Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

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This creamy and flavorful Thai peanut sauce is a versatile, rich sauce that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, veggies, or noodles. Made with peanut butter, coconut milk, and a hint of spice, this sauce comes together quickly for an authentic Thai-inspired taste. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with your favorite dishes!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old fashioned peanut butter
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a small cast-iron skillet combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, red curry paste, lime juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Heat the Sauce

Stir the mixture frequently as it heats. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it to your desired consistency.

4. Adjust Seasoning

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more lime juice for tang, more curry paste for spice, or extra sugar for sweetness.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened, remove it from the heat. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro if desired. Serve warm with grilled meats, veggies, noodles, or as a dipping sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Sauce

• Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, thin it with water or additional coconut milk.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red curry paste or cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
• Storage: This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

This Thai peanut sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. It’s an easy and versatile sauce that pairs well with everything from grilled chicken skewers to vegetable stir-fries.

Variations

1. Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce: Increase the red curry paste and add sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
2. Honey Peanut Sauce: Swap the brown sugar for honey for a slightly sweeter and floral flavor.
3. Ginger-Lime Peanut Sauce: Add extra ginger and lime juice for a more zesty and fresh version.
4. Sesame Peanut Sauce: Stir in a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for a nutty, rich finish.
5. Peanut Coconut Sauce: Add extra coconut milk for a creamier, more coconut-forward flavor profile.

Pairings

• Grilled chicken satay skewers
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms)
• Rice noodles or stir-fried rice
• Spring rolls or dumplings
• Cucumber salad with lime dressing