smooth paste forms, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl a few times.
  • With the food processor running, start incorporating 1/2 cup of the oil, drizzling it in very slowly. Once the oil is incorporated, stream in another 1 TBSP lemon juice. Repeat this step with another ½ cup oil, then another 1 TBSP lemon juice. Then once more.
  • The texture should be smooth and creamy.
  • If needed, with the motor running, slowly stream in 1-2 TBSP water to loosen the sauce up a little bit.
  • Once finished, transfer to a lidded container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Notes

Toum will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 months.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Food processor

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Featured Posts