Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Sauce

Photo By Sarah Harper

By Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper

Peanut Sauce is incredibly versatile. This rendition is effortlessly made from five common ingredients, making it an excellent choice for quick weeknight meals. 

Its sweet yet savory flavors complement dishes such as chicken satay, grilled meats, and coleslaw while serving equally well as a dip, marinade, or noodle dressing. Any leftovers will last for a week in the refrigerator.

Note that peanut sauce tends to thicken over time. Add one tablespoon or two of water as needed to achieve your preferred consistency. If you prefer not to use peanut butter, alternatives such as almond and sunflower butter work wonders. ​

5 Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (any kind)
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp warm water (reserved water from cooking noodles if you plan on making a peanut noodle dish)

Optional ingredients: 
Any combination of the following ingredients would also make for a delicious and personalized peanut sauce experience. Let your taste buds be your guide. 

• 1 tbsp sriracha or sambal chile paste (for a spicy sauce)
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest. 

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, and water. 
2. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. 
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water (one tablespoon at a time) to thin it out.

Sarah Harper is a Registered Dietitian, creator, and one of many eaters behind The Addy Bean. She is also an avid hiker, a registered yoga instructor, and a former nursing home dietitian. Based in Hood River, Oregon, Sarah lives with her husband Jacob, her dog Huey and her blog’s namesake – her cat Adeline.