Thai Peanut Sauce

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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.

A bowl of the combined ingredients.

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:

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

A jar of Thai peanut sauce with a spoonful on top.

Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

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.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American, Thai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 176kcal
Author: Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 Tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 1-2 Tablespoon cold water
  • lime zest and a pinch of sugar

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Whisk. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients until very well mixed.
  • Add water. Then add 1-2 Tablespoons of cold water and whisk again until you've reached your desired consistency.
  • Store. Pour sauce into a mason jar to store.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 598mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 0.2IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Suebeehomemaker or tag #suebeehomemaker!

2 Comments

  1. Tastes great and it’s easy peasy to make. It’s a must for the Buddha bowls that are described above.

    1. Suebee Homemaker says:

      Yes please!

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