Thai peanut sauce—it’s like a hug for your taste buds, isn’t it? I first fell in love with its creamy, nutty goodness on a trip to Bangkok last year. Imagine spooning this rich sauce over grilled chicken or tossing it with noodles, and suddenly everything feels right in the world.
Steps
- Gather and prepare the ingredients: peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the water. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well-blended.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency, using less for a thicker sauce and more for a dressing.
Ingredients
- Unsweetened peanut butter: 1/2 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Chili garlic sauce: 1 tablespoon (or more for extra spiciness)
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (or 1 tablespoon if using sweetened peanut butter)
- Fresh ginger, grated: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic, minced: 1 clove
- Water: 2-4 tablespoons (adjust for desired consistency)
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed to make Thai Peanut Sauce?
- The recipe requires peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and water. It does not use coconut milk, which is common in other recipes.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce?
- To increase the spiciness, add more chili garlic sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute with sriracha, though the flavor will be different.
- Can I substitute brown sugar in the recipe?
- Yes, honey can be used in place of brown sugar, but the sauce tends to taste better with brown sugar.
- What are some good pairings for this peanut sauce?
- This versatile sauce can be paired with spring rolls, lettuce wraps, vegetables, chicken, coconut shrimp, tofu, and more.
- How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
- To achieve your desired consistency, add water one tablespoon at a time. Typically, two tablespoons are used for a thicker sauce and up to four tablespoons for a dressing-like consistency.
Tips
- To achieve the perfect consistency for your sauce, add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture. Typically, two tablespoons are ideal for a sauce, while up to four tablespoons will create a thinner dressing.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce. Alternatively, sriracha can be used, but the flavor profile will slightly differ.
- Opt for unsweetened peanut butter to avoid an excessively sweet sauce. If using regular peanut butter, consider reducing the brown sugar to one tablespoon to balance the sweetness.
- For a healthier sweetener alternative, you can substitute honey for brown sugar, though the flavor may be slightly different.
Equipment
- Whisk – To fully combine the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Mixing Bowl – For mixing all the ingredients together.
