Hey there, my friend 
. Let me put you on to something that will change your meals forever. This peanut sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with a deep nutty taste.
I love how easy it is to whip up, and the best part? You can tweak the thickness and spice level to match your mood. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or even using it as a marinade, this sauce will make your taste buds happy.
Let’s get right into it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- A medium saucepan
- A whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon
- A blender (optional, for extra smooth sauce)
Important Info
- Servings: About 1 cup of peanut sauce
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $3–$5, depending on ingredients
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 100 calories per 2 tablespoons
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: All seasons
- Course: Condiment, Dip, Sauce
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diets: VeganDiet, VegetarianDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, DairyFreeDiet
How to Make Peanut Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this sauce and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¾ cup coconut milk or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter | Almond butter, cashew butter |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (for gluten-free), coconut aminos |
| Honey | Maple syrup, agave nectar |
| Sesame oil | Olive oil, peanut oil |
| Coconut milk | Regular milk, water |
| Lime juice | Rice vinegar, lemon juice |
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the coconut milk or water while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Let the sauce warm up for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Once the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, remove it from heat.
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust the salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more coconut milk or water.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Helpful Tips
- For extra smooth sauce, blend everything in a blender before heating.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less liquid. Start with less and add as needed.
- Make it spicier by adding more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store it properly to keep it fresh longer. See the storage section below.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if it thickens too much.
What to Serve with Peanut Sauce
This peanut sauce is super versatile. You can drizzle it over grilled chicken, dip spring rolls into it, or toss it with noodles for a quick meal. It also works as a salad dressing or a marinade for meats and tofu.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
A small dipping bowl is great for serving peanut sauce with appetizers. If using it as a dressing, a squeeze bottle helps for easy drizzling.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This sauce is perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or meal prepping. It also works well for lunchboxes since it stays fresh for hours.
If you’re hosting a party, put it in a small bowl with skewers or fresh veggies around it. People will keep coming back for more.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re using the sauce the same day, keep it in a covered bowl at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Stir well before using, as the peanut butter may thicken when cold.
Freezing
- For long-term storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and whisk before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can. Crunchy peanut butter gives the sauce some texture, but if you prefer it smooth, go for creamy peanut butter.
Can I make this sauce nut-free?
Yes. You can use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
How do I make the sauce thinner?
Add more coconut milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the consistency you like.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes, but you may need to thin it out with more lime juice or water to make it pourable.
Is this peanut sauce spicy?
Not really. The chili flakes add mild heat, but you can skip them if you don’t want any spice.
Meta Description
This peanut sauce recipe is creamy, nutty, and perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating. Quick to make in 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.