Best Ever 5-Minute Peanut Sauce

This 5-Minute Peanut Sauce is creamy, nutty, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy. It takes only 5 minutes to whisk together, and instantly makes anything taste better: noodles, bowls, salads, tofu, spring rolls, you name it. I always keep a jar in my fridge because it’s the kind of sauce that turns plain veggies or leftover rice into something crave-worthy. It’s so GOOD.

I think we can all agree that Peanut Sauce is the best sauce. Or at least one of the best sauces, ranking right up there with Vegan Cheese Sauce and Chimichurri. Creamy, rich, delicious, and super affordable, this is my go-to sauce for when I want to amp up noodles or rice, when I need something to dunk dumplings or spring rolls into, or for drizzling over bowls… or eating with a spoon. 🙃 This is a sauce you’ll want to keep on hand in the fridge at all times!

Bowl of peanut sauce with spoon, with crushed peanuts for garnish

Why This Peanut Sauce Is a Staple in My Kitchen

The ultimate flavor bomb: Sweet, salty, tangy, nutty, and spicy all at once.
Starting point for a delicious dinner: A simple jar of peanut sauce gives you endless meal options, from salads to bowls and so much more.
5 minutes, zero fuss: No blender, no stovetop. Just whisk and eat.
Meal-prep magic: Make a double batch, and you’ve got dipping sauce, dressing, and stir-fry sauce for the week.
Customizable: Keep it classic, make it oil-free, nut-free, or amp it up with coconut milk or ginger.

Overhead view of peanut sauce ingredients with labels

Ingredients for Peanut Sauce

Natural peanut butter: You can opt for smooth or crunchy, depending on the texture you want for your sauce. Natural peanut butter is the drippy kind you have to stir (you don’t want the processed stuff that is full of sugars and oils, it’s basically frosting)!
Soy sauce: Use tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Lime juice or rice vinegar: Lime juice is my fave, but vinegar works in a pinch.
Agave: Or sweetener of choice to balance the flavors.
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: For a kick of heat. You can adjust the amount to your tastes or even omit it altogether for a mild peanut sauce.
Toasted sesame oil: For the perfect flavor.
Garlic: Mince or grate the garlic so it mixes evenly into the sauce.

How to Make Peanut Sauce

Overhead view of ingredients for peanut sauce in bowl with whisk

Combine: Add all of the ingredients except the water to a bowl.

Whisk held over bowl of creamy peanut sauce

Mix: Whisk until the mixture is smooth, then add water a tablespoon at a time until the peanut sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Tips and Variations

Use natural peanut butter: Using natural peanut butter, where peanuts (or peanuts and salt) are the only ingredient is important. Because it’s not made with fillers and sweeteners, it has a truer peanut flavor, which will make your peanut sauce the best it can be.
Stirring tip: When you bring home a new jar of natural peanut butter, store it upside down until you’re ready to use it. The oils will redistribute through the jar, making it much easier to stir when you open it. You can also pick up a peanut butter stirrer!
Make it nut-free: You can swap in sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version. Or if you’re dealing with a peanut allergy but not tree nuts, almond butter or cashew butter work well too.
Change up the flavor: For more depth, you can add hoisin or vegan fish sauce or vegan oyster sauce. Grated fresh ginger will add warmth (and a lot of grated ginger will add heat), or use coconut milk for a creamier sauce.

How to Use This Peanut Sauce

How to Store

Refrigerator: Transfer the peanut sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. Stir before using; if the sauce has solidified a bit, let it come to room temperature first. It lasts a week in the fridge, but honestly, it never makes it that long in my house.
Freezer: You can freeze the peanut sauce in a container or small freezer bag, but I like to put it in ice cube trays so I have just enough for a single serving. Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 6 months.

If you try this vegan peanut sauce recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don’t forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.