4.9 from 57 votes
Easy Peanut Sauce
This Easy Peanut Sauce combines peanut butter, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, sugar, garlic, lime, and vinegar to create a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory sauce with a hint of spice. Simmered gently, it thickens while preserving a smooth texture. This sauce is versatile for dipping or pouring and can be served at room temperature.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings:
10
Calories:
215 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Eastern European
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 (13-oz) can coconut milk
- 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 clove garlic smashed and minced
- lime zest and juice of 1
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, crushed
- 1/2 cup water optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients: 3/4 cup peanut butter*, 1 can coconut milk, 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste,** 1/4 cup sugar, 1 clove minced garlic, the zest of 1 lime plus all the juice, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. If you would like a thinner sauce (for drizzling consistency) add up to 1/2 cup water. (I left the water out entirely, and you can see from the photos that the consistency is thicker, the better to dip into.)
- Whisk it all together over medium heat, breaking up the peanut butter.
- Once the mixture reaches a low boil, turn the heat down to low and let simmer lightly for 3-4 minutes, until thickened some. Remove from heat and let cool. Peanut sauce is traditionally served at room temperature.
- Serve with Chicken Satay and this Thai Cucumber Salad! Or see post for more ideas for how to use this sauce!
- Store leftover sauce in the fridge. It will keep for up to two weeks. The leftover sauce with solidify in the fridge; gently heat on low (or microwave it) and add small amounts of water to reach the consistency you want.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for a texture closer to traditional Thai peanut sauce.
- Adjust sugar quantity between 1/4 and 3/4 cup to balance sweetness according to taste.
- Choose mild or spicy red curry paste depending on heat preference; omit crushed red pepper flakes if using spicier brands.
- Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
215kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Potassium
218mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
911IU
(18%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
27mg
(3%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 215
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 215kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Potassium | 218mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 911IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.