Best Peanut Sauce for Grilled Meats and Vegetables

Introduction

Peanut sauce is a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce with a hint of spice. It's perfect for dipping, drizzling over grilled meats or vegetables, or tossing with noodles. This peanut sauce recipe balances richness with bright, tangy flavors, making it versatile for any dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or water (adjust for consistency)
• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
• Crushed peanuts (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil until smooth.

2. Add Heat and Garlic

Stir in the sriracha (or chili garlic sauce) and minced garlic. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on how spicy you want the sauce.

3. Adjust Consistency

Slowly whisk in the coconut milk or water, adding more or less depending on how thick or thin you want your peanut sauce. For dipping, keep it thicker; for drizzling, make it thinner.

4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more lime juice for brightness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or more honey for sweetness.

5. Serve

Serve the peanut sauce immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Garnish with crushed peanuts or fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips for the Best Peanut Sauce

• Consistency: Add more or less liquid to reach your desired thickness. Coconut milk adds richness, while water keeps it light.
• Control the spice: Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
• Storage: Peanut sauce thickens as it cools, so add a bit of water or coconut milk when reheating to reach the right consistency.

Variations

1. Thai-Style Peanut Sauce: Add 1 tsp fish sauce for a more authentic, salty flavor.
2. Spicy Peanut Sauce: Increase the sriracha or add a fresh chili for more heat.
3. Citrus Peanut Sauce: Use orange juice instead of lime for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
4. Ginger Peanut Sauce: Add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for a refreshing, zingy twist.
5. Vegan Peanut Sauce: Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the sauce vegan-friendly.

Best Pairings

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Grilled shrimp or tofu
• Roasted vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower)
• Noodles or grain bowls
• Fresh spring rolls

Conclusion

This peanut sauce is creamy, savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, noodles, or even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or fresh veggies.