Easy Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe for Dipping

This delectable Vietnamese Peanut Sauce recipe is full of rich and vibrant flavors. Perfectly balanced with a blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, this sauce elevates any dish it accompanies. From fresh spring rolls to grilled meats. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a versatile staple you’ll want to drizzle on everything!

What is Vietnamese Peanut Sauce?

Vietnamese Peanut Sauce is a creamy, flavorful condiment commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine.

It combines peanut butter with ingredients like hoisin sauce, garlic, lime juice, and chili to create a rich, savory-sweet sauce with a hint of tanginess and spice.

Often served as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) or grilled meats, it adds a deliciously nutty and complex flavor to various dishes.

What ingredients do I need to make Vietnamese Peanut Sauce?

• 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp chili sauce
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp peanuts, chopped
• salt, and pepper to taste

Can I use almond or cashew butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use almond or cashew butter as substitutes in Vietnamese peanut sauce.

Both alternatives will provide a slightly different, but equally delicious, nutty flavor. Almond butter will give the sauce a mild, slightly sweet taste, while cashew butter will add a rich, creamy texture.

These substitutions are great for those with peanut allergies or simply for a change in flavor profile.

How to make Vietnamese Peanut Sauce?

Start by chopping peanuts and fresh garlic.

Heat oil in a small saucepan and when it is hot, add the chopped peanuts and garlic. Reduce to medium heat and continue frying for around 4 minutes until everything slightly browns. Keep stirring the whole time.

Remove the pan from the heat and reserve about one tablespoon of the peanut-garlic mixture. Now add the peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili sauce. Stir until all is well combined. Whisk in the water so that the sauce gets the desired consistency.

Transfer the Vietnamese Peanut Sauce into a serving bowl and top with the reserved roasted peanuts.

What is Peanut Sauce served with?

Vietnamese peanut sauce is typically served with a variety of dishes, enhancing their flavors with its rich and creamy texture. Here are some popular pairings:

1. Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): The light, fresh flavors of these rice paper rolls are perfectly complemented by the nutty, savory sauce.
2. Grilled Meats: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork, or beef, adding a delicious depth of flavor
3. Satay Skewers: Often used as a dipping sauce for these marinated and grilled skewers.
4. Vietnamese Noodle Bowls (Bún): Drizzled over vermicelli noodle salads topped with fresh herbs, vegetables, and proteins.
5. Vegetables: A great dip for raw or steamed vegetables, adding a tasty twist to healthy snacks.
6. Bánh Mì Sandwiches: Sometimes spread inside these Vietnamese baguette sandwiches for added richness.

What to do with leftover peanut sauce?

Leftovers of Vietnamese peanut sauce can be used in various creative and delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

• Salad Dressing: Thin the sauce with a bit of water or lime juice and use it as a flavorful dressing for salads.
• Stir-Fry Sauce: Toss it with stir-fried vegetables, tofu, or meats for a quick and tasty meal.
• Noodle Bowls: Drizzle over rice noodles or vermicelli bowls topped with fresh herbs, vegetables, and protein.
• Dip for Veggies: Use it as a dip for fresh or steamed vegetables for a healthy snack.
• Sandwich Spread: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for an added layer of flavor.
• Marinade: Use it as a marinade for grilling or roasting chicken, pork, or tofu.
• Rice or Grain Bowls: Mix it into cooked rice, quinoa, or other grains for a flavorful boost.

Ideas for variations

Here are some ideas for variations of Vietnamese peanut sauce to add different flavors and textures:

1. Spicy Peanut Sauce: Add more chili paste or sriracha for a spicier kick.
2. Coconut Peanut Sauce: Incorporate coconut milk for a creamier, tropical twist.
3. Ginger-Lime Peanut Sauce: Add fresh grated ginger and extra lime juice for a zesty, aromatic flavor.
4. Honey-Peanut Sauce: Substitute sugar with honey to add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
5. Garlic-Peanut Sauce: Increase the amount of minced garlic for a more pungent, robust taste.
6. Mint-Cilantro Peanut Sauce: Blend in fresh mint and cilantro for a herbaceous and refreshing variation.
7. Soy-Sesame Peanut Sauce: Add soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil for an umami-rich, nutty profile 

Other Dipping Sauces to try

• Easy Empanada Sauce Recipe for Dipping
• Zaalouk Recipe (Moroccan Eggplant and Tomato Dip)
• Cream Cheese Dip
• Easy Skordalia Recipe [best Greek garlic potato dip]
• Queso Dip

 

If you think that this easy Vietnamese Peanut sauce is the perfect dipping sauce, leave a comment with a star rating below and share the recipe on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.