The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (2024)

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Chinese peanut sauce is a delicious sauce made of peanut butter and soy sauce. You can use it as a marinade or even make a pan sauce with it for cooking chicken.

The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (1)

For other Asian-inspired respires please try Asian Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Hibachi Yum Yum Sauce, Blackstone Hibachi Chicken and Vegetables, or Beef Stir Fry.

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  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients Needed
  • How to make Peanut Sauce
  • Tips for Chinese Peanut Sauce
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Other recipes you might like
  • Chinese Peanut Sauce

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe only uses 4 ingredients and it can be used in many different dishes. See some options below!

Peanut Sauce with chicken only takes less than 20 minutes to make!

I usually cook up some rice or noodles to serve with the peanut chicken.

Ingredients Needed

The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (2)

Peanut butter - Use good peanut butter that is just ground-up peanuts and no other ingredients added to it. Costco’s Kirland’s brand is really good for this.Can always sub PB2 to make it lower points.

For the peanut butter, I prefer brands like Jiff or Skippy and it can be crunchy or creamy. If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter is ok to use as well. You might need to adjust the amount of water you add into the sauce first to ¼ cup.Use real peanut butter too, please. It tastes better than PB2 for this dish.

Water - already in your house!

Soy sauce - Use a Low Sodium or if you don’t have that on hand go for Tamari or Coconut Amino Acids. To make this sauce gluten-free sub Coconut Aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce.

Sugar - Regular granulated sugar, I do not use sugar substitutes in any of my recipes but if you know the conversions feel free to do so

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to make Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Whisk the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, and sugar, in a small bowl or measuring cup until well combined. Set aside.

The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (3)

Step 2: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat add the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook until heated through or soft; 3 to 5 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper flakes (optional).

The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (4)

Step 3: Add diced chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is heated through. 3 to 5 minutes. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the middle. I usually take one chicken piece out and cut it to see if it is cooked.

Step 4: Add the peanut sauce to the pan and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Recipe Tip: If the sauce is too thick add small amounts of water until you like the consistency.

Serve with cooked noodles.

Tips for Chinese Peanut Sauce

What can you do with peanut sauce?

This peanut sauce is a classic dipping sauce for grilled chicken skewers.

Use peanut sauce for Asian Stir Fries or for dipping.

Air fry up some chicken wings and when they're done toss them in a bowl so that they're completely covered in this peanut sauce.

You can use it for dipping those yummy spring rolls, chicken satay, stir-fry, lettuce wraps, or make thai peanut noodle salad. I made a delicious peanut chicken stir fry with noodles for this recipe.

Make these salads like Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs, Spicy Thai Noodles, or Chopped Thai Chicken Salad.

Peanut sauce is also great for dipping with Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets.

To make the sauce smooth and creamy use a food processor, instead of whisking the sauce in a bowl.

The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (6)

Recipe FAQs

What is Chinese peanut sauce made of?

This peanut sauce recipe consists of peanut butter, soy sauce, water, and sugar. That's it! No other ingredients are needed.

How long does peanut sauce last?

Peanut sauce will last in air tight container for 3 to 5 days or until it's all used up. Just make sure the lid is sealed tight so no air gets in.

Other recipes you might like

  • WW Meatballs (Low Point)
  • Weight Watchers Chicken Salad with Grapes
  • Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
  • Weight Watchers Meatloaf Muffins

If you tried this Chinese Peanut Sauce or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

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The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (11)

Chinese Peanut Sauce

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Jenna
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 20 min
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x
  • Category: Easy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
Print Recipe

Description

Chinese peanut sauce is a delicious sauce made of peanut butter and soy sauce. You can use it as a marinade or even make a pan sauce with it for cooking chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Sauce:

½ cup peanut butter

½ cup water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sugar

Chinese Peanut Sauce Stir Fry

2 large chicken breasts, diced into cubes

2 teaspoon of olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup onion, diced

pinch of red pepper flakes

Cooked Spaghetti Noodles for serving

2 scallions, diced (0ptional)

Instructions

Peanut Sauce: Whisk the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, and sugar, in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Peanut Sauce Stir Fry: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat add the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook until heated through or soft; 2 to 3 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper flakes.

Add diced chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is heated through. 4 to 6 minutes. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the middle. I usually take one chicken piece out and cut it to see if it is cooked.

Add the peanut sauce to the pan and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.

If the sauce is too thick add small amounts of water until you like the consistency.

Serve with cooked noodles.

Serving Size: ¾ cup of chicken with sauce

Notes

My WW Personal Points: 5 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)

If the sauce is too thick add small amounts of water until you like the consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¾ cup
  • Calories: 212
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
The BEST Chinese Peanut Sauce - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

What is Chinese peanut sauce made of? ›

This sauce is made using peanut butter, sauces like hot sauce, vinegar and soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free), garlic and seasoning. It can be seasoned as you like.

What is peanut sauce for spring rolls made of? ›

To a medium mixing bowl add (starting with the amount at the lower end of the measurement range where applicable) peanut butter, tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos), maple syrup, lime juice, chili sauce (or chili or red pepper), and whisk to combine.

Why is my peanut sauce breaking? ›

A broken sauce is generally caused by the separation of sauces into two components: a watery liquid and an oily film on top. This happens when there's too much fat or liquid in the mixture. This can happen when there are not enough emulsifiers (which help keep your ingredients together).

How do you keep peanut sauce from separating? ›

1 Answer. You need to 1) increase the emulsification, and 2) reduce the amount of time the sauce is very hot. You can try adding honey or mustard to the sauce, that will improve emulsification. You can also hit it with a stick blender which will do a much better job of breaking it up than can be done by hand.

What is the difference between satay sauce and peanut sauce? ›

Satay sauce is a slightly spicy peanut sauce. While it's popularly associated with Thai cuisine, it's enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia and has Indonesian roots. It's best known as the sauce for satay, a tasty appetizer of marinated meat (often chicken, pork, or beef) grilled on a skewer.

How long does homemade peanut sauce last? ›

I suggest doubling or tripling the recipe to have throughout the week with salad rolls, roasted veggies, and salads. How long with the sauce last? The Peanut Sauce will last up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

What is peanut sauce called? ›

Satay sauce, also known as Peanut Sauce, Bumbu Kacang or Sambal Kacang is an Indonesian sauce made from ground roasted or fried peanuts, widely used in cuisines worldwide.

What goes with peanut sauce? ›

Carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, red peppers, and snow peas are just some of the vegetables that taste great when paired with Thai Peanut Sauce. Try a unique twist with your veggies and dip Summer Rolls into the rich, peanut flavor!

How do you thicken peanut sauce? ›

Without water, the sauce is inedible because the hoisin flavor is so strong. Corn starch – Helps to thicken up the sauce! Substitute corn starch with tapioca starch. Peanuts – This is optional, but it is traditional to top the sauce with some peanuts before serving.

Why is my peanut sauce not smooth? ›

If you add all the liquids and a big solid lump of peanut butter, you'll have a tough time getting it all smooth, as stirring the (thin) liquid parts won't affect the (solid) peanut butter lumps, and the lumps (once they're small enough) will just swim around your spoon and not break down further.

Can peanut sauce go bad? ›

First, take a look at it. If you notice any mold, there's a significant change in the color or texture of the sauce, or the sauce has started to separate, it's best to throw it away. Also, take a moment to smell the sauce. If you notice a rancid or “off” smell, the sauce is likely spoiled.

How do you thicken sauce? ›

Use two tablespoons flour mixed with ¼ cup cold water for each cup of medium-thick sauce. Thoroughly mix in the water to prevent lumps. After stirring the combined flour and water into the sauce, cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Heat one minute more to cook the flour thoroughly.

Why is my peanut sauce clumpy? ›

If your ingredients aren't all the same temperature, your sauce and get lumpy. To prevent this you can gently warm the ingredients in a glass mixing bowl then whisk to combine. How do you thicken peanut sauce? This recipe is thickened by the peanut butter and doesn't need any other thickener.

What is the peanut butter trick? ›

The Trick for Smooth Peanut Butter

By storing it upside down, you're essentially moving the oil from the top of the jar to the bottom and back every time you grab the jar. This is like a slow shaking of the jar that requires no shaking and the peanut butter will stay smooth.

Is it OK to freeze peanut sauce? ›

Peanut sauce freezes well, so you can make a double or triple batch and freeze the leftovers! Store in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Does peanut sauce taste like peanut butter? ›

It has an amazing creamy texture, with a nutty, bright, and spicy flavor from peanut butter, lime, and sriracha.

What does peanut sauce taste like? ›

It's salty, sweet, acidic and bold — a sauce like no other. For the uninitiated, Asian peanut sauce is a puree of peanuts, soy sauce, ginger, sesame, spices and often garlic, lemongrass and lime.

Why is peanut sauce healthy? ›

Peanut sauce can be a healthy addition to any diet. Since it is made from peanut butter, it naturally has some protein. Look for ones with not a lot of sodium or added sugar. Better yet, when making it at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients.

Is satay served with peanut sauce or soy sauce? ›

Indonesian satay is often served with peanut sauce, and is often accompanied with lontong or ketupat, both of which are similar types of rice cake, though the diversity of the country has produced a wide variety of satay recipes.

References

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