Thai Peanut Sauce (Easy)
Creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this Thai peanut sauce transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Smooth peanut butter forms the rich base, enhanced by coconut milk, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. Fresh garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth while sriracha adds customizable heat that builds without overwhelming. Unlike thin satay sauces, this version has a thick, clingy consistency perfect for noodle bowls and dipping. Use it over rice noodles for quick weeknight dinners, as a satay dipping sauce for grilled skewers, or drizzled over grilled chicken salads. The sauce keeps refrigerated for two weeks and can be thinned with warm water or coconut milk as needed.
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Ingredients
- •Creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup
- •Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
- •Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
- •Honey - 2 tablespoons
- •Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- •Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
- •Fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon
- •Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
- •Warm water - 1/4 cup (adjust for desired consistency)
- •Sriracha (optional) - 1 teaspoon
- •Crushed peanuts (garnish) - 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
- 2
Add rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined.
- 3
Gradually add warm water, whisking constantly, until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- 4
Taste and adjust flavors as needed. Add sriracha for heat, more lime for tang, or more honey for sweetness.
- 5
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with crushed peanuts.
- 6
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir well before using.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go
- • Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification
- • Let flavors meld by refrigerating 30 minutes before serving
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Variations
Make it spicier with cayenne, tangier with extra lemon, or creamier with more mayo. Customize to your taste!
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