Five-Minute Peanut Satay Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Five-Minute Peanut Satay Sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with bold, savory-sweet flavor. Perfect as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or drizzle over noodles and grilled meats, it brings the taste of Southeast Asia to your table in just minutes. No cooking required, just mix and enjoy.

ingredients

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

creamy peanut buttersoy saucefresh lime juicebrown sugargarlic (minced)ginger (grated)chili garlic sauce or srirachawarm water

directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar until smooth.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, mixing well.

Stir in chili garlic sauce or sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.

Gradually whisk in warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more lime for tang, sugar for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and timing

Makes about 1 cup of sauce.Preparation time: 5 minutesTotal time: 5 minutes

Variations

Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty profile.

Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier, tropical twist.

Incorporate chopped cilantro for freshness.

Use maple syrup or honey in place of brown sugar.

Swap lime juice for rice vinegar for a different acidic note.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Stir well before each use, and if needed, thin with a little warm water to restore texture.Do not freeze, as separation may occur.

Five-Minute Peanut Satay Sauce

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture will be chunkier. For smooth sauce, stick with creamy.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely—flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.

How spicy is it?

The heat level depends on the amount of chili sauce. Adjust to your taste.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.

What can I serve this with?

Grilled chicken, tofu, spring rolls, salads, rice bowls, or noodles.

Conclusion

Five-Minute Peanut Satay Sauce is your go-to for adding instant flavor and flair to everyday meals. With minimal effort and pantry ingredients, you’ll have a versatile, delicious sauce ready to elevate anything it touches. Quick, easy, and irresistibly tasty—what’s not to love?

Print
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Five-Minute Peanut Satay Sauce

Five-Minute Peanut Satay Sauce

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings)
  • Category: Sauces & Dips
  • Method: No Bake/No Cook
  • Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy, savory, and slightly spicy peanut satay sauce comes together in just five minutes. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling over grilled meats or veggies, or tossing with noodles. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha, optional for heat)

 

  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup warm water (to thin the sauce to desired consistency)


Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and brown sugar until smooth.

  2. Add sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce. Mix well.

  3. Slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more lime for tang, sugar for sweetness, or chili sauce for spice.

  5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.


Notes

  • This sauce thickens in the fridge. Add a splash of water or coconut milk and stir to loosen it back up.

  • Great as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled meats, or tossed with noodles or salad.

  • For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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