Peanut Sauce Recipe
Looking for a quick and divinely delicious dipping sauce? You are going to love today’s recipe for peanut sauce! This remarkable peanut sauce recipe has something for everyone, with spicy chilis, zesty garlic, savory soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and just the right amount of sweetness. It makes the perfect peanut sauce for spring rolls and goes great with salads, noodles, meats, and more.
I always find it so empowering to make my own condiments and spice blends from my favorite culinary traditions along the Silk Road. Flavors and aromas which once seemed so different and out of reach now have their very own spot in my DIY pantry.
And guess what? It’s way easier than you might think! Today’s recipe for peanut sauce is a great example. It’s made with easily accessible ingredients you likely already have, and it only takes 10 minutes to make. All you have to do is toss all the ingredients in the blender and voila!
For more easy sauces and spice blends check out my Pantry Staples Archives where you’ll find such gems as this Lebanese Garlic Sauce, Garam Masala Recipe, and Vietnamese Fish Sauce.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Peanut Butter – The MVP of our recipe, peanut butter provides a rich, nutty, and earthy foundation that is slightly sweet and slightly salty.
- Soy Sauce – Choose light soy sauce to add a dash of umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Milk – Adds a richness and smoothness while harmonizing the other flavors in the dish. Regular milk or coconut milk are both acceptable.
- Chili Paste – Delivers a dose of spicy, salty, vinegary heat. I recommend sambal oelek chili paste, but any you choose should do the trick.
- Sesame Oil – Contributes delicate, nutty, and floral undertones.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds a dash of sour, tangy, and acidic flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or even a bit of lemon juice.
- Hoisin Sauce – This sauce offers savory umami, concentrated saltiness, and the slightest hint of sweetness to the dish. Find it in the international foods aisle at the grocery store.
- Sugar – Gives us the perfect dash of sweetness and balances out the other flavors in the sauce.
- Ginger – Zesty and zingy, comes with a touch of sweet spicy warmth.
- Garlic – Adds a nice little kick of pungent, peppery sharpness to the dish.
- Peanuts – Sprinkled on top, roasted and chopped peanuts add a dynamically delicious crunch and texture.
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT SAUCE RECIPE
1. Puree Ingredients. Use a blender or a large bowl and immersion blender to combine and puree all ingredients together until completely smooth.
2. Adjust Thickness and Flavor. If the consistency is too thick, slowly add more milk or water until desired consistency is reached. Add more salt and seasonings as desired, to taste.
3. Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle the top of the sauce with chopped peanuts. Serve as close to room temperature as possible and enjoy!
What is the Difference Between Satay Sauce and Peanut Sauce?
While the terms satay sauce and peanut sauce are often used interchangeably in the West, it’s not completely correct. Technically, satay comes from the Indonesian word sate, which means “skewered meat.” The term refers to the meat itself, and not all satay dishes are traditionally served with peanut sauce.
However, what we have come to know as satay sauce originated in Indonesia and was likely one of the world’s first peanut sauces.
This peanut sauce recipe is a Thai-inspired version that has evolved over time from its distant relatives. The versions of satay and peanut sauces out there are as dynamic and varied as the cultures and communities of Southeast Asia.
What Does Peanut Sauce Go Well With?
Peanut sauce is more versatile than you may realize! Its complex flavor profile brings a variety of foods a much needed zesty kick of flavor. Here are some of my favorite ideas to get you started:
- Whip a batch of peanut sauce for spring rolls or egg rolls.
- Use it as a dipping sauce for skewered meat dishes like this Chicken Tikka Kebab or Persian Chicken Kabob.
- Serve it alongside pot stickers, tempura, or shrimp.
- Fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and red peppers are also delicious in this scrumptious sauce.
- Mix a bit into your favorite rice or noodle dishes for a hearty, flavorful boost.
How Long Does Leftover Peanut Sauce Last?
When properly stored in an airtight container, peanut sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
It also freezes well and will last for about 4-6 months in the freezer. Once you are ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight.
Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (See Note 1)
- 1/3 cup light soy sauce
- 1/2 cup milk or coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons sambal oelek chili paste or chili paste of choice
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 inch piece fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender or use an immersion blender in container to puree until smooth. Add more milk to desired consistency if too thick. Season to taste.
- Serve at room temperature with chopped peanuts on top. Keeps for 7 days refrigerated.
Video
Notes
- You can use chunky peanut butter, but after blitzing in the blender I just use creamy and add more crunchy, chopped peanuts after.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
magníficas recetas , casi todas muy fáciles , gracias .
Thanks Guillermo!
Made this with coconut milk, superb flavors!
Thanks so much Carole!