Irresistible Thai Peanut Sauce for Easy Weeknight Dinners

When your weeknight dinners need a quick flavor boost, Thai peanut sauce is the answer. Creamy, nutty, and packed with savory-sweet umami, this versatile sauce instantly transforms noodles, stir-fries, grilled meats, and even roasted veggies into something restaurant-worthy. Best of all? It takes less than 10 minutes to make with simple pantry staples.

Whether you drizzle it over chicken satay, toss it with rice noodles, or use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, this homemade peanut sauce will quickly become a weeknight essential.

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Bowl of Thai peanut sauce with chopped peanuts and cilantro garnish

Irresistible Thai Peanut Sauce for Easy Weeknight Dinners


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy, nutty, and packed with savory-sweet umami, this Thai peanut sauce is your weeknight flavor hero. Made in under 10 minutes with pantry staples, it transforms anything from noodles to grilled meats into something irresistible.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 12 tsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust for spice)
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup warm water (to thin)
  • Optional: 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, sriracha, and garlic.
  2. Slowly add warm water, whisking until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime juice for tang, more honey for sweetness, or extra chili for spice.
  4. Serve immediately or store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

For extra creaminess, blend in coconut milk. For a low-carb version, use unsweetened peanut butter and keto-friendly sweetener. Nut-free? Try sunflower seed butter or tahini. Double the recipe for meal prep—it stores beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Thai-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: peanut sauce, thai peanut sauce, easy sauce recipe, quick sauces, gluten-free sauce, stir-fry sauce

Noodles topped with Thai peanut sauce and lime

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Ready in 10 minutes or less.
  • Customizable: Adjust spice, sweetness, and tang to your taste.
  • Versatile: Works as a dip, dressing, or stir-fry sauce.
  • Better than takeout: Fresh, bold flavors with no added preservatives.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust for spice)
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup warm water (to thin)
  • Optional: 1 tsp grated ginger for extra zing

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, sriracha, and garlic.
  2. Slowly add warm water, whisking until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness to your preference.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime juice for tang, more honey for sweetness, or extra chili for spice.
  4. Serve immediately or store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Tips & Variations

  • Extra creamy: Blend in coconut milk for a silky texture.
  • Low-carb option: Use natural unsweetened peanut butter and swap honey for a keto-friendly sweetener.
  • Nut-free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini.
  • Meal prep tip: Double the batch—it keeps well in the fridge!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this peanut sauce with:

  • Grilled chicken or tofu
  • Noodle bowls and stir-fries
  • Fresh spring rolls
  • Roasted vegetables or grain bowls

For a complete meal, try serving it alongside chicken quinoa bowls or drizzled over crispy baked salmon .

FAQs

How long does peanut sauce last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Stir before serving.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before use.

Why is my peanut sauce too thick?

Simply whisk in more warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Conclusion

This Thai peanut sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought sauce again!

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