This post was last updated on May 17, 2020 by India
This Spicy Peanut Sauce is so addicting and comes together in a blender in less than 10 minutes! Use this sauce on your favorite protein, drizzle it on rice noodles, or mix it with veggies for an easy stir fry!
I can’t get enough of this Spicy Peanut Sauce! I love peanut butter and it becomes magical when combined with some chili paste, lime juice, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients. This Spicy Peanut Sauce could not be any easier! All it takes is throwing the ingredients into a blender or food processor, blending until combined, and adding some water to thin to your desired consistency.
Ingredients in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Let’s talk about the ingredients real quick. Here is what you need to make this flavorful Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- Peanut Butter. The main ingredient and star of the show! I prefer to use a natural peanut butter without added sugar. My favorite brand is Smuckers or Kirkland’s Organic Peanut Butter from Costco. If you’re avoiding legumes, you can substitute almond butter or tahini! Both options are delicious 🙂
- Chili Sauce. Sambal Oelek is my favorite chili sauce and what I use when making this recipe. It has so much flavor and the perfect amount of spice. I prefer the Huy Fong brand because it’s easy to find at Walmart or Meijer in the international foods section. You can use Srirarcha instead if you prefer, though it will have a different flavor and will be sweeter. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you want more spice.
- Gluten Free Soy Sauce/Tamari. To add umami and depth of flavor. Soy sauce isn’t traditionally gluten free, so be sure you use one that is labeled gluten free.
- Toasted Sesame Oil. For a light sesame taste that is quintessential in asian dishes.
- Fish Sauce. A traditional ingredient in Thai recipes, fish sauce adds a unique flavor to this Spicy Peanut Sauce. Check ingredients to ensure its gluten free. Thai Kitchen and Red Boat are both gluten free and Red Boat is also Whole30.
- Lime Juice. For acidity and brightness
- Coconut Sugar. To add a touch of sweetness and balance the spice. You can substitute honey if you prefer.
- Fresh Ginger. Grated ginger really makes this recipe and adds a wonderful zing and flavor while not being overly gingerly. I use my microplane to easily grate ginger.
how do you make Spicy Peanut Sauce
Making this sauce is so easy! Simply put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. While the machine is running, slowly stream in water until you reach your desired consistency. I typically use 1/4 – 1/3 cup water. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more Sambal Oelek for spice, soy sauce/tamari for saltiness and umami, coconut sugar for sweetness, and lime for acidity.
What Can I Use Peanut Sauce On?
The possibilities are *truly* endless for ways to use this Spicy Peanut Sauce! Drizzle it, dip it, sauce it, toss it, you can use this sauce so many ways! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- Drizzled on grain bowls
- Tossed with noodles and your favorite cooked protein (think crispy tofu, chicken, or seared shrimp)
- Slathered on roasted pumpkin and topped with cilantro and green onion
- Thinned with water to make a salad dressing
- As a dipping sauce for literally everything
- On Thai inspired pizza
If you like this recipe, you May Also Like
- Vietnamese Noodles with Spicy Peanut Chicken —–> so delish and fresh tasting!! Love the combination of fresh herbs with seared chicken tossed in peanut sauce with the rice noodles. Too good!!
- Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps —–> One of my favorite easy weeknight dinners. Leftovers are great over leftover rice for lunch.
Spicy Peanut Sauce
Spicy peanut sauce that comes together in a blender or food processor in under 10 minutes! This sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week. Add to cooked noodles, veggies, and your favorite protein for a quick asian inspired meal!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 - 3 tablespoons sambal oelek chili paste (see notes for spice suggestions)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce/tamari
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar plus more if desired
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated using a microplane
Instructions
-
Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend or process until fully combined. While the machine is running, stream in water until desired consistency is achieved. I typically use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more Sambal Oelek for spice, soy sauce/tamari for saltiness and umami, coconut sugar for sweetness, and lime for acidity.
-
Use immediately or store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe Notes
- Use 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek to make it mild, 2 tablespoons for medium spiciness, and 3 tablespoons to make it hot, hot, hot!
- Toss with your favorite cooked protein (shrimp is my favorite here) veggies, and cooked noodles for a quick stir fry!
- Serve drizzled over your favorite roasted vegetables.
- Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter and toss with zucchini noodles and your favorite protein for a low carb meal.
Keep it in the fridge
This Spicy Peanut Sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Make it Vegan
Use coconut sugar as the recipe is written, and omit the fish sauce or substitute tamarind concentrate to taste for the fish sauce.
MAKE it WHOLE30
Use almond butter or tahini instead of peanut butter. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce/tamarin. Omit coconut sugar and substitute 1 or 2 dates if desired and use less sambal oelek if necessary.
Make it Gluten Free
Recipe is gluten free as written, just make sure to use gluten free soy sauce/tamari and fish sauce.
DID YOU MAKE THIS Spicy Peanut Sauce?
If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on the blog, please rate this recipe and let me know how you liked it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also like me on facebook and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to see more delicious meals I’m cooking! You can also mention @indiafromindiana or tag #indiafromindiana on Instagram so I can see what you’re making in the kitchen.
Leave a Reply