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thai peanut sauce recipe

Thai Peanut Sauce

Every home cook needs this versatile Thai peanut sauce in their recipe collection. Creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced with tangy lime juice and a hint of ginger, it transforms ordinary dishes into something special. Ideal as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or noodle topper, this recipe is both simple and adaptable for various dietary needs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons warm water plus more to adjust consistency
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice using fresh lime juice is best
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup adjust according to desired sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove finely grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger optional but recommended
  • Pinch red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha to taste

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, add 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 3 tablespoons warm water. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Then add the finely grated garlic clove and, if using, 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha to taste.
  3. Whisk all the ingredients until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. If needed, add a bit more warm water to reach your desired drizzling consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken when refrigerated, so simply whisk in a little warm water or lime juice before serving.

Notes

This Thai peanut sauce is incredibly versatile and can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick whisk with a little extra warm water or lime juice to adjust the consistency. Feel free to modify the recipe based on your dietary needs—swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free alternative. Enjoy it as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or as a flavorful topping for noodles.