Three-Ingredient Lime Sauce with Spicy Honey
The simplest possible recipe from three core ingredients, ready in minutes. Fresh lime juice adds a bright tang, soy sauce or tamari brings saltiness and umami, and spicy honey balances sweetness with a pleasant piquancy. The sauce is light, fragrant and very versatile: a salad dressing, marinade, or sauce for rice bowls, noodles, chicken, tofu or roasted vegetables.
Preparation
- 1
Prep the lime. Halve it and squeeze out the amount of juice you need — fresh, not concentrate, for the best flavour.
- 2
Combine the ingredients. In a bowl or jar add the lime juice, tamari or soy sauce and spicy honey. Optionally add grated ginger.
- 3
Whisk well until smooth (or seal the jar and shake). Room-temperature honey blends more easily.
- 4
Adjust the taste: for freshness — more lime juice, for sweeter and spicier — honey, for richness — a little tamari.
- 5
Use immediately or let it sit 5–10 minutes (especially if you added ginger, garlic or herbs). Stir before each use.
Chef's tips
- —Fresh lime juice is crucial — it gives the clean, bright tang.
- —Use room-temperature honey so it dissolves faster.
- —Tamari usually has a deeper flavour and is often gluten-free, but check the label.
- —Don't add salt right away — soy sauce or tamari are already salty.
- —Want it more aromatic? Add ginger, garlic or green onion.
- —Want more heat? Add chilli oil or a little more spicy honey.
- —Want a nutty note? Add a few drops of sesame oil.
- —Shake before using — the sauce can separate a little during storage.
