Easy Peanut Sauce (The Best Recipe) - Elavegan (2024)

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5 from 5 votes

How to make an easy peanut sauce with simple ingredients and a few minutes–perfect for dipping, drizzling, and dressing! This Thai-inspired peanut butter sauce is salty, savory, and slightly sweet with an optional hint of spice. Better yet, it’s vegan (dairy-free), and you can even make it gluten-free and nut-free!

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Creamy and quick Thai-Inspired Peanut Sauce

This peanut sauce is simple to prepare and makes for a wonderfully versatile dressing, drizzle, or dipping sauce! It’s the perfect accompaniment to healthy summer rolls. In fact, that’s where I first shared this recipe several years ago and have since spent years ‘perfecting’ it.

I love the versatility of this easy recipe, too. Just like my tahini dressing, you can use this recipe as a dip and drizzle or adapted to a thinner peanut dressing, so it’s an impressive addition to your recipe repertoire. Plus, leftovers can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. I often have some sitting alongside my vegan mayo and Yum Yum sauce.

If you love peanut butter, learning how to make peanut sauce should definitely be on your to-do list. It’s the perfect blend of savory, salty, spicy, umami, and sweet flavors. You’ll be wanting to eat it straight from the jar with a spoon! And while it’s not traditional, I love the Thai-inspired additions of lime juice, coconut sugar, ginger, and (optional) chili flakes!

Wanting inspiration for more simple sauce recipes? You might like my keto BBQ sauce, easy vegan cheese sauce (ready in minutes!), Chinese garlic stir-fry sauce, or even homemade hoisin sauce!

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The Ingredients

  • Peanut butter: I use a creamy variety without tons of added sugars and salts for this easy peanut sauce. For a nut-free alternative, you can use sunflower seed butter.
  • Soy sauce: If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use reduced-sodium soy versions if preferred.
  • Acid: You can use rice vinegar or lime juice as your acidic flavor element. I’ve previously used balsamic vinegar, too, with good results–though that isn’t classically a Thai flavor.
  • Coconut sugar: A bit of sugar really helps balance all the flavors in this sauce. I’ve used maple syrup several times, too, with good results.
  • Aromatics: I used freshly grated ginger and garlic. You could also use fresh ginger/garlic paste.
  • Coconut milk: or water, used to thin the sauce.
  • Spices (Optional): You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes (or even a little chili sauce like sriracha makes for a delicious spicy sauce) for heat. I also like to add extra flavor with cumin powder.

Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

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How to Make Peanut Sauce

This Thai-inspired peanut sauce requires just a couple of minutes (and steps) to prepare!

  • If the peanut butter is very thick, I recommend heating it briefly in a double boiler beforehand.
  • Add all the ingredients (except coconut milk or water) to a bowl or jar. Use a small whisk to mix it well.
  • Then slowly add in the milk/water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

You can easily adapt this peanut dipping sauce to a dressing with extra milk/water.

  • Taste it and adjust any of the ingredients to personal preference. I.e., for vinegar/lime juice for tang, sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, etc. Then enjoy!

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How to Serve

Like I said above, this peanut sauce recipe is surprisingly versatile as a dip, drizzle, or dressing. For example, you can use it:

  • As a peanut dipping sauce with summer rolls, lettuce wraps, for crudités and crackers
  • Sauce mixed into homemade coleslaw
  • Dressing for grain bowls and salad bowls—like this chickpea buddha bowl and brown rice salad
  • Drizzle over rice, pasta, and noodles—like this peanut butter noodles dish
  • Optional sauce for roasted veggies—like these cauliflower steaks
  • With meat alternatives and tofu skewers

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How to Store

Once prepared, store the sauce in an airtight jar/container in the refrigerator for between 1-2 weeks. If the sauce separates slightly, just whisk it again before serving, adding more water, if needed.

Though I haven’t tried, you may also be able to freeze the sauce for up to two months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before using.

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Recipe Notes

  • Choosing peanut butter: Try to avoid brands filled with extra sugars and salts, as it can throw off the balance of flavors. Instead, choose a creamy natural peanut butter that’s high-quality.
  • Adjusting the ingredients: This peanut sauce recipe is super versatile, and pretty much every single element is adjustable to personal taste. I recommend adding the soy sauce (or tamari) a little at a time. Especially if you know you don’t particularly like salty flavors.
  • For a dressing: While you can thin the sauce into a dressing simply by adding more coconut milk/water, I also like to add a little oil when adapting it to a dressing for an improved silky mouthfeel. I recommend adding a little sesame oil for extra flavor, though neutral oils will work well, too.
  • Using a mini food processor: You can also prepare this recipe using a mini food processor or immersion blender rather than manually whisking.

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Other Vegan Peanut Butter Recipes

  • The best peanut butter noodles
  • 5-Ingredient peanut butter crunch bars
  • Peanut butter mousse
  • Healthy peanut butter cookies
  • Peanut butter truffles
  • Peanut butter banana ice cream
  • White chocolate peanut butter cups

If you try this peanut butter sauce recipe, I’d love a comment and★★★★★recipe ratingbelow. Also, please don’t forget totag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebookwith@elavegan #elavegan – I love seeing them.

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Peanut Sauce

Author: Michaela Vais

How to make an easy peanut sauce with simple ingredients and a few minutes–perfect for dipping, drizzling, and dressing! This Thai-inspired peanut butter sauce is salty, savory, and slightly sweet with an optional hint of spice. Better yet, it’s vegan (dairy-free), and you can even make it gluten-free and nut-free!

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Thai-inspired

Servings 9

Calories 73 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup (80 g) creamy peanut butter (see notes)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
  • 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar (see notes)
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 small cloves of garlic grated
  • 2-3 tbsp coconut milk or water, to thin
  • 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)

Instructions

  • You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.

    I recommend heating the peanut butter in a double boiler (or microwave) until softened. Mix all ingredients, except the coconut milk (or water), together in a bowl with a whisk.

    Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender.

  • Then slowly stir in the milk/water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce. Use more milk/water for a peanut dressing.

  • Taste the sauce and add more rice vinegar/lime juice, sweetener, and/or soy sauce, if needed. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Peanut butter: Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
  • Sweetener: I used coconut sugar, but made the recipe a couple of times with maple syrup, which tastes great too.

Nutrition Facts

Peanut Sauce

Serving Size

20 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

73

% Daily Value*

Fat

6

g

9

%

Saturated Fat

2

g

10

%

Carbohydrates

4

g

1

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

3

g

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Easy Peanut Sauce (The Best Recipe) - Elavegan (10) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

Easy Peanut Sauce (The Best Recipe) - Elavegan (11)

Easy Peanut Sauce (The Best Recipe) - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

What is Vietnamese peanut sauce made of? ›

Vietnamese peanut sauce is simply made with peanut butter, hoisin and garlic for a sweet, tangy and rich sauce. How long can I store homemade peanut sauce? Store leftover homemade peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How do you keep peanut sauce from separating? ›

If the oil is separating from the sauce a bit (this can happen from the oil in the coconut milk and the peanut butter, but it's easy to fix!), add water a few drops at a time and whisk until it comes smoothly back together.

What is peanut sauce explanation? ›

Peanut sauce, satay sauce (saté sauce), bumbu kacang, sambal kacang, or pecel is an Indonesian sauce made from ground roasted or fried peanuts, widely used in Indonesian cuisine and many other dishes throughout the world.

How long does homemade peanut sauce last? ›

I suggest doubling or tripling the recipe to have throughout the week with salad rolls, roasted veggies, and salads. How long with the sauce last? The Peanut Sauce will last up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

What is the famous Vietnamese sauce? ›

Nước Chấm is a quintessential sauce in Vietnamese cuisine. Made from simple ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, this sauce adds a delicious umami flavor to a wide range of dishes. It's a staple item in Vietnamese households and provides an essential finishing touch to many Vietnamese dishes.

What is Chinese peanut sauce made of? ›

This sauce is made using peanut butter, sauces like hot sauce, vinegar and soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free), garlic and seasoning. It can be seasoned as you like.

Why is my peanut sauce breaking? ›

Sauces can break for any number of reasons including cooking at high heat, adding too much liquid to a hot pan, or even just waiting too long for everything to combine appropriately.

Why is my peanut sauce not smooth? ›

If you add all the liquids and a big solid lump of peanut butter, you'll have a tough time getting it all smooth, as stirring the (thin) liquid parts won't affect the (solid) peanut butter lumps, and the lumps (once they're small enough) will just swim around your spoon and not break down further.

Does peanut sauce go bad? ›

First, take a look at it. If you notice any mold, there's a significant change in the color or texture of the sauce, or the sauce has started to separate, it's best to throw it away. Also, take a moment to smell the sauce. If you notice a rancid or “off” smell, the sauce is likely spoiled.

What is the first step in making the peanut sauce? ›

2.2. Instruction
  1. Step 1: Soak the raw peanuts in warm water for about 20 minutes. ...
  2. Step 2: Heat the pan and add peanut oil (or a mild vegetable oil). ...
  3. Step 3: Make a slurry by mixing tapioca starch with a little water. ...
  4. Step 4: As the sauce gradually thickens, transfer it to a bowl.

What is the difference between peanut sauce and satay sauce? ›

Although commonly associated with Thai cuisine, peanut sauce actually originated in Indonesia (source). What Americans know as peanut sauce is more commonly referred to as satay sauce (or bumbu kacang) in Indonesia, because it's most often served with the popular Indonesian dish, satay (skewered, grilled meats).

What is good with peanut sauce? ›

Carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, red peppers, and snow peas are just some of the vegetables that taste great when paired with Thai Peanut Sauce. Try a unique twist with your veggies and dip Summer Rolls into the rich, peanut flavor!

Can I freeze homemade peanut sauce? ›

The sauce also goes well with cooked vegetables, noodles, buddha bowls, fresh spring rolls, tofu and salads. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen in a freezer safe container.

Should you refrigerate peanut sauce? ›

Kitchen Tip: Make ahead. Peanut sauce will keep for up to a week in a refrigerated airtight container.

Is it OK to freeze peanut sauce? ›

Peanut sauce freezes well, so you can make a double or triple batch and freeze the leftovers! Store in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

What is peanut sauce for spring rolls made of? ›

To a medium mixing bowl add (starting with the amount at the lower end of the measurement range where applicable) peanut butter, tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos), maple syrup, lime juice, chili sauce (or chili or red pepper), and whisk to combine.

What is in Little Saigon peanut sauce? ›

Little Saigon peanut sauces blends peanut butter, soybeans, sweet potato, sesame, garlic and spices to deliver this one of a kind peanut sauce good with almost anything you can think of. Here is a little secret: mix it with Little Saigon Chili Oil to throw in that extra kick.

What does peanut sauce taste like? ›

It's salty, sweet, acidic and bold — a sauce like no other. For the uninitiated, Asian peanut sauce is a puree of peanuts, soy sauce, ginger, sesame, spices and often garlic, lemongrass and lime.

Is Vietnamese food safe for nut allergy? ›

Pho or other soup-like dishes are usually a safe bet as it rarely contains nuts and nut oils, although you will still have to make sure the chefs know about your allergy.

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