This homemade peanut sauce recipe comes together in 5 minutes with simple ingredients. It's smooth, creamy, and great for drizzling over salads, coating noodles, or serving as a dip.
I started making variations of this peanut sauce about a decade ago when I was meal prepping in my tiny college kitchen. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. It's nutty, luscious, and lick off the spoon delicious!
Adjust the measurements to make it as thick or thin as you like, add spice for heat, or keep it balanced for a milder flavor. However you tweak it, it always turns out tasty.
My husband and I most recently made a batch for our crispy rice paper dumplings. You may also recognize it from my pad thai-inspired spaghetti squash or peanut tofu bowls.
Peanut sauce ingredients
Peanut sauce from scratch comes together with simple pantry staples for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Authentic Thai peanut sauce typically includes coconut milk for a rich consistency. My recipe uses water instead, but you can swap in coconut milk for added depth. See below for more recommendations and substitutions.
- Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth. Swap with gluten-free tamari for a slightly richer flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the richness of peanut butter with bright acidity.
- Agave nectar: Provides sweetness. Substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred.
- Oil: Choose a neutral oil like canola or avocado for a smooth blend.
- Lime juice: Adds a tangy, citrusy brightness. (Fresh is best!)
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger bring a bold kick. Dried versions work in a pinch.
How to make creamy peanut sauce
This is a quick overview of the vegan peanut sauce recipe. For measurements and detailed directions, jump down to the recipe card.
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until well-combined and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
- To thin out the sauce, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. For a thicker consistency, stir in extra peanut butter.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy your peanut sauce as a salad dressing over a kale salad or grain bowl, as a dipping sauce with tofu or your favorite protein, drizzled over roasted veggies, or tossed with noodles!
Cooking confidently with Jenna
I've tested this peanut butter sauce countless times in my kitchen so you can recreate it with ease in yours. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use a good whisk! This stainless steel whisk efficiently blends ingredients, breaks up clumps, and incorporates air for a smooth, even consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- The sauce will thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of water or lime juice before mixing it up and serving.
- Make it a spicy peanut sauce by adding about 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce.
- Want more DIY sauces? Try my dairy free pesto, vegan sour cream, or marinara sauce next!
If you give this recipe a try, please share it with your friends and family, plus share your thoughts in the comments below.
Healthy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter creamy
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoon agave or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk until smooth, creamy, and combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a splash of water to thin out the sauce or extra peanut butter for a thicker consistency.
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