If you love bold flavors and crave a sauce that’s nutty, creamy, sweet, and spicy, this Thai peanut sauce recipe is your new best friend. This authentic sauce is not only easy to make in under 10 minutes, but it’s also perfect for dipping, marinating, or drizzling over noodles.
Like our reader-favorite homemade orange chicken recipe, this Thai sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
Learn how to create this delicious sauce while mastering Thai flavor balancing through this excellent guide from Thai Table, which explains the harmony of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy.
🧄 What Is Thai Peanut Sauce?
This Thai peanut sauce recipe comes from the satay traditions of Southeast Asia. It’s typically used for grilled meats like chicken satay, but its versatility makes it great for noodle dishes, salads, or veggie wraps.
It blends peanut butter, soy sauce, sweetener, acid (like lime juice), and spice to create a balanced and creamy sauce.
🥄 Key Ingredients for the Best Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
Include these essentials for authentic flavor:
- Creamy peanut butter
- Soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- Fresh lime juice or vinegar
- Grated ginger and garlic
- Sweetener: brown sugar or honey
- Spicy elements: sriracha, red pepper flakes
- Liquid: coconut milk or water for consistency
💡 Learn how to properly use coconut milk in sauces with this guide from The Kitchn.
👩🍳 Quick & Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
- Add garlic, ginger, and coconut milk.
- Adjust heat with pepper flakes and stir until creamy.
🔄 Popular Variations of Thai Peanut Sauce
- Spicy Thai sauce – add more chili flakes or sriracha
- Vegan Thai sauce – use maple syrup and tamari
- Nut-free version – swap with sunflower seed butter
- Salad dressing – thin with oil or vinegar
For a meal pairing idea, try it over these crispy boneless chicken thighs for a savory crunch.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use sugar-free peanut butter without adjusting flavor
- Don’t forget acidity—it’s crucial for balance
- Don’t over-thin—add liquid slowly
🧊 Storage Tips for Homemade Thai Peanut Sauce
- Refrigerate for 5–7 days in an airtight jar
- Freeze in small containers for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently, stirring in warm water to re-emulsify
🍛 Best Ways to Use This Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Grilled chicken skewers (satay)
- Stir-fried vegetables and rice noodles
- Spring rolls and lettuce wraps
- Buddha bowls and noodle salads
Want more fusion meals? Pair it with easy chicken pineapple stir-fry.
🥗 How to Use as Marinade or Dressing
- Marinade meats or tofu for 30 minutes
- Salad dressing: thin with rice vinegar
- Dipping sauce: perfect for egg rolls, spring rolls, or dumplings
⚖️ Health & Nutrition Benefits
- High in plant-based protein and healthy fats
- Easily adaptable to keto, paleo, or vegan diets
- Peanut butter offers heart-healthy fats and fiber
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai peanut sauce made of?
Peanut butter, soy sauce, sweetener, garlic, lime juice, and spices.
Is Thai peanut sauce spicy?
It can be. Adjust heat with chili flakes or sriracha to your preference.
Can I make it without peanut butter?
Yes. Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
How do you thicken peanut sauce?
Reduce on low heat or add more peanut butter.
Can I freeze Thai peanut sauce?
Yes! Freeze in small containers for quick access.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Thai peanut sauce recipe is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy—and it’s super easy to customize. Whether you’re dipping spring rolls, tossing noodles, or marinating chicken, this homemade version beats store-bought every time.
For more globally inspired sauces and crowd-pleasing flavors, don’t miss our easy sauce collection on DatedRecipes.
Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ cup coconut milk or warm water
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sweetener.Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until smooth.Slowly whisk in the coconut milk (or warm water) until you reach your desired consistency.Stir in chili flakes if using.Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Notes
💡 Notes:
- For a thinner sauce, add extra coconut milk or water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Nut-free? Use sunflower seed or almond butter instead of peanut butter.
- Make it vegan: Use maple syrup and tamari.
- Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings
- Drizzled over noodle bowls or stir-fry
- Marinade for grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp
- Salad dressing when thinned with extra vinegar
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