The Best Peanut Sauce (Easy 3-Minute Recipe) (2024)

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This quick and easy vegan 3-minute Peanut Sauce recipe is simply the best and can be used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, for noodles, crispy tofu, and many other Asian dishes! It is creamy, spicy, absolutely delicious, and perfect to make ahead with simple pantry staples!

The best easy peanut sauce

I have already made this delicious Thai peanut sauce countless times because it is so simple, incredibly delicious and a great universal recipe that goes well with many dishes! For that reason, I decided to publish a separate blog post just for the sauce so you can quickly find the recipe anytime and I don’t have to write it down again and again whenever I use the sauce in other recipes.

Honestly, I should really do this more often with my vegan basic recipes, because sometimes you are just looking for a quick sauce, dressing, or dip. While I have so many of them here on the blog, they are mostly part of another recipe so they might be difficult to find. Anyway, I have linked some of my favorite recipes for sauces and dips at the bottom of this post. But now back to the actual topic, because this recipe for peanut sauce is something you have to try!

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How to use this sauce (serving suggestions)

This quick and easy peanut sauce is wonderfully spicy, creamy, loaded with peanut flavor and:

  • Perfect as a sauce for all Asian-inspired rice or noodle or vegetable stir-fry dishes, like Vegan Pad Thai, Thai Noodle Salad or Asian Chili Garlic Noodles.
  • Makes a great dressing for fresh salads and bowls, such as Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad (Bun Chay), Korean Bibimbap, Crispy Sesame Tofu, or Poke Bowl.
  • Can be added to curries or soups as a flavorful seasoning to add more aroma.
  • Perfect for grilling to use as satay sauce for Indonesian tofu skewers or other grilled vegan meat alternatives.
  • Can be used as a dipping sauce for finger food snacks, e.g. fresh Summer Rolls or Chinese Spring Rolls or crispy Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls).

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How to make the best vegan peanut sauce

What I also love about this recipe for Thai peanut sauce is that you only need simple ingredients that are easy to find at any Asian store or supermarket.These are:

  • creamy peanut butter
  • soy sauce, or tamari (if gluten-free)
  • agave syrup
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • fresh garlic and ginger
  • sriracha (or sambal oelek or sweet chili sauce)
  • fresh lime juice
  • water (or coconut milk)

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You can either put all the ingredients in a blender and blend them until creamy. Or you can also put them into a glass or bottle, then close it tightly and shake vigorously. Alternatively, you can simply whisk together everything in a bowl until you have a smooth peanut sauce. Use less water (or coconut milk) when serving the peanut sauce as a dip or use more when serving it as a salad dressing.

If you like the peanut sauce spicier, use more sriracha or sambal oelek. Optionally, you could also stir in more homemadeSweet Chili Sauce instead, about 2-3 tablespoons. Since the chili sauce is sweet on its own, you can even leave out the agave syrup. As an alternative to agave syrup, feel free to use maple syrup, coconut blossom syrup, or another syrup of your choice. Regular white or brown sugar will probably work too, but I find a sticky syrup better for the perfect consistency.

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How to store peanut sauce?

The peanut sauce can be kept in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day once all the flavors are absorbed.

If the sauce gets too thick when it cools down, simply stir in a little more water or coconut milk until the desired consistency is achieved. You could also heat it up briefly in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop to make it more liquid again. For longer storage, you can freeze the peanut sauce and defrost it whenever you want.

This best creamy peanut sauce is:

  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free (lactose-free)
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Simple
  • Delicious
  • Spicy
  • Aromatic
  • Nutty
  • Customizable
  • Mild to hot
  • Versatile to use
  • Perfect as a dip, sauce or dressing for many Asian dishes!

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More vegan recipes for dips, sauces, dressings & co:

  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Chipotle sauce
  • Creamy guacamole
  • Hummus
  • Cashew dip
  • Ajvar (paprika dip)
  • Herb dip
  • Vegan Tzatziki
  • Cashew mayonnaise (vegan aioli)
  • Yogurt dressing

If you try this vegan creamy peanut sauce, please leave a comment and a rating if it is “the best recipe“ for you, too! And if you take a picture of your Asian inspired dish and share it on Instagram, please tag me @biancazapatka and use the hashtag #biancazapatka, because I love to see your remakes! Enjoy your sauce!

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The Best Peanut Sauce

Author: Bianca Zapatka

This quick and easy vegan 3-minute Peanut Sauce recipe is simply the best and can be used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, for noodles, crispy tofu, and many other Asian dishes! It is creamy, spicy, absolutely delicious, and perfect to make ahead with simple pantry staples!

Print Pin Review

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Basics, Dip, Dressing, Salad, Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian, Indonesian, Thai

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 64 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp (65 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (if gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or other syrup
  • 1-2 tbsp rice vinegar to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 large clove garlic pressed
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 2 tsp sriracha or sambal oelek to taste
  • juice of 1 lime approx. 1-2 tbsp or to taste
  • a bit of water or coconut milk until the desired consistency is reached

Instructions

  • Simply place all the ingredients for the peanut sauce in a blender (or in a bowl or jar) and then blend (or whisk or shake with the lid closed) until it is smooth and creamy. Add some water or coconut milk until the desired consistency is reached. (Use less water or coconut milk if you serve the peanut sauce as a dip or use more if you serve it as a salad dressing).

  • Enjoy with summer rolls, satay skewers, in a Thai noodle salad or with other dishes!

Notes

  • Spiciness: If you like the peanut sauce spicier, use more sriracha or sambal oelek. Optionally, you could stir in some more sweet chili sauce instead, about 2-3 tablespoons. Since the chili sauce is sweet as it is, you can skip the agave syrup.
  • Syrup: Feel free to use your favorite syrup, such as agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut blossom syrup. Normal white or brown sugar will probably work too, but I find sticky syrup makes the best consistency.
  • Acidity: I recommend using less rice vinegar / lime juice at first and adding more later if needed, to ensure that the sauce doesn't become too sour afterwards.
  • Storage/Shelf Life: The peanut sauce can be stored in a sealed glass, jar, or bottle for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day once all the flavors are absorbed. If the sauce becomes too thick as it cools, simply stir in a little more water or coconut milk to desired consistency. You could also warm it gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop to make it more liquid again.
  • Freezing instruction: For longer storage, the sauce can be frozen and thawed if necessary.
  • Serving suggestions and further information on this recipe can be found in the blog post above!

Nutritions

Serving: 2tbsp | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 256mg | Potassium: 58mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg

Nutrition is calculated automatically and should be used as estimate.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @biancazapatka or tag #biancazapatka!

IF YOU HAVE PINTEREST, YOU CAN FIND ME HERE AND PIN THE FOLLOWING PICTURE, IF YOU LIKE! 🙂

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The Best Peanut Sauce (Easy 3-Minute Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is peanut sauce made of? ›

A typical recipe usually contains ground roasted peanuts or peanut butter (smooth or crunchy), coconut milk, soy sauce, tamarind, galangal, garlic, and spices (such as coriander seed or cumin). Other possible ingredients are chili peppers, sugar, fried onion, and lemongrass.

What's a good substitute for peanut sauce? ›

Because hoisin sauce has many of the same ingredients I would use in a more involved peanut sauce, it works great here. Hoisin has hints of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and Chile peppers. Some version even have a peanut-esque taste to it, so it's the perfect way to shorten the ingredient list in a peanut sauce.

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.

How do you keep peanut sauce from separating? ›

1 Answer. You need to 1) increase the emulsification, and 2) reduce the amount of time the sauce is very hot. You can try adding honey or mustard to the sauce, that will improve emulsification. You can also hit it with a stick blender which will do a much better job of breaking it up than can be done by hand.

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 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.

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.

What is a substitute for peanut butter in peanut sauce? ›

Instead of peanut butter – Use cashew butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or your favorite nut or seed butter! Gluten free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make gluten free peanut sauce.

How do you thicken peanut sauce? ›

Corn starch – Helps to thicken up the sauce! Substitute corn starch with tapioca starch. Peanuts – This is optional, but it is traditional to top the sauce with some peanuts before serving.

Can 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.

Do I need to refrigerate peanut sauce? ›

Peanut sauce will keep for up to a week in a refrigerated airtight container. But remember to take the sauce out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature — you know how stubborn peanut butter can be.

Can I freeze homemade 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.

Why is my peanut sauce too thick? ›

If your peanut butter is particularly thick, you may need to use the full 4 tablespoons of water to thin out the mixture (or more, if necessary). Feel free to adjust to taste here—for example, sometimes I want my sauce more savory and add another clove of garlic, or a little sweeter, so I add extra honey.

Why is my peanut sauce clumpy? ›

If your ingredients aren't all the same temperature, your sauce and get lumpy. To prevent this you can gently warm the ingredients in a glass mixing bowl then whisk to combine. How do you thicken peanut sauce? This recipe is thickened by the peanut butter and doesn't need any other thickener.

What are the common problems in sauces? ›

The most common problems in sauces are lumpy or curdled. The best way to avoid a sauce becoming lumpy is to incorporate it, ideally in gentle heat, into another liquid that is cold enough for incorporation without the formation of lumps before adding it back to the sauce.

Is peanut sauce made from peanut butter? ›

Thai Peanut Sauce is made up of peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, a sweetener (I used maple syrup), rice wine vinegar, sesame seeds, a spice and water. In some more traditional versions, coconut milk is used instead of water, but I find this combination to be perfect.

Does peanut sauce taste like peanuts? ›

Best made with toasted peanuts

(under different names) It is also used in some European cuisine. The key ingredient is peanuts which together with kecap (soy sauce) gives it a salty and mildly spicy taste. Many different recipes for making peanut sauces exist, which means that all these satay sauces taste differently.

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.

Why is peanut sauce healthy? ›

Peanut sauce can be a healthy addition to any diet. Since it is made from peanut butter, it naturally has some protein. Look for ones with not a lot of sodium or added sugar. Better yet, when making it at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients.

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