Name: Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut cream (or coconut milk); 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste; 2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup); 2 teaspoons fish sauce (or soy sauce); 2-3 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional); 2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce (optional, to make it spicier); Crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 42 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that irresistible combination of creamy, nutty, and spicy flavors all in one dip, this Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a quick and effortless sauce that bursts with authentic Thai flavors, perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken skewers, tossing with noodles, or simply dipping your favorite veggies or appetizers. The balance of coconut cream, red curry, peanut butter, and a touch of heat creates a sauce that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a must-have in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small bowls with different ingredients arranged in a circle on a white marbled surface. In the center, a black bowl holds a thick, white creamy substance with a soft, smooth texture. To the right, a wooden bowl contains a rough-textured, brownish-red paste. Next to it, a smaller wooden bowl is filled with crushed tan-colored nuts. Below, a metal bowl holds a thick, light brown paste with a shiny surface. To its right, a small metal bowl has a clear pale yellow liquid. Above it, a small white bowl contains golden syrup-like liquid. To the left, a light plate carries a dark red chili oil with visible chili flakes, and above it, two small bowls—one white with a golden liquid and one black with a dark liquid—complete the set. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one adds a special touch that brings depth, creaminess, and that signature Thai taste to the sauce. From smooth coconut cream to the tangy rice vinegar, every element works together to create a harmonious blend.

Coconut cream (2 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess and subtle sweetness for the perfect silky texture.
Natural peanut butter (1/4 cup): The heart of the sauce, providing that nutty, indulgent flavor.
Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle tang that brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
Thai red curry paste (1 teaspoon): Packs a punch of aromatic spice and authentic Thai flavor.
Honey (2 teaspoons): Adds natural sweetness to counterbalance the heat and tanginess.
Fish sauce (2 teaspoons): Delivers savory umami notes; soy sauce works great for a vegetarian alternative.
Water (2-3 tablespoons): Used to thin the sauce to your desired consistency for dipping or drizzling.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon, optional): A hint of nutty fragrance that deepens the overall flavor.
Chili oil (1 teaspoon, optional): For an extra layer of warmth and mild heat.
Sriracha chili sauce (2 teaspoons): To crank up the spice if you love a little fiery kick.
Crushed peanuts (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top, adding crunch and a nutty finish.

How to Make Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Peanut Butter and Red Curry Paste

Start by mixing the natural peanut butter with the Thai red curry paste. This step is crucial because it blends the rich, nutty base with that warm, fragrant spice, laying the foundation for the sauce’s bold flavor.

Step 2: Add Honey, Fish Sauce, and Rice Vinegar

Next, stir in the honey, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian twist), and rice vinegar. These three ingredients create an irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and sour notes that bring life and complexity to the sauce.

Step 3: Stir in the Coconut Cream

Adding the coconut cream smooths out the mixture, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Coconut cream is thicker than coconut milk, so it really helps achieve that perfect satay sauce texture.

Step 4: Thin the Sauce with Water

Slowly mix in 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, adding more if needed. This step allows you to customize the consistency of your sauce—whether you want a thick dip or a thin drizzle to coat noodles or grilled meats.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your sauce a taste test. This is your chance to perfect the flavor. If you want more tang, add a splash of rice vinegar; for added sweetness, a touch more honey; and for saltiness or depth, a drizzle more fish sauce. Personalize it to your liking!

Step 6: Add Optional Garnishes

If you’re feeling fancy, stir in sesame oil and chili oil at this stage for added fragrance and heat. Sprinkling crushed peanuts on top adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe is now ready to be the star of your meal. Whether it’s paired with chicken skewers, drizzled over a fresh salad, or used as a dip for your favorite appetizers, get ready for a flavor experience that’s totally addictive.

How to Serve Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe

Two grilled skewers with a golden-yellow color and charred spots, covered with small pieces of chopped peanuts and bits of green herbs, rest on a white plate and inside a white bowl. Both the plate and the bowl have a smooth texture, the bowl filled halfway with thick brown peanut sauce containing visible small peanut chunks. The skewer on the plate is partially soaked in sauce, while the skewer in the bowl is dipped into the sauce. The entire setting is placed on a dark wooden surface with a rustic look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishing, crushed peanuts add a wonderful crunch and extra peanut flavor that makes every bite more exciting. Fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions also brighten up the sauce, adding a fresh contrast to its rich creaminess.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs perfectly with grilled chicken satay, fresh vegetable sticks, rice noodles, or even tossed with a simple cucumber salad. It’s so versatile that it effortlessly complements everything from savory grilled meats to light, fresh veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the sauce in small dipping bowls alongside colorful skewers of marinated chicken or tofu. Or drizzle it over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice and roasted vegetables for a quick, satisfying meal bursting with Thai flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors actually deepen with time, so it’s great for meal prep or last-minute flavor boosts.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away longer, you can freeze the sauce in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just give it a good stir once thawed to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your peanut butter is unsweetened and free of animal products. The sauce remains just as delicious, with all the authentic flavor intact.

What can I use instead of coconut cream?

If you don’t have coconut cream, full-fat coconut milk is a great substitute. It’s a bit lighter, but will still give you that lovely creamy texture that’s essential to the sauce.

How spicy is this sauce?

The base sauce offers a mild to moderate heat thanks to the red curry paste and Sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili oil or Sriracha to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

For the smoothest sauce, natural smooth peanut butter is recommended. Crunchy peanut butter will add texture but may result in a grainier sauce, which some people enjoy for a rustic feel.

Is this sauce only good for chicken satay?

Not at all! This Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic dip for veggies, a dressing for salads, a sauce for noodles, and even a spread for wraps or sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and versatile sauce that lights up any meal, this Easy Thai Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s failproof, customizable, and packed with layers of delicious Thai flavor that you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new go-to peanut sauce!