Authentic Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

This traditional recipe for Thai peanut sauce will transform your meals into masterpieces.

This creamy, nutty, and savory delight is a staple in plenty of Asian dishes. 

It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you drizzle it over salads or use it as a dip, it’s a game-changer.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can elevate your meals to a new level.

Thai Peanut Sauce

Do you have 5 minutes? Then you have time for this Thai peanut sauce recipe! It only takes a few ingredients.

You’ll end up with a smooth, spicy, and sweet sauce perfect on anything.

Looking for a dip for spring rolls or chicken satay? Want to jazz up noodles or salads? This homemade Thai dressing will do the trick. It’s bound to please everyone!

This peanut sauce is creamy, sweet, tangy, and has a spicy kick. Yum!

Dip Vietnamese spring rolls in it or pour it over your next chicken satay bowl. Believe me, you’ll find new ways to use this easy, addictive sauce in no time!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Thai peanut sauce: 

• Creamy Peanut Butter – The base of the peanut butter sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor, giving the sauce its characteristic taste.
  
• Soy Sauce – This adds a savory and salty depth, enhancing the complexity of the flavors in the sauce.z
• Sesame Oil – With a toasty quality, sesame oil brings a subtle, unique flavor to the sauce.
  
• Rice Vinegar – This adds a tangy brightness, balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
  
• Brown Sugar – A touch of sweetness smooths out the sauce, pairing well with the spicy and savory elements.
  
• Chili Garlic Sauce – This adds heat, and you can adjust it to taste. It’s the kick that makes the sauce adventurous!
  
• Fresh Lime Juice – Lime juice brings a citrusy zing that lifts the whole sauce, making it more vibrant and lively.
  
• Warm Water – This is the secret to getting the perfect consistency. It helps blend everything to a smooth texture.

How to Make Thai Peanut Sauce

Just follow these simple steps to make a delicious Thai peanut sauce: 

1. Start with the base ingredients. Grab the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice. Whisk them together until smooth. 
   
2. Add two tablespoons of warm water and whisk again. The sauce should be pourable but not too thin. Not quite there? Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
   
3. Ready to serve or save for later? You can dive in now or keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s your call!
   
4. Enjoy! That’s it! Drizzle it, dip it, love it.

Tips for the Best Peanut Sauce

Looking to make the best peanut sauce ever? Try out these tips and tricks:

• Warm it up. Microwave the peanut butter for 10 seconds before mixing, and use warm water. It’ll stir like a dream!
  
• Prep in bulk. This sauce loves the freezer. Make a bunch and save some for later. It’s a time-saver and will still taste great.
  
• Go creamy. Tossing it with noodles or salads? Try coconut milk instead of water. It’s thin, mellow, and oh-so-creamy.
  
• Spice it up. Red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or red chili paste. Go wild! Your sauce, your spice level.
  
• Swap out your butter. You can use any kind of peanut butter you like. Even try tahini or almond butter for a new twist.
  
• Go a little extra. Add crumbled peanuts, coconut milk, garlic, or honey to customize your sauce.
  
• Play with ratios. Add more peanuts or make it spicier. This base recipe is just the beginning. Adjust and enjoy. More sesame oil? Yes, please!

Recipe Variations

This Thai peanut sauce is a real hit. Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:

Add a twist:

• Fish Sauce. An adventurous touch of the sea.
• Lemongrass Powder or Paste. A fragrant hint of freshness.
• Tamarind Paste. A little tang, anyone?
• Galangal. Exotic and flavorful, give it a try!
• Curry Paste. Because who doesn’t love curry?

Make it rich! Swap that water for coconut milk. It’s a tropical vacation that’s sure to impress!

Ways to Use This Peanut Sauce

This Thai peanut sauce goes so well with lots of different dishes. Try out some of these ways the next time you whip some up:

• Pour it over some Asian salads.
• Use it as a dip for Asian takeout.
• Mix it in with some Asian noodles.
• Slather it on some Asian vegetables.

I think it’s great with these crispy frozen egg rolls in the air fryer!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Are you making this peanut sauce ahead of time? No problem! You can whip it up a week in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It might get thick in there. No worries! Just add a splash of lime juice or water and mix it up. Or, let it hang out on the counter for about 30 minutes to get back to room temperature. 

Is it freezer friendly? You Bet! Pop it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Try freezing it in ice cube trays. When you need it, just thaw what you want. It’s like having little treasure cubes of flavor waiting for you.