Easy Thai-Style Peanut Sauce

Looking for a delicious flavorful sauce to add to noodles, salads, and power bowls? Try this easy Thai inspired Peanut Sauce. Just 8 simple ingredients and no blender needed! Watch the video in the recipe card below to see how easy it is to make! 

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This post was first published on October 20, 2020. It was updated on June 17, 2024 to include new photos and helpful tips.

What is peanut sauce?

If you haven't had peanut sauce before, you're in for a treat. This is hands down my favorite sauce ever. 

Peanut sauce, also often called satay sauce, is commonly used over grilled meat skewers. The traditional sauce uses ingredients like fish sauce, tamarind pasta, and coconut milk. However, I decided to mix it up a bit and use ingredients that I more commonly have in my pantry.

Why you'll love it

This peanut sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here's why you'll love it:

• Quick and Easy: With just 8 ingredients, you can whip up this sauce in minutes.
• Versatile: Perfect for dipping, drizzling over salads, or mixing into noodles.
• Customizable: You can easily make this sauce soy-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead.

Ingredients you'll need

This sauce whips up in no time with common ingredients you'll find at most grocery stores. This peanut sauce does not use coconut milk. Here are the main ingredients you'll need for this delightful sauce:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth and rich, the base of the sauce. You can also make your own homemade peanut butter.
• Sauce of your choice: Looking for a peanut sauce without soy sauce? For this recipe, feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice for a zesty tang.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the flavors with a mild acidity.
• Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness that complements the other flavors. 
• Sesame Oil: Provides a deep, nutty aroma.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or grated for a pungent kick.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight spiciness.

Are peanuts healthy?

Peanuts are a nutrient-dense food that offers several health benefits. They are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease . 

Peanuts are also a good source of protein and fiber. Recent research shows incorporating nuts (including peanuts) into your day can lead to improved levels of fullness .

Peanuts also contain various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and iron, which contribute to overall health and well-being .

How to make this easy thai-style peanut sauce

All you do is add all ingredients to a medium sized bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth. That's it. Don't believe me? Watch the video below to see this sauce in action!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
2. Whisk Together: Use a fork to whisk the ingredients until well combined.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add a couple of tablespoons of water to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Store: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the fridge.

If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add 2 tablespoons of water to thin, or more as needed. It tends to thicken overnight so you may need to add a small amount of water to it the next day.

If you're looking to kick up the heat, add in ½ teaspoon sriracha, or more to your taste. 

If you don't have rice vinegar or sesame oil on hand, you can omit these. However, the fresh garlic and ginger are crucial for the vibrant flavor. I always like to save time by buying these ready-to-go tubes or garlic and ginger paste.

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, this peanut sauce is customizable. You get to choose what kind of sauce you want to use so you can easily make it soy-free and gluten-free if needed.

• Sauce of your choice: Use soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos depending on what you already enjoy or your dietary preferences. Tamari is gluten-free and coconut aminos is both gluten-free and soy-free.

Can I make this satay sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce is perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time then store it until you're ready to use.

How long will this sauce last?

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I would recommend freezing in silicone ice cube trays, 4 ounce mason jars, or small tupperwares so you can have single servings of sauce ready to thaw for your meal.

What should I use this peanut sauce for? 

I add this savory peanut sauce to just about everything. Drizzle over take out leftovers, use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or marinate meat in it. It's also the perfect sauce to add flavor to any bland meals or meal prep recipes.

You can try adding this sauce to these recipes too:

• Peanut Sauce Salad
• Customizable Power Bowls
• Chicken and Broccoli Meal Prep

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