Dinner

Easy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Name: Easy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2/3 to 3/4 cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger; Pinch of cayenne pepper; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; Water, as needed for desired consistency

Bylina Carter February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

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Introduction

This easy peanut sauce is a creamy and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. With a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes, it’s ideal for noodles, salads, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce.

The image shows a close-up of a clear glass jar filled with smooth, creamy peanut butter that has a rich brown color. A spoon is held above the jar by a woman's hand, with the thick peanut butter slowly dripping from the spoon back into the jar. The background features a white marbled surface with some lime wedges blurred behind the jar. The scene is bright and clean, focusing on the thick texture and shiny surface of the peanut butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup soy sauce
2/3 to 3/4 cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch cayenne pepper

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Water, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and a couple pinches of fresh cracked black pepper in a large measuring cup.

Step 2: Whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 3: Add water gradually, whisking in between, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve your peanut sauce alongside noodles, grilled meats, fresh vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.
For a thinner sauce, add more water or a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.
Replace peanut butter with almond or cashew butter to vary the flavor and accommodate allergies.

If you prefer a fresher taste, substitute garlic powder with freshly minced garlic.

Storage

Store leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use, and if it thickens too much, whisk in a little water to restore the desired consistency. This sauce is not recommended for freezing.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a smooth, thick, brown sauce sits on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon with a simple swirl design rests inside the jar, partially covered in the sauce. Around the jar, there are three lime wedges showing their bright green skin and juicy light green flesh. A black and white striped cloth is draped next to the jar, adding texture to the scene. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this peanut sauce gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the sauce gluten-free without compromising the flavor.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Absolutely. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger for a brighter, fresher flavor.