Name: Best Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1/3 to 1/2 cup warm water (adjust for desired consistency); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chili paste or a pinch of chili flakes (optional)

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I love this peanut sauce because it’s creamy, balanced, and packed with flavor while still being incredibly easy to make. It has the perfect mix of savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and nutty notes, and I find myself using it on everything from noodles to vegetables and grilled proteins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it comes together in minutes and doesn’t require cooking. I enjoy how customizable it is, so I can easily adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice depending on what I’m serving it with. It’s one of those sauces I always want to keep on hand in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Creamy peanut butter
Soy sauce
Fresh lime juice
Honey or brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Garlic
Fresh ginger
Warm water
Sesame oil
Chili paste or chili flakes (optional)

Directions

I start by adding the peanut butter to a bowl. I whisk in the soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

I slowly add warm water, a little at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches my desired consistency. I like it pourable but still thick enough to cling to noodles or vegetables.

I taste the sauce and adjust the balance by adding more lime juice for brightness, honey for sweetness, or chili paste for heat. Once it tastes just right, I set it aside or use it immediately.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of peanut sauce, which I usually consider 4 to 6 servings depending on how I use it.
Preparation takes about 5 minutes, and there is no cooking time involved.

Variations

I sometimes add coconut milk for extra creaminess or a splash of fish sauce for deeper savory flavor. When I want a spicier version, I mix in extra chili paste or sriracha. I also like using crunchy peanut butter when I want more texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it thickens while chilling, I stir in a small amount of warm water to loosen it before serving. I don’t usually reheat it, but I let it come to room temperature for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this peanut sauce ahead of time?

I often make it a few days in advance and keep it refrigerated until needed.

Is this peanut sauce gluten-free?

I can make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I can use natural peanut butter, but I make sure it’s well stirred for a smooth sauce.

What can I serve peanut sauce with?

I like using it with noodles, stir-fries, grilled chicken, tofu, salads, or as a dipping sauce.

Can I freeze peanut sauce?

I can freeze it, but I notice the texture changes slightly, so I prefer it fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

I consider this the best peanut sauce recipe because it’s quick, versatile, and consistently delicious. Whether I’m drizzling it over a bowl or using it as a dip, this sauce always adds bold flavor and brings everything together beautifully.