Zhoug sauce is a spicy cilantro sauce made with jalapeno peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It’s a spicy Middle Eastern condiment with roots in Yemen.
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I became obsessed with Trader Joe’s version of this flavorful hot sauce condiment. When I couldn’t get it for 2 whole months, I had to figure out a copycat recipe.
When I was growing up, my mom was always experimenting with new cuisines and ingredients, and I have certainly carried on that tradition. I remember my mother coming home with a new-to-her spice mixture called Yemenite zhug or zug (pronounced “zoog”).
I don’t remember what it had in it, only that it was super spicy and enchantingly delicious. My mom used it to season meat and fish, and to add a bit of kick to soups and stews.
Where does zhoug come from?
The sauce originated in Yemen, but has become popular throughout the Middle East. You’ll find it in Israel, Syria, and elsewhere. It is put on falafel, used as a dip or spread for bread, and dolloped onto hummus or grilled meats.
When I came across an herby green sauce in the refrigerator section at Trader Joe’s (alongside the hummus) called “Zhoug Sauce” and described as a very spicy sauce from Yemen made with cilantro and chiles, I had to try it. I was not disappointed.
What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s zhoug?
Trader Joe’s version is spicy and herby and very, very delicious. I have to admit, though, that I was disappointed by the level of spice.
The lid proclaimed that it was “very spicy,” but I would call it medium. And for me, the spicier the better. When you make it yourself, you can customize the spice level to your liking.
The ingredients are cilantro, canola oil, jalapeno peppers, chile flakes, garlic, cardamom, sea salt, cumin seed.
What do you put it on?
I put zhoug sauce on everything—Hummus sandwiches, Falafel, Samosas, Air Fryer Lamb Chops, omelets or scrambled eggs, steak, fish, turkey burgers, or Tandoori Chicken. I love to spread it on Garlic Naan or this sourdough discard pizza crust and top it with cheese. Or use it as a dip for Chicken Pakora, Air Fryer Onion Rings, or sweet potato fries.
What ingredients do you need to make zhoug sauce at home?
I started out using the ingredients listed on the Trader Joe’s label, but adjusted the recipe to my taste and based on what I had on hand.
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Jalapeno peppers
- Ground coriander
- Ground cumin
- Ground cardamom
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
Parsley makes the sauce extra green. Since I have a lot growing in my garden, I included it. You can leave it out if you want.
I also added ground coriander because I felt like the sauce was lacking a bit of sweetness. And I used ground cumin instead of whole seeds because that is what I had. Likewise olive oil instead of canola oil.
More great recipes you’ll love
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Zhoug Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 bunches cilantro thick stems removed (about 2 packed cups)
- ½ packed cup fresh parsley
- 2 to 4 jalapeños seeds removed if you prefer a milder sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup olive oil plus more to taste
Instructions
- Place the garlic, cilantro, parsley, jalapenos, salt,
coriander, cumin, cardamom, and red pepper flakes in a food processor and process until finely minced. - With the motor running, add the oil in a thin stream.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate
Nutrition
Awesome and easy to read…simple instructions are the best.
Thank you so much.
A little too salty, but otherwise great flavor.
Your Spicy Yemeni Zhoug Sauce resonates with a nostalgic charm, taking me back to my mom’s culinary experiments. Your personal twist on the Trader Joe’s version, especially during those two months when it was unavailable, is genuinely appreciated
This was the first time I made this and I will definitely make it again! We grow cilantro in our garden so I was glad to find a recipe for it. I served it in a dish alongside aloo gobi and vegetable samosas. So good!
Such a pretty sauce – so green! Served this over scrambled eggs and it added just the right amount of zip and zesty flavor. It’s a keeper!
Tried this on falafel – incredible! I’m a lover for anything that is spicy and I’m definitely going to make this again! To my spicy food lovers there, this one’s a must. 😉
I ate this with some naan and grilled chicken kabobs. It was fantastic! I loved that it was spicier than the Trader Joe’s version.
I love spicy sauces and this did not disappoint! I want to put this on just about everything I eat now.
This sauce transformed my plain old turkey burgers into a flavor explosion. Used it as a topping, and I’m telling you, it was an absolute revelation.