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This homemade peanut sauce turns basic dishes into amazing Thai-inspired meals with its smooth, sweet-spicy kick. Perfect for dunking spring rolls or jazzing up a boring stir-fry, you'll get genuine Thai tastes in just 5 minutes flat.
I threw this sauce together during a last-minute dinner with friends when I couldn't run to the store. Now they won't stop asking for "that incredible peanut stuff" whenever they come over.
Ingredients
- Smooth peanut butter: Makes everything rich and creamy with that must-have nutty taste you can't resist
- Soy sauce: Brings that savory punch and salty goodness to balance the sweet parts
- Brown sugar: Gives that true Thai sweetness but feel free to swap in honey or maple syrup
- Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tang that cuts through the heavy peanut flavor
- Fresh garlic: Packs an aroma punch that you just can't get from the pre-minced stuff
- Sriracha sauce: Brings as much or as little heat as you want without taking over
- Warm water: Lets you make it as thick or thin as you need for whatever you're fixing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Grab a medium bowl and throw in your peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and Sriracha. This mix creates that special Thai peanut flavor everyone loves. Your peanut butter should be room temp so it mixes easier.
- Whisk Until Smooth:
- Get a whisk and mix everything together until you don't see any peanut butter streaks. It'll be pretty thick at first, but keep at it and you'll get all those flavors working together.
- Thin To Desired Consistency:
- Add warm water bit by bit, whisking as you go. Warm water works better than cold for smoother blending. Want it for dipping? Keep it thicker. Need it for drizzling on noodles? Add more water to thin it out.
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Every time I make this sauce, I'm thrown back to my Thailand trip where I first got hooked on Thai cooking. The mix of sweet, salty, and spicy takes me straight to those crowded food stalls in Bangkok whenever I take a taste.
Storage Solutions
Keep your peanut sauce fresh by storing it right. Pop it in a sealed container in the fridge where it'll stay good for two weeks max. Don't worry if the oil separates a bit, just give it a quick stir before using. Want it to last even longer? Freeze it in ice cube trays, then dump the frozen cubes into a freezer bag. They'll keep for 4-6 months and you can grab just what you need each time.
Easy Substitutions
You can switch things up based on what you have or need. Can't do gluten? Try tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Got peanut allergies? Almond or cashew butter works too. The sweet stuff is totally flexible—try honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or even stevia if that's your thing. Not a fan of Sriracha? Swap in some red pepper flakes, chili oil, or gochujang for a Korean twist.
Beyond Spring Rolls
This sauce isn't just for spring rolls. Pour it over rice bowls or use it to soak chicken, tofu, or shrimp before you grill them. Mix it with hot noodles for quick peanut noodles better than takeout. Add some extra water or coconut milk to make it into salad dressing. It's awesome for dipping raw veggies too, turning basic carrot sticks into something special. I love using it as a base for quick weeknight stir-fries—just toss in some veggies and protein and dinner's done.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is there a gluten-free version for this sauce?
Totally! Just swap out soy sauce for Tamari or any gluten-free alternative to keep this sauce free of gluten.
- → What other sweeteners can I substitute for brown sugar?
Try using honey, maple syrup, or even low-calorie sweeteners like stevia if you'd prefer.
- → How much heat does this sauce pack?
The spice level is up to you! Use a little Sriracha for mild warmth or increase it for some extra kick. Start with less, then add more to your liking.
- → How should I store any leftover dip?
Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks. For longer use, freeze it in a suitable container and thaw when needed—good for 4-6 months!
- → What foods go best with this sauce?
Pair with fresh veggies, toss over noodles, drizzle on grilled meats, or dunk spring rolls! It fits just about any dish you love.
- → What if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
To thin it out, add warm water a little at a time. Stir until it’s just right—smooth and your preferred consistency!