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This peanut sauce recipe is a delicious companion to Asian-style dishes, like spring rolls and satay. Learn just how easy it is to make!
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Peanut sauce is a sweet, salty, spicy sauce that is popular in some Asian cuisines. It is so easy to whip up and it tastes amazing. It is also known as satay sauce since it is a popular dipping sauce for chicken satay. Although this homemade sauce is usually associated with Thai food, it actually originated in Indonesia.
This super easy peanut sauce recipe is packed full of delicious flavors to help bring in more savory and sweet flavors combined! It is a sweet, salty, and spicy sauce that originated in Indonesia. It is also known as satay sauce because it is a popular dipping sauce for chicken satay. Peanut sauce is used in many dishes throughout the world, including Indonesian, Thai, and Malaysian cuisines.
Ingredients
Grab your Thia ingredients and let’s combine them for this delicious sauce that everyone loves! Peanut sauce is made from ground-roasted or fried peanuts. These pantry staples can be used as a dipping sauce for meat and vegetables, or drizzling over salad as a dressing. It can also be used as a sauce for stir-fries or noodles.
- Peanut Butter – The base of this sauce is peanut butter. I like to use creamy peanut butter and then add coarsely chopped peanuts later. However, you can use crunchy peanut butter and then omit the chopped peanuts.
- Soy Sauce – I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to take the saltiness down a little. However, to make this recipe gluten-free/ gluten friendly you can use coconut oil instead.
- Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar adds a little bit of acid to the mix.
- Honey – Honey adds a touch of sweetness. You can also use maple syrup or agave.
- Garlic – As always, fresh cloves of garlic are best!
- Sriracha – You can adjust the amount of Sriracha to your taste.
- Water – Using water will thin the peanut sauce. Start by adding just a little and then add more a little at a time until it reaches the consistency you want.
- Chopped Peanuts – I like to add coarsely chopped peanuts for a little extra crunch!
How to Make Creamy Peanut Sauce
Blending the ingredients all together gives a nice thick and creamy sauce filled with all the flavor! It is a sweet and savory combination that is easy to whisk together or use a blender, or food processor. It is the perfect peanut sauce recipe!
- Mix – In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the chopped peanuts.
- Combine – Add chopped peanuts on top. If the sauce is too thick, thin with fresh lime juice, milk, or water.
What is Homemade Peanut Sauce Used For?
The homemade sauce with peanuts has so many uses in the kitchen. I love to use it as a dip for Shrimp Spring Rolls or Fresh Spring Rolls. It also makes a great dip for veggies like carrots, peppers, and cucumbers. Peanut sauce makes a great topping for lettuce wraps. If you thin it down a little it can be used as a salad dressing.
Toss a little sauce with ramen noodles or stir fry to add creaminess and flavor. It also adds a delicious flavor to grilled meat and satays. In some places in the Netherlands, you might also find some people dipping their French fries in peanut sauce!
Recipe Tips
If you make this sauce ahead of time, then make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, you may need to thin it out a little.
I like to use fresh lime juice, water, or coconut milk. I pour it in a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
“I love this peanut sauce and it was perfect on noodle salad! Can’t wait to put it on everything!”
-Katherine
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are a little different in ingredients. Both have a variety of flavors, textures, and consistency. A few tradional ingredients Thai peanut sauce recipes include peanut butter, roasted peanuts, coconut milk, soy sauce, tamari, garlic, and various spices.
To thicken peanut sauce you can add more peanut butter to adjust the consistency. You can even add-in peanut butter protein powder for thickness.
If you have a peanut allergy you can make this sauce with almond butter or cashew butter. There are so many yummy flavors in this sauce that come through no matter what nut butter you use.
Yes! You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight.
This sauce can be spicy or not. You can control the spiciness with how much sriracha you add. You can even add in red pepper flakes too! Start with a small amount and then taste it and add more as desired.
More Dips, Sauces, and Spreads
As you can probably tell from our adoration of this sauce, we are big sauce fans over here! We have so many tasty recipes for dips, sauces, and spreads. Try a few of our favorites!
How to Make Peanut Sauce
Peanut Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 cup water
- chopped peanuts optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the chopped peanuts.
- Add chopped peanuts on top. If the sauce is too thick, thin with fresh lime juice, milk, or water.
I love this peanut sauce and it was perfect on noodle salad! Can’t wait to put it on everything!
I used your peanut sauce for my salad dressing. It’s delicious, thanks!