Description
This easy satay sauce recipe is a creamy, flavorful Thai-inspired peanut sauce made with smooth peanut butter, coconut milk, and a balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Perfect as a dip, drizzle, or dressing, it requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking, making it a quick and versatile addition to grilled meats, vegetables, or rice dishes.
Ingredients
Satay Sauce Ingredients
- 3 heaped tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (sub with vegetarian fish sauce to make vegetarian)
- 200 ml (7 oz) coconut milk (from a tin)
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
Toppings (optional)
- ½ tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- pinch chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place all of the satay sauce ingredients except for the lime juice—3 heaped tablespoons smooth peanut butter, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, ½ teaspoon chilli flakes, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 200 ml coconut milk, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground coriander—into a small pan.
- Heat Sauce: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. The sauce will start thin and gradually thicken as it nears boiling. Avoid letting it boil by reducing heat once it approaches the boiling point, continuing to stir until thickened.
- Add Lime Juice: When the sauce has thickened and is off the heat, stir in the juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) to add brightness and acidity.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped roasted peanuts, additional chilli flakes, and fresh coriander leaves for added texture and flavor before serving.
Notes
- The sauce can be served warm or cool.
- When cooled, the oil may separate slightly from the peanut butter and coconut milk; simply stir well with a wooden spoon to recombine before serving or reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent separation and burning.
