Whip up this smooth and creamy Peanut Sauce recipe in just 5 minutes and have it on hand for making Pad Thai, lettuce wraps, a dip for spring rolls, and more!
Easy Homemade Peanut Sauce
Whether it’s Thai, Chinese, or Filipino, Asian dishes are some of my all time favorites. Right up there with my sweet chili sauce, this peanut sauce recipe is another Asian cuisine staple to always have on hand.
This peanut sauce recipe is so quick and easy to make and so versatile. I’ve included lots of serving suggestions below but I personally love it in my Ramen Pad Thai and as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make. Making peanut sauce is as easy as whisking a few ingredients together until smooth. No cooking required! It’s really that simple.
- Only 6 ingredients. This easy peanut sauce recipe requires just 6 ingredients to prepare. They’re all fairly common ingredients too so you likely have most of them on hand.
- Easy to customize. You can make this peanut sauce as thick or thin as desired and make other changes too, like making it spicier.
What You’ll Need
This homemade peanut sauce is made with just 6 ingredients.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Creamy peanut butter – See note below.
- Soy sauce – I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
- Lime juice – This adds a pop of acidity to the sauce. Freshly squeezed is best.
- Brown sugar – Sweetens the sauce and helps to balance the savory and acidic flavors.
- Chili garlic sauce – Adds a bit of heat and earthy garlic flavor.
- Ginger – For aromatics and flavor.
- Water – Whisked in to help create the desired consistency.
What’s The Best Peanut Butter for Peanut Sauce?
I recommend using a regular processed peanut butter, such as the JIF or Skippy brand. Natural peanut butter does not have the same consistency, even if it’s a “creamy” natural peanut butter, and is more likely to separate.
How To Make Peanut Sauce
To make your peanut sauce, all you need to do is combine all of the ingredients with a whisk. Start with a little water and add more if needed to reach the desired consistency. (Scroll below to the printable recipe card for all the details.)
Tips & Variations
- Only add the water you need. I like to start by adding just 2 tablespoons of water and then adding more if needed. The exact amount really depends on the peanut butter you use as some are thicker than others.
- Use processed peanut butter. I noted this above but reiterating here – natural peanut butter is not the best option for this recipe. It separates easy and does not have the same creamy texture (even if it’s creamy natural peanut butter.)
- Add some heat. Feel free to add a bit more chili garlic sauce for more spice or even a splash or two of sriracha.
- What if I don’t have chili garlic sauce? If you don’t have chili garlic sauce on hand, you can add sriracha and minced garlic instead.
Ways To Use It
There are so many ways to enjoy peanut sauce. It’s a staple in Thai and other Asian cuisines. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it.
- Chicken satay
- Fresh spring rolls
- Mixed with noodles
- Use in Ramen Pad Thai
- Drizzled over salad
- As a dip for sliced cucumbers
- Coconut shrimp
- Asian lettuce wraps
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Store peanut sauce made with peanut butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. However, note that peanut sauce tends to lose its flavor as it sits.
- Freezer. You can also freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.
- Reheat. It’s best to bring the peanut sauce to room temperature before serving. You can either leave it on the counter for an hour or so or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Give it a good stir and it should be just as creamy as it was before freezing.
More Homemade Sauce Recipes
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (see note)
- 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce , or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2-3 tablespoons water (whisked in to desired consistency)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients until well blended (starting with 2 tablespoons of the water. If it’s too thick, add in the third tablespoon.)
- Enjoy as desired.It's perfect for chicken satay, Pad Thai, spring rolls, and more. Suggestions and storage info in the article.)
Oh, yum. Thanks for this recipe. I have seen this sauce but not such an easy recipe. I love the suggestion of Sriracha & garlic if you have not Chile garlic sauce. Many people might say, duh, everyone knows that substitution but I did not so thanks. What I need desperately is your recipe for the chicken strips shown! I looked at every recipe link and I do not see one of chicken satay which I am guessing is the name of the chicken strips.
This chicken satay recipe is coming soon!