Thai peanut sauce blends natural peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, and maple syrup into a vibrant vegan condiment. Garlic, ginger, and chili add a lively kick that balances creamy, sweet, and spicy notes. This sauce elevates spring rolls, curries, noodles, and any dish needing an extra burst of flavor.

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I’m excited to share my Vegan Thai Peanut Sauce recipe that brings a creamy and flavorful twist to your favorite dishes like Spring Rolls and Thai Curry Chicken. This sauce is a great example of how healthy fats and protein can work together in a dip that is both tasty and nutritious.

I use 1/2 cup natural peanut butter as the base which gives a good dose of protein while unsweetened coconut milk adds a smooth texture and healthy fat. I mix in 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce along with 2 tablespoons maple syrup for a natural sweetness and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to brighten it up.

A minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger help boost the flavor while 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sriracha provides a spicy kick. Adding water gradually lets me adjust the sauce consistency perfectly for drizzling or dipping.

I love that this easy Thai peanut sauce recipe makes cooking dinner fun and nutritious even on busy days.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to whip up, even on a busy day. I love how the mix of peanut butter, lime, and sriracha gives a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that go with pretty much everything I make. I also really appreciate that the ingredients are all natural, so I know I’m not using a bunch of junk. Plus, the sauce is really versatile – whether I’m drizzling it over spring rolls or using it as a dip, it always makes the dish taste extra special.

Ingredients

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Peanut butter supplies protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Its nutty flavor enriches dishes.
Coconut milk delivers creaminess and subtle coconut taste.
It has natural fats for smooth texture.
Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness.
It boosts savory flavor but high in sodium sometimes.
Maple syrup brings natural sweetness.
It balances tangy, spicy, and sour flavors in the mix.
Lime juice offers a sharp tanginess.
Its acidity lifts and brightens the overall taste.
Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and a zingy aroma.
It’s heart-healthy and flavorful.
Fresh ginger adds a warming, spicy kick.
It aids digestion and enhances overall depth.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or water if you prefer a thinner sauce)

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1/2 to 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to your heat level)

2 to 4 tablespoons water (add gradually until you get the right consistency)

How to Make this

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1. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice until it’s pretty smooth.

2. Add 1 small minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger and stir well.

3. Mix in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce, depending on how spicy you like it.

4. Slowly add 2 tablespoons water at first, stirring constantly, then add more water bit by bit (up to 4 tablespoons total) until you get the right consistency.

5. Give it a taste and adjust if needed – you could add a little more lime juice for tang or more maple syrup if you want it sweeter.

6. Let the sauce sit for like 5 minutes so the flavors have time to meld together.

7. Whisk it a final time and then it’s ready to use as a creamy drizzle or a dipping sauce.

8. Drizzle it over your Spring Rolls, Thai Curries, or noodles, or use it as a dip for your favorite snacks.

9. If you have leftovers, store the sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week.

10. Enjoy your homemade vegan Thai peanut sauce with your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl – you’ll need it to combine all your ingredients together
2. Measuring cups and spoons – essential for getting the peanut butter, coconut milk, and other liquids just right
3. Whisk or sturdy spoon – to stir and mix the sauce until it’s smooth
4. Knife – for mincing the garlic properly
5. Grater – for freshly scraping the ginger
6. Airtight container – if you plan on storing any leftovers in the fridge

FAQ

What if the sauce is too thick?

You can just gradually add another 2 to 4 tablespoons of water until it gets to the right consistency.

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Sure you can use almond or cashew butter, but just know the flavor might turn out a bit different.

How do I adjust the spice level?

If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit more than 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Just add slowly till it suits your taste.

Is this sauce gluten free?

Yes, its gluten free as long as you use a gluten free soy sauce so make sure to read the label.

Can I substitute coconut milk with water?

Yup, you can use water if you prefer a thinner sauce or if you dont like the flavor of coconut milk.

Vegan Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Natural peanut butter – You could try almond butter or cashew butter if you’re looking for a different nutty flavor.
Unsweetened coconut milk – Sub in almond milk or soy milk if you cant get coconut milk available.
Low-sodium soy sauce – Give coconut aminos a shot for a milder, soy-free option.
Maple syrup – Agave nectar or even date syrup works well to sweeten up the sauce.
Sriracha – If you dont have it, try using a bit of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with extra lime juice to add some heat.

Pro Tips

1. When you’re adding water to get the sauce just right, add it super slowly while stirring constantly so you dont end up with a watery mess, trust me on that one.
2. Let your sauce chill out for a good 5 minutes after mixing so that all the flavors can get to know each other a little better—this really makes a difference.
3. If you love a kick in your food, mess around with the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, but remember you can always add more later if it’s too mild.
4. For an extra tasty twist, try using fresh lime juice squeezed right before you mix everything which gives it a brighter flavor compared to pre-bottled ones.