Have you ever been browsing a menu or caught a snippet of conversation about a mysterious, exotic sauce called “amba,” only to wonder what it is and what it tastes like?
Well, you’re in the right place!
Amba sauce is an incredible, flavor-packed condiment that hails from the Middle East and has been making waves in the culinary world.
Today, I am going to be walking you through all there is to know about it, including my favorite (bonus) recipe at the end if you did want to make it at home yourself and to give it a proper try!
What Is Amba Sauce?
Amba sauce is a tangy, slightly spicy, and mildly sweet condiment originating from the Middle East. Made from pickled mango, chili peppers, and a blend of spices like fenugreek, cumin, and paprika, it pairs well with dishes like sabich, falafel, shawarma, and grilled meats and veggies.
What Does Amba Sauce Taste Like?
Amba sauce tastes tangy, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet. Its distinct tanginess comes from pickled mango, while the spiciness originates from chili peppers. A blend of spices, including fenugreek, cumin, and paprika, adds depth and earthiness, creating a unique, well-balanced flavor profile.
What Is Amba Sauce Made Of?
Amba sauce is made from pickled mango, chili peppers and a blend of spices, such as fenugreek, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Some recipes add a touch of sugar to enhance the sauce’s subtle sweetness.
What To Eat With Amba Sauce
Sabich Sandwich
A popular Israeli sandwich made with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and various vegetables, sabich becomes even more delicious with the addition of amba sauce, which provides a tangy and spicy balance to the rich flavors.
Falafel
Amba sauce can be used as a dip for falafel, enhancing the taste of these deep-fried chickpea balls with its unique tang and spice.
Shawarma
Drizzle amba sauce over shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish of seasoned, slow-roasted meat, to add a zesty kick that complements the savory flavors.
Grilled Meats and Vegetables
Amba sauce pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables, adding a tangy, spicy twist to these dishes, elevating their taste profiles.
Avocado Toast
For a creative spin on avocado toast, spread amba sauce on toast and top with sliced avocado.
The combination of flavors will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Hummus Bowls
Upgrade your hummus bowl by adding a drizzle of amba sauce on top. Its tangy and spicy notes will enhance the creaminess of the hummus, creating a more complex and exciting flavor experience.
Rice and Grain Bowls
Mix amba sauce into rice or grain bowls, featuring ingredients like quinoa, bulgur, or couscous.
The sauce adds a lively kick to the dish, complementing the grains, proteins, and vegetables.
Roasted Cauliflower
Brush amba sauce onto roasted cauliflower for an unexpected and delicious twist.
The tangy and spicy flavors work well with the caramelized, earthy taste of the roasted cauliflower, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Amba Sauce Recipe

This homemade amba sauce recipe is a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment that will elevate your meals to a whole new level. Made from pickled mango, chili peppers, and a blend of spices, amba sauce is perfect for drizzling over sandwiches, dipping falafel, or adding a kick to grilled meats and veggies. It's vegan, gluten-free, and a fantastic addition to any Middle Eastern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pickled mango, drained
- 2-3 tablespoons pickling liquid from the jar
- 1-2 small red chili peppers, deseeded and chopped (adjust to your preferred heat level)
- 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the drained pickled mango, chili peppers, and 2 tablespoons of pickling liquid. Process until you achieve a relatively smooth consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add more pickling liquid, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency
- Add the ground fenugreek, cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, sugar (if using), and olive oil to the food processor. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth. If needed, add salt to taste.
- Transfer the amba sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Enjoy this versatile amba sauce with your favorite Middle Eastern dishes or as a unique and flavorful addition to sandwiches, rice bowls, and roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
2 TablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 45Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 300mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g

Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.