Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe

This Peanut Satay Sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. It’s the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, vegetables, spring rolls, or even as a dipping sauce for fries. With the combination of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, this sauce delivers all the classic satay flavors that you love. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Satay Sauce is a versatile condiment that enhances the flavor of so many dishes. The creamy peanut butter provides a rich base, while the soy sauce, lime juice, and spices add depth and brightness. Whether you’re using it for dipping or drizzling over grilled meats, vegetables, or noodles, this sauce will elevate your meal with its unique blend of flavors. Plus, it’s quick, simple, and requires just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for sweetness)
• 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce, as needed)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra zing)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, grated ginger (if using), minced garlic, chili paste (if using), and sesame oil (if using).
2. Whisk the sauce: Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and fully combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar or honey. For more heat, increase the chili paste or sriracha. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Pour the peanut satay sauce into a serving bowl and serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers, shrimp, vegetable spring rolls, or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add more chili paste or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. For a more authentic spicy kick, try adding Thai red curry paste.
• Add coconut milk: For a creamier texture and a more traditional satay flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk to the sauce.
• Peanut-free version: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or almond butter for a similar consistency and flavor.
• Garlic lovers: Increase the amount of garlic for a more garlicky flavor.

Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover peanut satay sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sauce may thicken when stored, so you can thin it out with a bit more warm water before using it again.
• Freezing: This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before using.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in the sauce. Just keep in mind that it will be slightly less smooth than using creamy peanut butter.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day or two ahead of time. The flavors will continue to meld and develop as it sits in the fridge.

What can I use this sauce with?

This peanut satay sauce is perfect for dipping grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s also great for drizzling over salads, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you use tamari (instead of soy sauce with gluten) and omit the honey, using brown sugar instead.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili paste or sriracha, or add a small amount of fresh chopped chili or cayenne pepper for more heat.

Conclusion

This Peanut Satay Sauce is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, salty, and spicy. It’s incredibly easy to make and elevates almost any dish. Whether you’re using it as a dip for chicken skewers, a sauce for noodles, or a topping for roasted vegetables, this versatile and delicious sauce will add a burst of flavor to your meals. The best part is, you can customize it to suit your tastes—add more heat, sweetness, or citrus to make it your own!

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