The Best Thai Peanut Sauce

There’s something magical about a good Thai peanut sauce. It’s creamy, nutty, a little tangy, and just the right amount of spicy! Whether you’re drizzling it over noodles, using it as a dipping sauce, or slathering it on grilled meats, this sauce takes everything to the next level.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped this up and thought, why don’t I always have a jar of this in my fridge? The good news? It takes just minutes to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand!

If you’re ready to make the best Thai peanut sauce ever, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Sauce

Super Easy & Quick – Just mix everything together, and it’s ready in 5 minutes!
Incredibly Versatile – Use it as a dip, dressing, marinade, or sauce for stir-fries.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Creamy, savory, a little sweet, and just the right amount of spice.
Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives, just fresh, real ingredients.

this Recipe

What Does This Thai Peanut Sauce Taste Like?

This sauce is a flavor explosion! The peanut butter gives it a rich, creamy texture, while soy sauce adds a savory depth. The rice vinegar or lime juice brightens it up with a little tang, and the honey (or brown sugar) balances it all out with a touch of sweetness. Garlic, ginger, and sesame oil bring in that classic Thai-inspired warmth, and if you love a little heat, the red pepper flakes and Sriracha take it up a notch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup coconut milk (or water for a thinner sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili paste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Grater for ginger
• Garlic press (optional but helpful)

How to Make the Best Thai Peanut Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Adjust the Consistency – Slowly add in the coconut milk (or water), whisking until smooth. For a thinner sauce, add more liquid a tablespoon at a time.
3. Taste & Adjust – Taste and tweak: more lime for tang, more honey for sweetness, or a dash of soy sauce for saltiness.
4. Add Heat (If You Like) – Stir in Sriracha or chili paste for a spicy boost.
5. Garnish & Serve – Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor and texture.

How to Use Thai Peanut Sauce

This sauce is endlessly versatile—use it as:

• A dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled chicken, or veggie platters
• A drizzle over noodles (hot or cold!) for a quick Thai-style bowl
• A stir-fry sauce for veggies, tofu, or shrimp
• A bold and creamy salad dressing—just thin it out a little
• A marinade for grilled chicken, beef skewers, or roasted veggies

Tips for the Best Thai Peanut Sauce

• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger – They make the flavor truly pop.
• Whisk Until Smooth – Peanut butter can be stubborn, but it comes together quickly with a bit of patience.
• Adjust for Your Taste – This sauce is super forgiving! Don’t be afraid to tweak it.
• Make Ahead – It stores well and actually tastes better after a few hours.

How to Store Thai Peanut Sauce

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 1 week. Stir before using, as separation is natural.
Freeze: Freeze in small batches for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk until smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this peanut sauce without soy sauce?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can skip it, but it adds a lovely nutty note. A tiny bit of tahini can work too.

Is coconut milk necessary?
Nope! Water or unsweetened almond milk are great substitutes.

Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Sunflower seed butter is an excellent swap for a nut-free version.

More Sauces You’ll Love!

If you loved this, you’ll definitely want to try a few of my other go-to sauces:

• This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is bold, buttery, and amazing on seafood or veggies.
• For something creamy with a kick, check out my Cajun Cream Sauce—a weeknight pasta lifesaver.
• And if you’re in the mood for smoky and tangy, don’t miss this Carolina BBQ Sauce. It’s fantastic on pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even fries!

Let’s Connect on Pinterest!

Made this Thai Peanut Sauce? I’d love to see it in your kitchen!
Tag your creations on Pinterest so I can share in your delicious success. Nothing makes my day like seeing your photos and hearing how the recipes turned out!

Nutritional Info (Approx. per 2 tbsp serving)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 4g

Note: These are estimates and will vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Final Thoughts – This Sauce is a Keeper!

This Thai peanut sauce is a total flavor bomb—creamy, zippy, nutty, and completely addictive. It’s the kind of sauce that turns a basic dish into something you want to serve to guests. And the best part? It comes together with pantry staples in under 10 minutes.

So grab that whisk and get saucy! And don’t forget to leave a review or comment to let me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking, friends! 🥜🍜💛

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