Delicious Peanut Ginger Sauce Recipe for Asian-Inspired Dishes

This simple peanut ginger sauce recipe can be prepared in only 5 minutes! With its sweet and spicy flavor, it's perfect as a dipping sauce and complements noodles, salads, and more.

This peanut ginger sauce recipe is so delicious that you'll find yourself wanting to eat it straight from the spoon! It boasts a wonderfully creamy texture with a nutty, vibrant, and spicy taste from the combination of peanut butter, ginger, and red pepper flakes. The ingredient list is simple and concise, and you can mix it up in just 5 minutes. Enjoy it on peanut noodles, rice bowls, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. You'll be addicted!

This American-style peanut sauce has a creamy texture and rich, savory flavor profile, setting it apart from the more traditional Thai peanut sauce, which often has a more complex balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements. The American version tends to emphasize the nuttiness of the peanuts while incorporating ingredients that enhance its smoothness and depth of flavor, making it a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.

To prepare this peanut ginger sauce, you use a combination of ingredients that work harmoniously together to create a balanced and satisfying sauce. The base of the sauce is typically made from creamy peanut butter, which provides that essential peanut flavor and a velvety consistency. I prefer to use natural peanut butter, as it usually contains fewer additives and allows the pure peanut taste to shine through.

To enhance the savory aspect of the sauce, you use Tamari, which introduces a salty umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the peanuts. This ingredient is crucial as it helps to round out the flavor profile, making the sauce more complex and enjoyable. You also use a splash of distilled vinegar, which adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the overall taste and balances the richness of the peanut butter.

To achieve the desired consistency, mix in a bit of warm water or coconut milk. This not only helps to thin out the sauce to make it easier to drizzle or dip but also adds a hint of creaminess that elevates the texture.

Finally, to finish off the sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of heat, giving the sauce a delightful kick that can elevate any dish it accompanies.

Overall, this American-style peanut sauce is not only smoother and more savory than its Thai counterpart, but it also offers a unique flavor experience that can be adapted to suit personal preferences, making it a fantastic addition to salads, spring rolls, grilled meats, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables. Here’s what I use to make it:

Peanut butter – Creamy natural peanut butter is ideal. The smoother, the better.

Distilled white vinegar – This provides a tangy flavor. The vinegar’s acidity nicely balances the rich peanut butter.

Red Pepper Flakes – For spiciness. Chile garlic sauce is a good alternative!

Tamari – It imparts a salty, savory taste. Use soy sauce if you don’t have tamari. Make sure to find certified gluten-free tamari if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.

Sesame Seeds – For a nutty richness.

Maple syrup – Its sweetness complements the rich, spicy, savory sauce.

Ginger – It provides a refreshing kick.

Sesame seeds - For nutty richness

And warm water – To adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.

Peanut Ginger Sauce

Ingredients

·        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

·        1 tablespoon maple syrup

·        2 tablespoons tamari sauce , or liquid aminos or low sodium soy sauce

·        1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

·        1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

·        1/3 cup natural peanut butter

·        1/4 cup warm water

·        1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Whisk all the ingredients together in a deep bowl until combined. Set aside until ready to use.

How to Use Peanut Ginger Sauce

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You'll have no problem finishing it! Creamy, savory, and vibrant, it's incredibly versatile.

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• As a dipping sauce for spring or summer rolls. It also pairs wonderfully with lettuce wraps filled with rice, air-fried tofu, and fresh herbs!

• As a salad dressing – Drizzle it over a kale salad, a simple green salad, or slaw.

• Over roasted vegetables – Spoon it over roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, or kabocha squash. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and/or sesame seeds for garnish!

• As a dip – Enjoy it with carrots or peppers!

• On a grain bowl – Try it on a sushi bowl, a gingery rice bowl, or any of these rice bowl recipes.

• On a simply cooked protein – I love it on crispy sesame tofu.

• Or on peanut noodles – Load them up with fresh veggies and herbs!

This sauce was originally included in the Thai Quinoa Salad recipe by Jessica in the Kitchen.