This is the ultimate Thai Peanut Sauce, perfectly balanced and easily made in the comfort of your own home. Ideal for veggies, chicken skewers, tofu, salads, and more!
For this summer, all I want is a crisp, refreshing veggie salad. Fresh and light, it’s perfect for those hot days. And for the dressing, I always choose this Thai Peanut Sauce because it gives me that delicious Asian vibe. I love this sauce because it’s super easy to make and packed with flavor.
To make this Thai Peanut Sauce recipe, you only need simple ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Just follow the instructions below to blend these ingredients into a rich and creamy sauce. Enjoy it drizzled over your favorite salads, as a dip for fresh veggies, or alongside grilled dishes for a burst of nutty goodness!
What is Thai Peanut Sauce?
Thai Peanut Sauce is a rich, creamy condiment made primarily from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. It’s known for its sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Often used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or marinade, it adds a deliciously nutty and tangy taste to a variety of dishes, making it a popular choice in both Thai and fusion cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter ( I use Jif Creamy Peanut Butter)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk or water (for thinning)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How to make Thai Peanut Sauce
Step 1:
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Stir well to combine.
Step 2:
Slowly add coconut milk or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and pourable but still thick enough to coat whatever you’re serving it with.
Step 3:
For extra flavor, stir in the sesame oil.
Step 4:
Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors as needed, adding more lime juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or chili garlic sauce for heat.
Step 5:
Serve the Thai Peanut Sauce as a dip, or dressing, or drizzle over your favorite dishes. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired.
Recipe Tips
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or coconut milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the sweet, salty, and acidic components (honey, soy sauce, and lime juice) to suit your palate.
- If you like your sauce spicy, start with a small amount of chili garlic sauce and add more gradually to avoid making it too hot.
- Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar taste.
How to use Thai Peanut Sauce
This Thai Peanut Sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls and veggies, or drizzle it over noodles and stir-fries. It’s perfect as a salad dressing or a marinade for grilled meats, adding a rich, nutty flavor. For me, I like to use it for my rice bowls and as a spread on sandwiches.
How to store
To store Thai Peanut Sauce, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for up to one week. Before using, give it a good stir, as it may thicken or separate slightly when chilled. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or coconut milk.
Variations
Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce: Add extra chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. You can also mix in some finely chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
Coconut Thai Peanut Sauce: For a creamier and slightly sweeter version, replace some of the water with coconut milk. This adds a rich, tropical flavor to the sauce.
Ginger-Lime Thai Peanut Sauce: Enhance the freshness by adding extra lime juice and more grated ginger. This variation is perfect for lighter dishes like salads or seafood.
Sweet and Tangy Thai Peanut Sauce: Increase the amount of honey or brown sugar and add a splash of rice vinegar to create a sweeter, tangier sauce. This variation pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
FAQ
Is Thai Peanut Sauce spicy?
- It can be! The spiciness depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce or fresh chili added. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I make Thai Peanut Sauce without peanuts?
- Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a similar flavor.
How long does Thai Peanut Sauce last?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Thai Peanut Sauce can last up to one week.
Can I freeze Thai Peanut Sauce?
- Yes, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before using.
Is Thai Peanut Sauce gluten-free?
- It can be, but you need to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make it vegan?
- Yes, simply use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
Why did my sauce separate?
- Separation can occur if the sauce sits too long. Stirring it well before serving should fix this. If it’s too thick, you can also thin it with a little water or coconut milk.
Conclusion
This Thai Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re using it as a dip, dressing, or marinade, its rich and nutty taste elevates your dishes effortlessly. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your preferences, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Thai Peanut Sauce
Course: Appetizers, SauceCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes00
minutes10
minutesThis is the ultimate Thai Peanut Sauce, perfectly balanced and easily made in the comfort of your own home. Ideal for veggies, chicken skewers, tofu, salads, and more!
Ingredients
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
1/4 cup coconut milk or water (for thinning)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Slowly add coconut milk or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and pourable but still thick enough to coat whatever you’re serving it with.
- For extra flavor, stir in the sesame oil.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors as needed, adding more lime juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or chili garlic sauce for heat.
- Serve the Thai Peanut Sauce as a dip, or dressing, or drizzle over your favorite dishes. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the sweet, salty, and acidic components (honey, soy sauce, and lime juice) to suit your palate.
