Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for homemade peanut sauce, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Creamy Peanut Butter – This makes up the base of the peanut sauce recipe. I love this brand because it’s smooth, creamy, and the only ingredient is peanuts. You can also substitute almond butter if needed. If your nut butter contains sugar (I don’t recommend ;)), you may want to leave out the honey, unless you like it very sweet. Garlic – Crushed or grated garlic is best in this recipe, so it evenly flavors the peanut sauce recipe without overpowering it. If you use minced, make sure it’s very, very finely minced. You can also substitute 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Coconut Aminos – This is my favorite soy sauce substitute, but you can use low sodium soy sauce or tamari if it fits your lifestyle. Honey – Sweetens the satay sauce naturally. You can use either regular or sugar-free honey. Rice Vinegar – Adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have any, you can try substituting it with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even lime juice. Water – To thin out the sauce. Sea Salt – This is optional, and might not be needed. It depends on whether your peanut butter contains salt, and how salty your coconut aminos (or soy sauce) is. Adjust salt to your taste.
How To Make Peanut Sauce
This section shows how to make satay sauce, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Add a teaspoon of grated ginger (or a pinch of ground ginger) for more flavor, or to make it spicy, add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep this easy peanut sauce recipe to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. (You can also freeze individual portions in an ice cube tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.) Thaw on the counter, in the microwave on low power, or in the fridge overnight.
What To Serve With Peanut Sauce
This Thai peanut sauce recipe can be served in so many ways! Here are a few ideas to get you started: I used 1/4 cup of water, but it may vary for you depending on your brand of peanut butter.
Chicken – The most popular way to use peanut sauce is chicken satay… that’s why it’s often called satay sauce! However, you could also use it for tandoori chicken, too. Steak – Drizzle it over a flank steak, skirt steak, or any grilled steak. Vegetables – Dunk fresh carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, broccoli (or even roasted broccoli), celery, sugar snap peas, and radishes into this dip. Asian Dishes – Try peanut satay sauce over Thai shrimp lettuce wraps, spring rolls, pad Thai (or lighter spaghetti squash pad Thai), or even fried rice. Salads – Replace the salad dressing in Thai beef salad or smashed cucumber salad with this easy peanut sauce instead.
More Homemade Sauce Recipes
Use real food ingredients and bold flavors to create a sauce for any occasion! Try some of these next: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Makes 1 cup.
