Authentic Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
This velvety authentic Thai peanut sauce (traditional Nam Jim Satay) combines rich coconut milk, natural peanut butter and aromatic red curry paste for a truly homemade Thai dipping sauce experience. Perfect for satay skewers, spring rolls, or drizzling over Thai noodle salads. Ready in just 15 minutes with the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors that capture the essence of Thailand's vibrant street food. This easy Thai satay sauce recipe uses simple ingredients for restaurant-quality results every time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter natural, unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste optional, for a touch of tanginess
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup water adjust as needed for desired consistency
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts for garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix coconut milk, natural peanut butter, authentic Thai red curry paste, brown sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste (if using), soy sauce, and ground cumin. Whisk together until relatively smooth for the best satay sauce foundation.
- Simmer to Develop Flavors: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the Thai peanut mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This traditional technique helps blend the Nam Jim Satay flavors.
- Perfect the Consistency: As the homemade sauce warms and ingredients meld together, assess its thickness. If your authentic Thai peanut sauce seems too thick, gradually add up to ¼ cup of water, stirring well after each addition until you achieve the ideal silky texture.
- Balance with Fresh Lime: After the sauce has simmered for 5-10 minutes and the flavors have harmonized, remove from heat. Immediately stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust according to taste, adding more for a tangier authentic Thai sauce that brightens all the rich flavors.
- Garnish for Authentic Presentation: Transfer your homemade Thai peanut sauce to a serving bowl. Sprinkle crushed peanuts and freshly chopped cilantro on top for traditional flavor enhancement and an authentic visual presentation that's perfect for satay or spring rolls.
Video
SPOON-LICKING SCANDAL: Thai Peanut Sauce Your Family Will Fight Over
Notes
Combine all ingredients cold before heating for perfect consistency. If using natural peanut butter, stir well before measuring. Add lime juice off-heat to preserve bright flavors. Refrigerate up to 5 days; reheat with a tablespoon of water to restore consistency. For the vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce plus mushroom powder. Always taste and adjust seasonings to balance flavors properly.
Nutrition
Serving: 2tbsCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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