Spicy Peanut Sauce is perfect for Thai and Asian-style stir-fries. Because it's so versatile, it makes a delicious dressing for salads, it gives sandwiches a tasty boost of flavor, and it's fantastic on vegan satay and skewers. It can also be served as a dip with fresh cut veggies or baked tofu. This easy homemade peanut sauce recipe comes together in a flash, and it's much tastier than bottled dressing. It's vegan and gluten-free.
Peanut Sauce Cravings
I don’t keep my love affair with spicy peanut sauce a secret. There’s just something about hot spices and peanuts that pair so well together, and I’m not afraid to openly show my affection for the tasty condiment.
Sometimes I find myself craving peanut sauce and thinking of new ways to serve it. Should I make a stir-fry? Or maybe prepare some spring rolls for dipping? Since my own version comes together in a matter of minutes, I really have no excuse to go the lazy route, but I have purchased bottled sauce in the past. It’s just not as tasty and contains way too much sugar. I like to make a double-batch of this recipe and keep it in the fridge for times when a hankering hits.
Spicy Peanut Sauce is Super Easy to Make!
You just throw all of the ingredients together in and mix it up! It can be whisked together by hand or mixed in a blender. I like to mix it in my Blendtec, using the small twister jar. It will thicken as it sits, so if you're not using it right away, you may need to add a little more water.
It can be altered to your liking, too. If you like your peanut dressing super spicy, add more garlic chili sauce. You can omit it all together if you're sensitive to heat. If you follow an oil-free diet, you can omit the toasted sesame oil.
Garlic chili paste is my favorite ingredient for adding heat to my spicy peanut sauces. I use Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce, and I go through it super quickly! If you can’t get your hands on a jar, you can use sambal oelek, sriracha, or even just a little crushed red pepper flakes.
Versatile Peanut Dressing
This versatile sauce can be at served cold as a salad dressing or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. It can also be served warm on a Buddha bowl or in a stir-fry. I also like to use it as a dip for vegetables or spring rolls.
What’s your favorite way to serve spicy peanut sauce?
Spicy Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 2 teaspoons agave
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
- 1 garlic clove minced
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together either by whisking vigorously by hand or in a blender.
- Serve on stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, skewers, or as a dip for cut vegetables.
- Store any unused portion in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serve Your Spicy Peanut Sauce With:
- Thai Quinoa Salad
- Tofu Spring Rolls
- Pad Thai Zoodles
- Peanut Satay Tofu Triangles from 5-Ingredient Vegan by Nava Atlas
Becky Striepe
I think you're right - I DO need to slather this sauce on all of the food! I'd love it on a rice or mashed potato comfort bowl!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
I love peanut sauce for everything! This would be so great for noodles and stir fries. I make something similar but your sounds so tasty I'm totally trying it on my peanut noodles next time!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Peanut sauce is delicious! Especially if it's spicy. I'd definitely slather on everything!
Dianne
I agree!
Dianne
I hope you enjoy it!
Dianne
I've never tried on on mashed potatoes. I bet that would good!
Alisa Fleming
I am such a peanut sauce on everything kind of gal! I love this stuff. Your version looks fabulous - I'll have to try it.
Ginny McMeans
Yes, I would slather that on everything!
Linda @ Veganosity
Yes, I love this sauce too. I've been known to just spread it on toast in the morning for a savory breakfast with a kick. SO good!
Jenn
I love peanut sauce too and it really is so versatile! Love the spicy kick in this one!
Dianne
Thank you, Alisa! I hope you enjoy it!
Dianne
Enjoy, Ginny!
Dianne
Oooo... that's a great idea, Linda!
Dianne
Thanks, Jenn!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
Um yes, I could quite literally slather this on everything! It sounds so tasty! Tofu would be amazing with it.
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I love peanut sauce! I'm going to try it on tofu and spinach, like the dish we get at our local Thai restaurant.
Nicole Dawson
I typically make a SunButter sauce that's similar but never made a batch big enough to save and use as needed. That would have been a smart thing to do 🙂 .
Sarah
Ooh, I love peanut sauce and I do slather it on everything!!! I even found a peanut free peanut butter to use so that I can keep things safe for Jonny! Definitely trying your recipe!!!
Dianne
I hope you enjoy it!
Dianne
It's good to have it on hand for sauce emergencies! 🙂
Dianne
I hope you like it!
Dianne
Thanks, Mel!
Melissa | Vegan Huggs
Oh yes, this peanut sauce needs to be slathered on everything! It looks and sounds dreamy! Would be perfect with baked tofu 🙂
Greg @ Full of Beans
LOVE THIS! We are all about peanut and sauce and stir-fry so this is right in-line! I could see just walking around looking for stuff to put this on - like a spoon! 🙂
Dianne
Thanks, Greg!
Dianne
Thank you, Melissa!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
I DO want to slather this on everything! Looks delish. 🙂
Sina @Vegan Heaven
Big yum!! I LOVE spicy peanut sauce! This would be SO good with veggies or tofu. 🙂
Dianne
Thank you, Sina!
Dianne
Thanks, Ceara!
Susan
Made this for the salad bowl and it was so fast and easy. I left the chili sauce out of it because I like things negative mild, so mine was not a spicy sauce. But a yummy sauce!
Dianne
So glad you enjoyed it, Susan!