This creamy, dreamy Peanut Sauce is a flavor-packed powerhouse that comes together in just 5 minutes. Its velvety texture and rich, nutty aroma make it an irresistible addition to any dish. With a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, it’s a versatile condiment that elevates everything from noodles to salads.
Whisking together smooth peanut butter, zesty lime, and a hint of spice creates a sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Its luscious consistency clings beautifully to your favorite ingredients, delivering a burst of umami in every bite. Quick, easy, and utterly satisfying, this sauce is your secret weapon for adding instant depth and flair to meals.
What You’ll Need for Peanut Sauce?
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter (use unsweetened for best results)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (substitute lemon juice if needed)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
- 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce if tamari isn’t available)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (adds a rich, nutty flavor)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (honey or agave can be used instead)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch)
- 4 to 6 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
How to Make Peanut Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, sriracha, tamari, sesame oil, maple syrup, and grated ginger.
- Add 4 tablespoons of water and stir until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more sriracha for heat or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Use immediately as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or drizzle over peanut noodles. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This versatile peanut sauce is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right dishes. Drizzle it over cold peanut noodles or use it as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls. It’s also fantastic as a dressing for Asian-inspired salads or a flavorful topping for grilled tofu or chicken. For a quick snack, try it with crudités or rice crackers!
Customize It: Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Swap the maple syrup for honey or agave for a different sweetness. If you prefer a nut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. For a creamier texture, blend in a splash of coconut milk. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of fish sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
Store your peanut sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it thickens over time, simply whisk in a tablespoon of water or lime juice to bring it back to the perfect consistency. This sauce doesn’t freeze well, so enjoy it fresh for the best flavor!
Quick Fix: Time-Saving Tips
To make this recipe even faster, use pre-grated ginger (available in tubes or jars) instead of fresh. If you’re in a pinch, substitute soy sauce for tamari. Keep all your ingredients measured and ready to go—this sauce comes together in just 5 minutes!
Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 to 6 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, sriracha, tamari, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, and 4 tablespoons of the water. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or on peanut noodles. Find additional serving suggestions in the blog post above.