Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
This Vegan Peanut Sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a regular weekday dinner, this sauce will elevate any dish it accompanies.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 229kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter smooth or crunchy, see note 1 for alternatives
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce see note 2 for alternatives
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup see note 3 for alternatives
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder see note 4
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-4 tablespoons water see note 7
Instructions
- Add everything except the water to a blender or food processor and blend until it is completely mixed, scraping the sides down occasionaly. Note: if you add crunchy peanut butter, you may want to blend it a little longer to make it smoother.
- Add water 1 tablespoon at a time and continue to blend until it’s the right consistency for dipping.
- Serve it as is, or garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: While any peanut butter will work for this easy Thai-style peanut sauce recipe, opting for a natural version without added sugars or oils will give you the best results. For peanut allergies, almond or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives.
- Soy sauce alternatives: To make this gluten-free, you can replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos, tamari, or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- I don't have maple syrup. Can I use honey? While honey isn't vegan, if you're not strictly following a vegan diet, it can be a suitable substitute for maple syrup. Alternatively, agave nectar or brown sugar can also do the trick.
- Spice level: If you're a fan of spicy food, add some extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of chili or omit it altogether.
- Fresh vs. Powdered Spices: While this recipe calls for powdered ginger and garlic for convenience, using fresh ingredients can elevate the sauce to the next level. If you have fresh ginger and garlic on hand, grate or mince them finely and add them to the mix.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always give your sauce a taste test. Depending on the brand of ingredients you use, you might find you need a little more maple syrup for sweetness or an extra splash of soy sauce for saltiness.
- What if my sauce is too thick or too thin? If the sauce is too thick for your liking, simply add a little more water or coconut milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, blend in more peanut butter until you reach your desired consistency.
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Of course! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it's ready to serve when you are.
- Storage: To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container. This will ensure the sauce retains its freshness and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this delicious peanut sauce can last up to a week.
- Freezing: Pour the sauce into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw the exact amount you need for your next dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg