Dad’s Famous Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

Dad’s Thai peanut sauce is “family famous,” renowned by everyone who tries it! As a dipping sauce for veggies or spring rolls, mixed into noodles or stir fries, or just with a spoon (it’s that good!), this peanut sauce is famous for a reason.

Dad knows how to make a mean Thai peanut sauce. I often wonder how in the world Dad came up with this sauce, because it’s a handful of ingredients that I would have never devised on my own (he’s a cooking genius!).

I’ve always been spoiled by Dad’s cooking, so it’s no surprise that this Thai peanut sauce is so good. I’ve tried so many bottled peanut sauces, and there’s not one that even remotely compares to this one! Looking back to my childhood, this is still one of my favorite recipes. If this sauce doesn’t become world famous, I don’t know what will!

Best yet, it’s takes less than 15 minutes to make. Throw the ingredients in a blender and let the blender do the work! Grill up Juicy Pork Tenderloin and steam Garlicky Bok Choy, and you have yourself the most delicious Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• Smooth peanut butter – using regular smooth peanut butter yields the best results. You can use natural peanut butter if it’s well-stirred beforehand, however you might experience some separation if you don’t plan on using the peanut sauce right away.
• Red onion – red onion adds flavor and complexity.
• Hoisin sauce – hoisin sauce adds a nice Asian flair. It’s sweet and salty, usually made from soybeans and spices.
• Soy sauce – soy sauce adds saltiness and savory umami flavor.
• Ketchup – ketchup adds sweetness and a subtle tomato undertone. Heinz does the job.
• Sesame oil – sesame oil gives peanut sauce a silky texture and subtle sesame flavor.
• Rice wine vinegar – rice wine vinegar adds acid and tang.
• Garlic – garlic because garlic!
• Fresh ginger – ginger because we are making Thai peanut sauce! You can typically get fresh ginger right in the produce section of the grocery store. Make sure to peel your fresh ginger before chopping it.
• Cayenne pepper (optional) – if you want your Thai peanut sauce to have a kick, add a dash of cayenne.

How to Make Peanut Sauce

Serving Suggestions

The best way to eat this peanut sauce is spoonfuls, right into your mouth (because it’s that good!!). Here are some other ways of servings it.

As a Dip For…

• Veggies (uncooked or cooked, like these Sesame Sugar Snap Peas)
• Spring rolls
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin
• Grilled chicken or Baked Chicken
• Skewered Chicken, Beef or Pork Satay
• Shrimp, grilled or chilled
• Shrimp Tempura Sushi Rolls

Mixed Into…

• Noodles or Noodle Bowls
• Stir Fries
• Salads

I like to serve my peanut sauce at room temperature but you can also microwave it gently (in increments of 20 seconds) until warm, or even serve it chilled.

Storage

Store peanut sauce, in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for 5-7 days.

You can freeze peanut sauce in a freezer-safe container for 3-4 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Asian Recipes You’ll Love!

• Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Noodle Bowl
• Best Easy Shrimp Tempura Rolls
• Brown Butter Miso Glazed Carrots
• Korean BBQ Ramen Noodle Bowl
• Sesame-Garlic Baby Bok Choy
• Pear & Apple Salad with Peanut Ginger Sauce