Name: The Best Thai Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional); 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste); 1/4 to 1/3 cup warm water (to thin sauce)

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The Best Thai Peanut Sauce a creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced Thai peanut sauce that’s ideal for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with noodles and salads. Easy to make with pantry staples and bursting with authentic flavors of peanut butter, lime, garlic, and a hint of spice, this sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold and savory flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

½ cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste)

¼ to ⅓ cup warm water (to thin sauce)

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

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup (or honey), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.

Gradually add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable.

Stir in the red pepper flakes or sriracha, adjusting the heat level to your liking.

Taste the sauce and adjust flavors as needed—add more lime juice for tang, maple syrup for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.

Use immediately as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, drizzle over noodles or salads, or even use it as a flavorful marinade.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

I love how customizable this Thai peanut sauce is, and there are a few variations I often play around with:

Sweetener swap: You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different level of sweetness, depending on your preference.

Heat level: If I want it spicier, I add more sriracha or red pepper flakes. For a milder version, I leave it out altogether or just add a pinch.

Nut butter alternative: You can use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter if you prefer a different nut flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I always store my leftover Thai peanut sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to one week, making it perfect for meal prep. When I want to use it again, I just give it a good stir. If it’s a bit too thick after storing, I add a little more warm water to bring it back to a pourable consistency.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! While creamy peanut butter gives the sauce a smooth texture, using crunchy peanut butter adds a bit more texture and a fun twist to the sauce.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To make it spicier, I suggest adding more red pepper flakes or a little extra sriracha. Taste as you go and adjust the heat to your liking!

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Absolutely! This Thai peanut sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I make this sauce without soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or if you're avoiding soy. The flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What can I serve this sauce with?

This peanut sauce is incredibly versatile. I love it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, drizzled over salads, or tossed with noodles. It’s also great as a marinade for grilled vegetables, chicken, or tofu.

Conclusion

This Thai peanut sauce has quickly become one of my favorite sauces to whip up. It’s rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors that elevate any dish I pair it with. Whether I’m looking for a quick dipping sauce or a savory dressing for my salads and noodles, this sauce hits the spot every time. I know I’ll be making it on repeat.

Recipe:

The Best Thai Peanut Sauce

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced Thai peanut sauce that’s ideal for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with noodles and salads. Easy to make with pantry staples and bursting with authentic flavors of peanut butter, lime, garlic, and a hint of spice.

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup (or honey), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Gradually add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable.
Stir in the red pepper flakes or sriracha, adjusting the heat level to your liking.
Taste the sauce and adjust flavors as needed—add more lime juice for tang, maple syrup for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
Use immediately as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, drizzle over noodles or salads, or even use it as a flavorful marinade.