The Best Thai Peanut Sauce

A rich and velvety Thai peanut sauce that's perfect for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with your favorite dishes.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings: 10 tablespoons

Course: Dip, Sauce

Cuisine: Asian, Thai

Calories: 70

Main Ingredients

½ cup creamy peanut butter Use a high-quality, natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons soy sauce Opt for low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice) Rice vinegar adds sweetness, but lime juice adds zest.
1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar) Honey works beautifully, while brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.
1 teaspoon sesame oil Use toasted sesame oil for a richer flavor.
1 teaspoon grated ginger Freshly grated for best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust for desired heat level.
¼ cup coconut milk (or water for a thinner sauce) Full-fat coconut milk makes a creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili paste (optional) Spice to your preference.
1 tablespoon chopped peanuts (for garnish, optional) Adds a delightful crunch.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional) Adds a fresh finish.

Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. This should take around 1-2 minutes!
Slowly add the coconut milk (or water) while whisking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as desired, adding more lime for tanginess, honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for salt.
If desired, stir in the Sriracha or chili paste for added heat.
Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro before serving.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

This sauce can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.