Peanut butter is already delicious on its own, but when combined with a few simple ingredients, it transforms into a rich, flavorful Thai peanut sauce.
This sauce is the perfect addition to salads, tofu, noodles, and veggies. It also makes a fantastic dip for spring rolls and raw veggies.
The best part? You can whip it up in under 10 minutes! Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so once you have them, you’re good to go anytime.
Today, we’ll show you how to make this delicious sauce at home.
Making Thai Peanut Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this versatile and delicious sauce:
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture, but you can use crunchy if you prefer some extra texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder is a faster option.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth, but powdered ginger works well too.
- Dark soy sauce: Essential for umami flavor. For gluten-free options, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sesame oil: Adds depth and a slight nutty flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the richness with acidity. White wine vinegar works in a pinch.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is best, but store-bought is fine.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that’s vegan-friendly. Honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can be used as alternatives.
- Sriracha: Adds just the right amount of heat, but you can use your favorite hot sauce.
- Water: To thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tsp of minced ginger
- 2 tbsp of dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of lime juice (from one lime)
- 1 tbsp of sesame oil
- 1 tbsp of maple syrup
- 1 tsp of sriracha
- Water to thin as needed
How to Make Thai Peanut Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl or jug, add the peanut butter, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, and sriracha.
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Add water gradually, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Use the sauce immediately or store it in the fridge for later.
Thai Peanut Sauce Nutritional Information
Calories: 196 kcal
Fat: 16g
Monounsaturated fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Sodium: 3g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 6g
Calcium: 23mg
Iron: 1mg
Vitamin C: 8mg
Vitamin A: 13IU
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates. Use ingredient packaging or nutrition calculators for more precise numbers.)
Storing Leftovers: How Long Does Thai Peanut Sauce Last?
Thai peanut sauce is best when it’s fresh, but it can be stored for later use. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Store your peanut sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Over time, it may thicken, but you can easily thin it out by adding a little water or coconut milk and stirring it until smooth again.
- Freezer: If you want to store it for longer, peanut sauce can be frozen. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the fridge and stir in water or coconut milk if needed to restore its original consistency.
Thai Peanut Sauce: Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of plant-based dishes. Use it as a dip for:
- Cucumbers
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Bell peppers
- Spring rolls
You can also thin it out with water and use it as a salad dressing, or toss it with noodles, cashews, and veggies like broccoli for a quick and flavorful meal.
Notable Variations
If you want to change it up a little, try the following:
- Spice it up: If you love heat, swap out sriracha for a spicier hot sauce or add chili flakes to increase the heat without overpowering the flavor.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup is the go-to for this vegan recipe, but agave nectar, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar will work as well.
- Coconut milk: For a creamier, richer sauce, thin it with coconut milk instead of water.
- Powdered garlic and ginger: In a pinch, garlic and ginger powder work well, but you may need to use a bit more to match the flavor of fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Thai peanut sauce is a flavor-packed, versatile addition to any meal, and it’s vegan-friendly!
Whether you use it as a dip, a dressing, or a sauce for noodles, it’s sure to elevate your plant-based dishes.
It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to a month.
For an even richer flavor, try diluting it with coconut milk instead of water. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai peanut sauce made of?
Thai peanut sauce is made from a base of peanut butter, with additional ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, sweeteners like maple syrup, and a touch of heat from hot sauce or sriracha.
What is the difference between satay sauce and peanut sauce?
Satay sauce is a type of peanut sauce often used as a dip for grilled meat skewers (satay), while Thai peanut sauce is a more versatile sauce used in a variety of dishes, such as noodles, salads, and vegetables. Both sauces are similar, but satay sauce tends to be a bit thicker and sometimes sweeter.
What if my Thai peanut sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add water or coconut milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine, and adjust the flavors as needed.
What is the difference between Thai and Vietnamese peanut sauce?
Thai peanut sauce typically has a more complex flavor profile, incorporating ingredients like ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil, while Vietnamese peanut sauce is simpler and often includes hoisin sauce and garlic. Both are delicious, but the flavor differences reflect the unique cuisines they come from.
