Peanut sauce is an Indonesian diet staple and included in many popular Asian dishes. This recipe is easy to make, and the sauce also serves as a fantastic snack dip!
What is Thai peanut sauce made of?
Peanut sauce is, as it sounds, primarily made from ground peanuts or peanut butter. You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter, whichever you prefer. Other ingredients include:
Coconut milk and soy sauce, both of which help to thin the sauce. As a result, it is creamy and very easy to spread.
Garlic and ginger give peanut sauce its savory Asian flavor. Feel free to get creative with your spices; add ingredients like coriander, chili peppers or lemongrass. Each variation will give the sauce a unique taste.
Honey is in the recipe to impart a bit of sweetness. For those on a low carb or keto diet, you will need to leave out the honey, but your peanut sauce will still be mouthwatering and delicious without it.
Once you create the easy-to-prepare sauce, it infuses your meals with lots of flavor. Plus it has many uses so is a great pantry staple to have on hand.
How do I use peanut sauce?
This recipe is so easy to make, you should keep a batch on hand for making quick meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Sauce for noodles, especially Asian rice noodles
- Salad dressing
- Dip for raw veggies, pita chips, or spring rolls
- Condiment for wraps and sandwiches
- Marinade for chicken and pork
- Primary ingredient in Asian recipes such as chicken satay and peanut sauce noodles
How do you thicken the sauce?
In southeast Asia, the secret to making excellent peanut sauce is “not too thick, not too watery.”
To achieve this balance, start with the recipe below.
If you make it too thin, it isn’t really an issue because the sauce thickens over time. On that note, if you make the sauce in advance, you may need to whisk in a bit of water or coconut milk to thin it out before serving.
Where should I store peanut sauce?
Homemade peanut sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or mason jar.
The sauce also freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in small portions, then thaw just what you need for each meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This simple peanut sauce recipe uses just five ingredients so it’s easy to tell if it is compatible with your diet.
Peanuts are packed with protein, but also have a fair amount of calories and fat. Since this recipe makes a sauce or dip, you won’t be consuming a large amount of peanuts.
Coconut milk also has more fat than other non-dairy milk options. However, it is a great source of medium-chain fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels! (source)
For a keto-friendly peanut sauce recipe, just omit the honey. If you want the sauce sweeter, add a bit of monkfruit syrup.
If you eat a gluten free diet, be sure to use gluten free soy sauce, or tamari, which tastes similar. With a couple of exceptions, commercially made soy sauces do contain wheat products.
Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter - unsweetened and unsalted
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- honey - optional, leave out for Keto
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
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JoAnn M Lakes says
This looks likes a great sauce to have at the handy for bowls and whatever.
I have one question, are you using canned coconut milk or milk from the dairy (refrigerated) section of the market in a carton?
I’m loving your posts, especially your instant pot information (rice and beans).
JoAnn M Lakes says
Oops, didn’t see there’s a video. I’m sure that will answer my question, but I still wanted to tell you how GRATEFUL I am for your instant pot rice formula.
Lorena says
I’m so happy to read you like my recipes JoAnn. It’s canned coconut milk. Sorry, forgot to specify. I keep forgetting there is carton coconut milk, too. I never buy that one so I forget it exists. Buy canned and preferably full fat for a creamier sauce. If you are watching your calories, light will work, too.