Peanut sauce is a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy condiment that brings bold flavor to everything it touches. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or mixing, this sauce adds magic to dishes like grilled meats, noodles, salads, and spring rolls. With roots in Southeast Asian cuisine—particularly Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking—peanut sauce is known for its rich taste and versatility.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through my go-to peanut sauce recipe that’s quick, simple, and always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this sauce will earn its place in your fridge.
Quick Facts
Here’s a bite-sized overview of the recipe details to get you started quickly:
| Course | Sauce / Dip |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Southeast Asian |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 6 (about 1.5 cups) |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5 minutes |
| Calories | 130 per serving |
Equipment Needed
Making a rich and smooth peanut sauce doesn’t require a fancy kitchen. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- Medium mixing bowl – For combining ingredients.
- Whisk – Helps to blend peanut butter smoothly.
- Small saucepan (optional) – If you prefer to heat the sauce for a warm version.
- Measuring cups & spoons – To keep the flavor balance just right.
- Rubber spatula – For scraping the bowl clean.
- Blender or immersion blender (optional) – For an extra silky texture.
Pro tip: A whisk is usually enough, but a blender is great if you’re mixing crunchy peanut butter or want a super-smooth sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a simple, yet flavor-packed peanut sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened is best)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1–2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ to ½ cup warm water (to thin the sauce as needed)
- Optional: chopped roasted peanuts for garnish
Instructions
Making this sauce is super simple. Follow these quick steps:
- Mix the base – In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey until smooth.
- Add flavor – Stir in sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
- Adjust thickness – Slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and tweak – Add more soy for saltiness, vinegar for tang, or sriracha for heat.
- Serve or store – Use immediately, or store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Essential Note:
Always use warm water to thin the sauce. Cold water can cause the peanut butter to clump, while warm water blends everything into a creamy finish.