How to Make Chef John's Tzatziki Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, few ingredients are as integral and versatile as Tzatziki sauce. This creamy, tangy, and refreshing condiment is a staple in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines, and for good reason. It's the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, falafel, and pita bread, and adds a burst of flavor to any dish it's served with.

One of the most renowned versions of Tzatziki sauce is Chef John's recipe. Chef John is known for his expertise in Mediterranean cooking,...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 large English cucumber, peeled and grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 sprig fresh dill for garnish
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper for garnish

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 3 cups

  • Sprinkle grated cucumber with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl and let stand 10 to 15 minutes to draw out juice.
  • Place yogurt into a separate bowl. Dump cucumber and its juice onto a sturdy, dry paper or cloth towel and squeeze as much moisture as possible from the cucumber. Mix cucumber into yogurt. Add garlic, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice; mix thoroughly.
  • Stir dill and mint into yogurt-cucumber mixture; season with salt and black pepper. Adjust all seasonings to taste.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 or 4 hours (or overnight). Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprig of dill and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for color.
  • Nutrition

    49 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 8mg
    • Sodium: 120mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 3g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 7mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 47mg