Perfect Spicy Peanut Sauce for Dipping

Imagine a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness to enhance every dish. Spicy peanut sauce, a Thai and Southeast Asian staple, enhances stir-fries and spring rolls. It’s simple to make from scratch, and you can customize the texture, sweetness, and spice level to your liking. If you want to spice up noodles or discover the perfect dumpling dipping sauce, this spicy peanut sauce recipe is perfect.

What is Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Spicy peanut sauce is fundamentally a blend of soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, and some heat from chile or Sriracha. Although some people mix it with satay sauce, there are important distinctions. Satay sauce usually has a richer texture since it is often thicker and contains coconut milk. Perfect for drizzling and dipping without overwhelming other tastes, this spicy peanut sauce is lighter and tangier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this spicy peanut sauce recipe is a must-have in your kitchen:

• It’s made easy with a few pantry basics, whipping it up in under ten minutes.
• Use it as a marinade for poultry, a drizzle over veggies, or a dip for spring rolls.
• Customize the heat to your taste with more or less Sriracha.
• The richness of peanut butter and the acidic and spicy undertones combine to create a creamy and flavorful combination.

How to Use Spicy Peanut Sauce

The versatility of this sauce makes it great.. Here are a few creative ways to use it:

• Peanut Sauce for Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles and vegetables for an easy, flavor-packed Thai-inspired noodle dish.
• Dip for Spring Rolls: Serve as a classic dip with fresh or fried spring rolls for an authentic experience.
• Drizzle over Dumplings: Add a creamy kick to dumplings, potstickers, or even steamed buns.
• Vegetable Dip: Perfect for fresh veggies like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.
• Peanut Sauce for Chicken: Use as a marinade or sauce for grilled or stir-fried chicken.

All You Need to Start Making Spicy Peanut Sauce

Equipment and Tools:

• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Peanut Butter: The star ingredient. Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version or regular for a creamier texture.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor. Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Sriracha: For spice. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level or substitute with red pepper flakes.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the flavors with a tangy edge. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
• Honey or Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spice. Maple syrup can also be used.

How to Make Spicy Peanut Sauce (Step-by-Step)

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add peanut butter, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey.
2. Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk or spoon to blend the ingredients until you get a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of warm water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust: Add more Sriracha for extra heat, a splash of vinegar for tanginess, or a little honey if you prefer it sweeter.
4. Store or Serve: The sauce can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Spicy Peanut Sauce Variations

• Low-Calorie Version: Use powdered peanut butter and sweeten with Stevia to lower calories.
• Extra Garlic Flavor: Add fresh garlic or garlic powder for an intense, savory flavor.
• Creamy Coconut Peanut Sauce: Add a splash of coconut milk for a richer, tropical taste.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Warm Water to Thin: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust flavors gradually, especially if you’re increasing the spice level.
• Store Properly: Keep the sauce in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It’s best used within a week.

Storage and Reheating

Store the sauce in a jar that doesn’t let air in the fridge for up to a week. Before serving, give it a good stir, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy peanut sauce is perfect with:

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Use as a dipping sauce or glaze.
• Salad Dressing: Thin it out with more rice vinegar for a tangy salad dressing.
• Noodles or Stir-Fry: Drizzle over rice noodles, ramen, or stir-fried vegetables for an extra kick.

Related Recipes You Might Also Like

• Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

FAQs recipe

What ingredients are in spicy peanut sauce?
Spicy peanut sauce typically includes peanut butter, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey or sugar. You can customize it with extra garlic, ginger, or coconut milk for different flavors.

What’s the difference between peanut sauce and satay sauce?
While both use peanuts, satay sauce is often thicker and includes coconut milk, while peanut sauce is lighter and tangier.

What does peanut sauce go well with?
Peanut sauce pairs well with noodles, chicken, vegetables, spring rolls, and dumplings. It’s also a delicious addition to rice bowls and salads.

Print Spicy Peanut Sauce

Max

This homemade spicy peanut sauce will quickly become a favorite. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or topping up your meals, it's really simple, devoid of preservatives, and has a creamy, nutty taste. You never return to buy goods from stores.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• Peanut Butter: The star ingredient. Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version or regular for a creamier texture.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor. Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Sriracha: For spice. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level or substitute with red pepper flakes.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the flavors with a tangy edge. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
• Honey or Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spice. Maple syrup can also be used.

Instructions

 

• Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add peanut butter, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey.
• Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk or spoon to blend the ingredients until you get a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of warm water to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and Adjust: Add more Sriracha for extra heat, a splash of vinegar for tanginess, or a little honey if you prefer it sweeter.
• Store or Serve: The sauce can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

• Use Warm Water to Thin: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust flavors gradually, especially if you’re increasing the spice level.
• Store Properly: Keep the sauce in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It’s best used within a week.

Storage and Reheating

Store the sauce in a jar that doesn’t let air in the fridge for up to a week. Before serving, give it a good stir, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy peanut sauce is perfect with:

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Use as a dipping sauce or glaze.
• Salad Dressing: Thin it out with more rice vinegar for a tangy salad dressing.
• Noodles or Stir-Fry: Drizzle over rice noodles, ramen, or stir-fried vegetables for an extra kick.

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