Thai Peanut Satay Sauce

I know that it has been years now since we moved to Maryland from New Jersey, but I still miss my favorite Thai restaurant. It was a small place just down the street from us, and it was so good that I have not found another place like it.

One of the things I loved was chicken satay. And it wasn’t just the deliciously marinated and grilled chicken. It was the satay sauce. A rich, smooth peanut sauce that exploded with flavor. I loved it so much that I had to start making my own to just slather on everything. Especially since many store-bought Asian sauces like peanut sauce and Teriyaki sauce aren’t gluten free.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

• So easy to make. Toss eight simple ingredients into a blender and puree till smooth. You don’t even have to do much prep work.
• Balanced flavor. The combination of ingredients brings together the four key elements of good cooking – salt, fat, acid, and heat – into perfect harmony where all the flavors enhance each other.
• Incredibly versatile. This smooth, creamy sauce is perfect to dip, drizzle, or dress everything from meats and seafood to veggies and salads, and even your favorite Asian-inspired appetizers.
• Meets many needs. Simple swaps allow you to customize this satay sauce, whether you need it gluten free, vegan, or even keto-friendly.

Recipe Ingredients

• Peanut butter – it is best to use natural peanut butter that has just peanuts and maybe salt as ingredients. I use the Kirkland brand from Costco.
• Soy sauce or tamari – be sure to use gluten free, if needed, such as Kikkoman Gluten Free Soy Sauce. You can also use coconut aminos, but since it does not have as strong or salty a flavor, you may need to add salt.
• Coconut oil – if your coconut oil is solid, it will melt in the blender. A neutral oil, like avocado oil or vegetable oil, can also be used.
• Rice vinegar – be sure to use unseasoned rice vinegar, especially if you are gluten free.
• Hot sauce – I like sriracha, but another hot sauce or Thai chili sauce will work.
• Juice of a lime
• Fresh ginger – cut off about a two-inch piece of ginger root, scrape off the skin with the edge of a spoon, and cut it into chunks.
• Garlic – one fresh clove
• Honey – this is optional if you want your sauce with a little sweetness. You can also use maple syrup.

Variations for Special Diets

• Gluten free – be sure to use gluten free soy sauce, like the one from Kikkoman, or tamari, and unseasoned rice vinegar.
• Vegan – make as is. If you prefer to add some sweetness, use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey.
• Keto – make as directed without the optional sweetener. If you prefer some sweetness, you can add an allulose liquid sweetener.

Storing Peanut Sauce

You can store peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature, and if you need to thin it out, stir in a little more water, or even some rice vinegar or lime juice if you want to punch up the flavors.

You can also heat it slowly and carefully in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. But be careful not to bring it to a boil or it can take on a grainy texture.

Make it a Meal

The traditional way to serve satay sauce is with Thai skewers. Even though chicken satay is the most common, you’ll also find skewers of beef, shrimp, and even tofu. And it’s also amazing on Thai Larb Chicken Lettuce Wraps. But there are so many other foods that are even more delicious when drizzled with or dipped in this easy Thai peanut sauce:

• Create your own rice bowls with white, brown, or cauli rice topped with Asian Grilled Chicken or Kung Pao Cauliflower.
• Use it as a dip for appetizers like Shrimp Summer Rolls or Vegetable Pancakes, or even just with fresh veggies for dipping.
• Give your greens a lift, whether that’s Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps or Banh Mi Salad.
• Drizzle it over weeknight meals like Egg Roll Bowls or Gluten Free Beef Stir Fry.
• Serve it as a sauce for Thai-Style Sliders or toss with pasta or zucchini noodles to make Sesame Noodles or Sesame Zoodles.