Vietnamese peanut sauce is best known for its starring role as the popular sidekick to spring rolls or summer rolls . And with good reason! Creamy, salty and with a hint of garlic, this sauce makes everything it touches sing.
Jump to:
If you love peanut butter as much as I do, you're in the right place. From coleslaw to cookies, peanut butter can play a starring role in so many recipes. And I'm excited to introduce you to my new favorite - Vietnamese peanut butter sauce.
Famous (and rightfully so) for being an awesome peanut dipping sauce, peanut sauce can also be used for everything from stir fries to curries. Be sure to check out my suggestions below.
💚Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
✅You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Serve it at room temperature or reheat it on the stove over low heat.
✅You only need six simple ingredients.
✅You can use Vietnamese peanut sauce as a dipping sauce, or even as a stir fry sauce. I like to use it on noodles.
✅Kids love this recipe!
🛒Ingredients
- Oil: Choose a neutral flavored cooking oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil are both good choices.
- Garlic: Vietnamese peanut sauce has a hint of garlic that combats the sweetness of the peanut butter and sugar. Don't skip the garlic! Be sure that you only saute it for 30 seconds. Burnt garlic tastes very bitter, and is the opposite of what we're looking for in a creamy sauce like this.
- Peanut Butter: I like a creamy, smooth peanut sauce so I always use a creamy peanut butter.
- Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a key ingredient in most authentic Vietnamese peanut sauce recipes. Some recipes have a higher hoisin sauce to peanut butter ratio, but I've tried several versions and I recommend 3 tablespoons to every ½ cup of peanut butter. If you want to make your own hoisin sauce, check out my vegan hoisin sauce recipe.
- Sriracha Sauce: I like a little bit of a spicy hint to my peanut sauce, but the Sriracha sauce is optional. If you prefer sweet and creamy, go ahead and leave it out.
- Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar makes the sauce a bit sweeter. I have also made this sauce without the sugar, so if you prefer a less sweet sauce, the recipe will still work without the added sugar.
🥜What Is Vietnamese Peanut Sauce?
Vietnamese peanut sauce, also known as "nuoc leo," is a versatile peanut butter based condiment commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It's with a combination of creamy peanut butter, garlic, hoisin sauce, chili sauce (such as Sriracha or sambal oelek), light brown sugar, and water. The sauce has a rich and nutty taste with a hint of sweetness and spice, making it the perfect dipping sauce, stir fry sauce or noodle sauce
👨🍳How To Make Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
- In a medium sized saute or sauce pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to sauce bowls or a clean jar.
💡How To Customize This Sauce
Make Vietnamese peanut sauce your own, or alter its flavors to suit the dish you're serving it with:
- Lime Zest: Add the zest of one lime to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the richness of the peanut butter.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute a portion of the water with coconut milk to give the sauce a creamy and tropical twist.
- Ginger or Lemongrass: Finely grate fresh ginger or add minced lemongrass to infuse the sauce with a hint of freshness and aromatic flavor.
- Cilantro or Thai Basil: Stir in some freshly chopped cilantro or Thai basil to add a vibrant herbal note to the sauce.
- Tamarind Paste: For a tangy element, incorporate tamarind paste or concentrate to balance the sweetness and add a slightly sour taste.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
Vietnamese peanut sauce can be used for more than just a dipping sauce. Here's a few suggestions for ways to use it:
- Substitute coconut milk for the water I've used in the recipe, and use it as a sauce on your next stir fry or curry.
- It's not at all traditional, but try swapping peanut sauce for the the traditional banh mi sauce the next time you make a banh mi sandwich. It's fantastic!
- Garnish your peanut sauce with finely chopped peanuts or a combination of black and white sesame seeds.
- Peanut sauce is the perfect topping to Pad Thai. You can even just pair it with rice noodles. It's fantastic!
- Vietnamese peanut sauce would be a wonderful addition to a veggie platter or a vegan Charcuterie board.
- Store your peanut sauce in a jar and take it on a picnic along with an array of chopped veggies like cucumbers, carrots and radishes.
- How about making a Vietnamese peanut tofu marinade?
Did You Make This Recipe?
If so, I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thisdailydish. Or, leave me a comment below. It makes my day, and your feedback helps other readers!
🙋🏻Frequently Asked Questions
To store Vietnamese peanut sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can typically be stored for 1-2 weeks, but check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Traditional Vietnamese peanut sauce is generally gluten-free, but it's essential to check the specific ingredients and preparation method to be sure. The primary ingredients in Vietnamese peanut sauce include peanuts, garlic, lime juice, and sugar. However, commercially prepared or store-bought versions may sometimes contain additives or thickeners that could potentially contain gluten, so it's always a good idea to read the labels or inquire about the ingredients used if you have specific dietary concerns.
Yes, you can freeze peanut butter sauce. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use, and stir or gently heat if needed to restore its consistency.
No, peanut sauce and satay are not the same. Satay is a dish that consists of skewered, grilled or barbecued meat, typically marinated and served with a sauce. Peanut sauce, on the other hand, is a sauce made primarily from ground peanuts. It typically contains other ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and various spices, which may vary depending on regional variations. Peanut sauce is commonly used as a condiment or dipping sauce for various dishes, including satay.
Craving More Easy Vegan Recipes?
Pan Fried Breakfast Potatoes With Kimchi
Sweet Potatoes In Vegan Tempura Batter
📖 Recipe
The Best Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce or sambal oelek
- ½ tablespoon light brown sugar *see note 1
- 1 cup water *see note 2
Instructions
- In a medium sized saute or sauce pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to sauce bowls or a clean jar.
Notes
- I have also made this sauce without the sugar, so if you prefer a less sweet sauce the recipe will still work without the added sugar.
- Alter the amount of water depending on how thick you want your sauce to be. I have found 1 cup to be optimal. However, you'd like a creamier sauce, you might want to add less water.
Comments
No Comments