Inspired by the flavors of Thai cuisine, this sauce is creamy, salty, sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. It’s also easy to customize since you can taste it as you go! This easy peanut sauce recipe can be stirred together in minutes, without the need for a food processor or blender. It’s the perfect topping for lettuce wraps, chicken satay, noodle bowls, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-natural peanut butter provides the creamy base for this sauce, but you can also use any other nut butter you have, like almond butter. Paired with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and sriracha for spice, it has an irresistible flavor and takes just minutes to stir together. This dip is also easy to customize! Use lemon juice or a splash of rice vinegar if you don’t have limes on hand, or use honey for sweetness if you prefer. You can also use red pepper flakes for added spice if you don’t have sriracha. Fresh garlic and ginger take the flavor over the top, but you can use a pinch of the powdered versions if you need to.
How to Make Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, tamari, lime juice, maple syrup, sriracha, minced garlic, and ginger. Use a whisk or spoon to stir well. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to help thin out the sauce. Start with just 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue to add more water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You could also use coconut milk, instead of water, to make the sauce thinner. Two tablespoons of water are usually plenty for a sauce that will drip off of a spoon. Serve right away with spring rolls, crispy tofu, or over your favorite noodles. It also makes a delicious salad dressing! Leftover peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will thicken when chilled, so let it come to room temperature before using it again. Or, thin it out with another tablespoon of water, if needed. Serve it right away as a veggie dip, drizzled over salad and noodle bowls, or as a dip for baked tofu. It’s hard to resist once you taste it, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking for an excuse to make it often. Looking for more delicious sauce ideas? Try Creamy Cilantro Sauce, Vegan Burger Sauce, or Romesco Sauce for more options. If you try this Peanut Sauce recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.
