This Trader Joe’s-style Thai Peanut Satay Sauce is a creamy and savory-sweet recipe, which is made with natural peanut butter and soy sauce. It’s the perfect versatile sauce, a classic, foolproof recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Ingredients
A simple list for a flavor-packed, versatile sauce.
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon freshly minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons hot water, as needed
How To Make Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly quick and easy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ground ginger, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Mix Until Smooth: Whisk the ingredients together vigorously. Add 2 tablespoons of the hot water and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: Add more hot water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Use less water for a thick dipping sauce, and more water for a thinner salad dressing.
Recipe Tips
For the perfect, creamy peanut sauce every time.
- How to get the smoothest sauce? Start with a natural, drippy-style peanut butter. If your peanut butter is very thick, the recipe’s tip to microwave it for about 15 seconds to soften it is perfect. Using a small blender or food processor will also create an ultra-smooth consistency.
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge. The flavor will even get better as it sits.
- How can I adjust the flavor? This recipe is a great base. For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a squirt of Sriracha. For a tangier sauce, add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more maple syrup.
- Why did my sauce get thick in the fridge? Peanut butter-based sauces will always thicken up considerably when chilled. This is normal. Simply let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or stir in a teaspoon or two of warm water to loosen it back to your desired consistency before serving.
What To Serve With Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
Perfect pairings for this versatile and delicious sauce.
This all-purpose sauce is fantastic for dipping, drizzling, and tossing. It’s perfect with:
- Grilled chicken or beef satay skewers
- Fresh spring rolls or crispy fried wontons
- As a dressing for a noodle salad or a crunchy slaw
- Tossed with cooked noodles and vegetables for a quick peanut noodle dish
- As a dipping sauce for fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers
How To Store Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
Keeping your homemade sauce fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store the sauce in an airtight container or a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week.
Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per tablespoon.
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 5 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
To make this sauce gluten-free, simply use a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of the low-sodium soy sauce.
Yes. Honey is a great substitute for the maple syrup, but it will no longer be vegan. You could also use agave nectar.
Yes. For a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanut butter with an equal amount of sunflower seed butter (SunButter) or tahini. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Shaved Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ravioli Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: Thai-InspiredDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes65
kcalAn incredibly easy, 5-minute homemade Thai Peanut Sauce that is creamy, savory-sweet, and perfectly versatile for satay, noodles, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1/3 cup natural peanut butter
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2-4 tbsp hot water
Directions
- In a medium bowl or jar, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Whisk or shake vigorously until combined.
- Slowly add the hot water, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and has reached your desired consistency.
- Use immediately as a dipping sauce, a noodle sauce, or a dressing.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For the best results, use a natural, drippy peanut butter. If your peanut butter is thick, warm it for 15 seconds in the microwave to help it mix smoothly.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools and in the refrigerator. Thin it with a little warm water before serving.
- To make this gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- This is a perfect make-ahead sauce for easy weeknight meals.
