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Thai Peanut Sauce is a creamy and savory condiment that is commonly served as a dipping sauce or used as a flavor enhancer for various dishes. Our version combines peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce, lime zest, and a pinch of sugar.

Side view of a short jar of peanut sauce with a spoonful on top.

Best Peanut Sauce

Let’s pay reverence to a peanut sauce that works in a variety of recipes. After your taste buds experience this tangy sauce, you’ll see why it can be used in the following ways.

Dipping Sauce: It’s commonly served as a dipping sauce for skewered and grilled meat (satay), vegetables, tofu, or spring rolls.
Salad Dressing: Thai peanut sauce can be thinned out with a bit of water or lime juice and used as a salad dressing.
Stir-Fry Sauce: It can be used as a stir-fry sauce to coat vegetables, noodles, or meat.
Marinade: Thai peanut sauce can also serve as a flavorful marinade for meats and tofu.
Noodle Dishes: It’s often used as a sauce for dishes like Pad Thai or other noodle stir-fries.

Why This Recipe Works:

After browsing the internet, most people will understand the primary ingredients for a good peanut sauce. The key is the proportions of ingredients and this may change depending on how you are using the sauce.

SIMPLE – This Thai peanut sauce recipe is made using pantry staples that you’ll find in your local grocery store. An easy recipe for weeknight cooking.
FULL OF FLAVOR – We are huge fans of Thai food and the accompanied spicy flavors. This delicious sauce is a great pairing for Buddha bowls, chicken satay skewers, Thai salads, and your favorite Thai noodle salad.
CUSTOMIZABLE – You can sub-out ingredients depending on your taste preferences. We like to add fresh garlic or fresh ginger on occasion.

Overhead view of a short jar of Thai peanut sauce.

Ingredients Used for the Best Thai Peanut Sauce:

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this flavorful sauce.

Peanut Butter: Creamy or chunky peanut butter forms the base of the sauce, providing its rich and nutty flavor. I don’t recommend natural peanut butter or almond butter for this recipe.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil enhances the nutty flavor profile of the sauce.
Soy Sauce – Contributes saltiness and umami flavor to the sauce.
Fish Sauce: A liquid condiment that provies a savory umami element and balances out the spices in the dish.
Lime: Lime zest and juice adds a tangy and slightly acidic element that brightens up the sauce.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Rice vinegar has a milder and less citrusy flavor compared to lime juice but can be used in conjunction for added flavor.
Chili Garlic Sauce or Paste: These provide the sauce with a bit of heat and spiciness. The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Sugar: A pinch of granulated sugar is used to balance out the flavors and add a touch of sweetness. You could also use brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cold Water: A little water may be needed to thin the sauce.

Labeled peanut sauce ingredients in small bowls.

How to make Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe:

Step 1
Combine ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the sauce ingredients – the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil (regular and toasted), rice vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce, lime zest, and sugar.

A bowl of the ingredients with a whisk, before mixing.

Step 2
Whisk. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients until very well mixed.

NOTE: If you want the sauce to be completely smooth, use a food processor instead of a whisk.

Step 3
Add water. Then add 1-2 Tablespoons of cold water and whisk again until you’ve reached your desired consistency.

Step 4
Store. Pour sauce into a mason jar or an airtight container to store.

How to Store Thai Peanut Sauce:

To store peanut sauce, pour it into a mason jar and store it at room temperature for a few hours. Refrigerate leftover sauce for up to one week.

Overhead view of a jar of peanut sauce next to a buddha bowl.

Recipe Variations:

You could play with the ingredient proportions depending on your taste buds.
Instead of using both rice vinegar and lime zest, use fresh lime juice.
Use only one of sesame oil or toasted sesame oil.
Try crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter for added texture.
Use only one teaspoon of chili sauce for less spice.

How to serve Spicy Peanut Sauce:

Buddha Bowls with Thai Peanut Sauce (pictured below)
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Serve it as a peanut satay sauce with chicken skewers or steak kabobs. The perfect dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls too!

Other Thai Recipes:

As mentioned, we love Thai cuisine, and we use Thai red curry paste in many of our recipes.

A buddha bowl with a spoon on top and peanut sauce.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue