Best Thai Peanut Sauce: The Perfect Blend of Sweet, Savory, and Spicy
If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, you know that the magic often lies in the sauces. Thai peanut sauce, with its rich, nutty flavor enhanced by just the right touch of sweetness and heat, is a versatile condiment that can elevate simple dishes to something truly special. This recipe for the best Thai peanut sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy, making it a must-try for anyone looking to add some authentic Thai flavor to their meals.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup peanut butter (only peanuts and salt)
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (omit if you don’t want any sesame flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ cup warm water (more as needed to thin)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 small cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Directions:
- Prepare the Garlic: Using a garlic press, finely mince the garlic to avoid large chunks, and place it in a large mixing bowl. This ensures your sauce is smooth and evenly flavored.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, lime juice, and red pepper flakes to the bowl with the minced garlic.
- Whisk Together: Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. Start by incorporating these components thoroughly to create a uniform base for your sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: Slowly pour in the warm water, beginning with ½ cup. Whisk continuously to integrate the water and adjust the sauce to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, particularly for dressings, add more water as needed.
- Taste and Tweak: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. You might find you want a bit more soy sauce for saltiness, maple syrup for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: This sauce is incredibly versatile. Serve it with noodle bowls, tofu, tempeh, chicken, stir fries, or even as a delightful dip for fresh veggies.
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
This Thai peanut sauce is not only flavorful but also quick and easy to make. With no cooking required, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick sauce for entertaining. Whether drizzled over a colorful veggie stir-fry or used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, this Thai peanut sauce is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and creamy texture. Give it a try and bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen!
Best Thai Peanut Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Thai Peanut Sauce is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will elevate any dish you pair it with. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad, tossing it with noodles, or using it as a dip for your favorite veggies, this sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
¾ cup peanut butter (made with just peanuts + salt)
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (omit if you don’t want any sesame flavor)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
½ cup warm water (to thin, or more as needed)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 small cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Finely mince the garlic using a garlic press to avoid large chunks, and add it to a large mixing bowl.
Add all ingredients except for the water, and whisk together until smooth.
Slowly pour in the warm water, starting with ½ cup, and whisk until your desired consistency is reached. Add more water if necessary, depending on whether you’re using it as a dressing or a sauce.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. You may want to add more soy sauce, sweetener, or red pepper flakes.
Serve with noodle bowls, tofu, tempeh, chicken, stir fries, or as a dip for fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120