Homemade Peanut Sauce

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This Homemade Peanut Sauce is the creamy, savory, and slightly tangy dipping sauce you didn’t know you needed—until now. It comes together in less than 10 minutes and adds a rich, nutty flavor to everything from fresh veggie platters to grilled meats and noodle dishes. You’ll love how versatile it is for both meal prep and spontaneous snacking.

Made with pantry staples like peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice, this sauce hits all the right notes: umami, sweet, salty, and just a touch of heat. Whether you’re dipping spring rolls or dressing up a grain bowl, this peanut sauce delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peanut Sauce

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes.
• Versatile: Perfect as a dip, dressing, or marinade.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness, heat, or thickness to your liking.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Made with simple ingredients and packed with healthy fats.

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What Can I Use Peanut Sauce On?

Peanut sauce is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Drizzle it over noodles, use it as a salad dressing, spoon it onto grilled chicken, or serve it with raw vegetables for a snack that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Peanut Sauce

Each ingredient in this peanut sauce recipe has a distinct role in creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – The rich, nutty base of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds salty umami depth.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice – Provides acidity to balance the richness.
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – Brings a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – Adds aromatic warmth.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with a bold, savory kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – Lends a fresh zing.
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup warm water – Adjusts the consistency to your preference.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce – For heat lovers.

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How To Make the Homemade Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.

Step 2: Adjust Consistency

Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker dip, use less water; for a pourable dressing, use the full 1/3 cup.

Step 3: Add Heat (Optional)

Stir in sriracha or chili garlic sauce to taste if you want a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste your sauce and feel free to tweak the balance. Add more lime juice for tang, more honey for sweetness, or a dash more soy sauce if you love salt.

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How to Serve and Store Homemade Peanut Sauce

This recipe yields about 3/4 cup of peanut sauce, enough for 4 to 6 servings as a dip or dressing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so whisk in a bit of warm water to loosen it before using.

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What to Serve With Peanut Sauce?

H3: Spring Rolls

Fresh Vietnamese-style rolls become irresistible when dipped in this sauce.

H3: Grilled Chicken Skewers

Brush or dip grilled chicken into the sauce for a flavor boost.

H3: Stir-Fried Noodles

Toss with warm noodles and veggies for a creamy, savory finish.

H3: Buddha Bowls

Use it as a dressing for bowls loaded with grains, greens, and proteins.

H3: Raw Veggie Platters

Carrot sticks, cucumber, and bell pepper pair perfectly with this sauce.

H3: Baked Tofu

Add a spoonful on top of crispy tofu for an umami-rich upgrade.

H3: Rice Paper Wraps

Add flavor and moisture to wraps with a drizzle inside before rolling.

H3: Salads

Thin the sauce with extra lime juice and water to use as a vibrant salad dressing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better after the flavors have melded. Just store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
You can, but smooth peanut butter creates a more uniform sauce. Crunchy adds texture, which some people enjoy.

Can I freeze peanut sauce?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and whisk well before using.

What if I don’t have lime juice?
You can substitute rice vinegar or lemon juice, but the flavor will slightly change.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce or snack board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you go spicy? Add extra garlic?
I love seeing how you customize these recipes. Drop your tweaks or questions below so we can learn from each other!

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Conclusion

Homemade Peanut Sauce is one of those recipes that feels gourmet but takes minutes to make. It’s endlessly versatile, naturally dairy-free, and can be tailored to suit your tastes. Whether you’re meal-prepping or throwing together a quick lunch, this sauce is your new best friend.

Explore more delicious creations like this on our blog, including Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas, Rainbow Smoothie Bowls, and Mango & Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding. For more daily recipes, head over to Meals We Share on Pinterest.

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