Use smooth or crunchy peanut butter to make this easy and flavorful Peanut (Satay) Sauce. Serve it as a sauce or dip for grilled meat, or toss with noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.

Across the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and much of Southeast Asia, grilled chicken or pork skewers are common street food. Every neighborhood has a barbecue stand, and the scent of freshly grilled meat is nearly everywhere. A favorite accompaniment to these grilled treats is peanut sauce — rich, slightly sweet, salty, and nutty, with an optional hint of spice.

We enjoy Asian flavors at home and often have grilled chicken skewers, so here is our simple version of satay sauce (peanut sauce). It’s quick to make: combine the ingredients, heat gently, and adjust to taste. The result is creamy, nutty and satisfying. Feel free to tweak sweetness, saltiness or spice level to suit your preference.

For a perfect pairing, try this sauce with Malaysian-style chicken satay. The creamy peanut sauce complements the charred, marinated chicken beautifully.

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By: Manila Spoon
February 3, 2015

Use smooth or crunchy peanut butter to make this easy and tasty Peanut (Satay) Sauce. Serve it as a sauce or dip for grilled meat or toss with noodles for an Asian-inspired dish.

FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS and to PRINT, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR EASY PEANUT SATAY SAUCE?

3 tablespoons peanut butter
Half a 14 oz can of coconut milk (about 2/3 cup)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2–1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red curry powder
2 tablespoons water

HOW TO MAKE EASY PEANUT (SATAY) SAUCE

In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce), red curry powder and water. Use the measurements as a guideline and adjust to your taste.
Warm the mixture gently over low heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until it reaches the thickness you prefer. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom.
Serve warm as a dipping sauce for grilled meat, chicken satay, or drizzle over noodles for an easy Asian-style dish.

Yield: about 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Easy Peanut (Satay) Sauce

Smooth or crunchy peanut butter combined with coconut milk and aromatics makes a quick, creamy satay sauce perfect for grilled meat or noodles.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients

3 tablespoons peanut butter
Half a 14 oz can coconut milk (about 2/3 cup)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2–1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red curry powder
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Combine peanut butter, coconut milk, sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce), red curry powder and water in a small saucepan. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and serve warm as a dip or toss with noodles. Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out!