Name: 5 Minute Thai Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup creamy peanut butter (can also use crunchy for added texture); 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 5 tablespoons hot water (plus more as needed)

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Thai peanut sauce is a creamy sauce with a salty, nutty, slightly umami taste. You’ll want to put this sauce on noodles, vegetables, and everything in between. Dairy free with a gluten free option.

Ingredient Notes

Creamy peanut butter – this is what I typically use, but crunchy peanut butter is also great when you want to add a little more texture!
Low sodium soy sauce or tamari – it’s essential you use low sodium, otherwise the sauce will be too salty.
Rice vinegar – helps to add brightness and cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
Maple syrup – adds a little sweetness to balance out the salty flavors.
Toasted sesame oil – adds a nice, nutty flavor.
Sriracha – add more if you like it extra spicy.
Hot water – to thin the sauce and smooth it out.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.

How can you make this Thai peanut sauce recipe using what you already have? Here are some ideas…

Low on peanut butter? – if you have roasted peanuts, make homemade peanut butter. Otherwise, tahini, almond butter, or cashew butter all work well.
No maple syrup? – use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey.
Don’t like spicy food? – omit the hot sauce.
No toasted sesame oil? – leave it out.
Make it gluten-free – use reduced sodium tamari or low sodium gluten free soy sauce.
Add-ins – canned coconut milk with hot water for an extra creamy sauce, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, minced garlic or garlic powder, etc.

Helpful Tips

This recipe is a base for you to work with, but to get the best flavor, use your tastebuds to help guide you. Does it need more acid, sweetness, or heat? Make small adjustments until the sauce has reached your desired taste and consistency.
Too salty? Add fresh lime juice to balance out the flavors.
The color of the sauce will vary depending on how dark the roast is of your peanut butter.
The flavor can change slightly each time you make it depending on the ingredients used. Some brands of peanut butter are saltier than others and the amount of sodium varies from different brands of soy sauce or tamari.

Serving Ideas

Thai peanut sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dip or a sauce for so many things. Here are a few ideas:

Crispy chicken wraps – switch out the honey mustard for peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.
Salad dressing – it’s such a delicious sauce for slaws or salads with sturdy vegetables or texture that can withstand the texture of the sauce without getting soggy (such as kale, carrots, cabbage, etc.). It would be amazing on my chicken mango salad.
Baked chicken skewers – use my baked bang bang chicken skewers recipe for guidance, but instead of bang bang sauce, brush the chicken with Thai peanut sauce.
Dipping sauce – it makes an excellent dip for fresh spring rolls, roasted or fresh vegetables, cooked proteins, etc.
Noodles – like my creamy peanut butter noodles with vegetables. It’s filling, flavor-packed, and super customizable.

More Homemade Sauces

Did you try this Thai Peanut Sauce? If so, please leave a comment & a star rating below. Thank you!