Name: Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ½ cup natural peanut butter; ½ cup water; 1 clove garlic, peeled; 2 inches ginger, peeled; 2 tablespoons Tamari; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek (or Sriracha, Gochujang, other hot sauce/chili paste); sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

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The first time I made Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce, it was an experiment born out of necessity. I had some leftover peanut butter and wanted to whip up something quick and delicious. Little did I know, this creamy concoction would become a staple in my kitchen. It’s perfect for drizzling over steamed vegetables or tossing with noodles for a quick meal. As I blended everything together, the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to taste it. The flavors of garlic, ginger, and lime juice come together to create a velvety sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. This vegan sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. A simple recipe that can elevate any dish, it quickly became a family favorite. I often find myself making double batches because it disappears so fast!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
160 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Whole30, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Blender

Why This Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce Hits Different

Creamy and Comforting

There’s something truly special about the texture of Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce. The creaminess of the peanut butter combined with the right amount of water creates a smooth and silky sauce that clings beautifully to whatever it accompanies. It’s not just a sauce; it’s comfort in a jar!

Versatile Usage

This sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dressing for salads, a dip for fresh veggies, or a sauce for your favorite stir-fry. The possibilities are endless! It’s a fantastic way to add flavor to simple dishes without much effort.

Nutritious Ingredients

Each ingredient in Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce contributes not only to the flavor but also to its health benefits. Peanut butter offers a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, while ginger and garlic have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Meal Prep Friendly

Making this sauce in advance is a game-changer. It stores well in the fridge for up to a week, making it a perfect companion for meal prepping. You can whip it up on a Sunday, and it’ll be ready to jazz up your meals throughout the week.

Quick and Easy

With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, this recipe takes no time at all. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, yet homemade.

Cost-Effective

Making your own sauces can save you money, and this Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce is no exception. The ingredients are affordable and often already on hand, so you won’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious sauce.

Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce Shopping List

When it comes to making Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce, the ingredients are simple yet powerful. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that fabulous flavor profile. The natural peanut butter is the star, providing creaminess and a rich, nutty taste. The addition of ginger and garlic adds depth and complexity, while lime juice and rice vinegar bring a refreshing tanginess that balances out the richness of the sauce. These ingredients work harmoniously to produce a sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything!

½ cup natural peanut butter – The essential ingredient that gives this sauce its rich, creamy base.
½ cup water – Helps to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

1 clove garlic, peeled – Adds aroma and depth of flavor.
2-inch piece ginger, peeled – Brings a fresh, zesty note to the sauce.
2 tablespoons Tamari – Adds umami flavor and saltiness.
2 tablespoons maple syrup – Sweetens the sauce naturally.
1 tablespoon lime juice – Provides acidity and brightness.
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar – Enhances the tangy flavor.

1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek (or Sriracha, Gochujang, other hot sauce/chili paste) – Adds heat and complexity.
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.

The Method for Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce

Making Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce is as easy as pie! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering sauce ready to go. Let’s dive into the process and bring this sauce to life!

Start by grabbing your blender. Add the natural peanut butter and the water. This combination is the foundation, and you want to ensure you have a good balance. Turn the blender on to a low setting to mix them together and prevent splattering.
Next, add the peeled garlic clove and the peeled ginger. These ingredients will add aromatic flavors to your sauce. Blend on medium speed until you start to see a smooth consistency forming.
Now it’s time for the seasoned flavors! Pour in the Tamari, maple syrup, lime juice, and rice vinegar. These ingredients will introduce sweet, tangy, and savory notes to your sauce. Blend on high speed for about one minute. Stop to scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary.

For a little kick, add the Sambal Oelek (or your choice of hot sauce). This will give your peanut sauce its signature heat. Blend again until everything is well combined and the sauce is completely smooth.
Once you achieve the desired smoothness, taste the sauce. This is your chance to adjust seasoning. Add sea salt and ground black pepper to your liking. Blend briefly to mix in the seasoning.
After blending, your sauce may be thicker than you like. If so, add a little more water, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you reach your desired consistency. Blend again to incorporate.

Transfer your freshly made Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce into a sealable jar. Make sure to use a clean jar to ensure freshness. This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Store this delicious sauce tightly sealed and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop as it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
When you’re ready to use it, give the jar a good shake or stir to recombine any separated ingredients. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Consistency Matters: When blending, start with less water and add more gradually. This lets you achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
Flavor Development: The sauce tastes even better after resting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Storage Tips: Always store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. Consider labeling your jar with the date.

Adjusting Heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to add more Sambal Oelek or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Tips and Variations

There are so many ways to enjoy Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce. Here are some helpful tips and variations to take your sauce to the next level.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using.

Freezing: You can freeze this sauce in ice cube trays for convenient, single-serving portions. Just thaw as needed!
Pairing: Serve it over grilled tofu or chicken for a satisfying meal.
Custom Flavor: Experiment with adding a teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty twist or a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.

Quick Dinner: Toss with cooked noodles and steamed veggies for a quick and nutritious dinner!

Accompaniments for Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce

Serve with Steamed Vegetables: Drizzle over a medley of fresh, steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful plate.
Use in Stir-Fries: This sauce is perfect for adding flavor to stir-fried vegetables and grains like rice or quinoa.

Perfect for Dipping: Use it as a dip for fresh vegetable sticks or spring rolls. It’s a hit at parties!
Pair with Grains: Mix into cooked jasmine rice or quinoa to create a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for easy access to flavor any meal.

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for peanut butter, you can use other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. However, note that the flavor will change slightly, and the consistency might be different since some nut butters are thicker than others. Experimenting with different nut butters can lead to unique flavor profiles, so feel free to get creative!

Store your Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to one week. If you find it thickens too much, simply stir in a little water or more lime juice to bring it back to the desired consistency before serving. It’s a great idea to label the jar with the date you made it to keep track of freshness.

Yes! If you want more heat in your Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce, you can increase the amount of Sambal Oelek or use a spicier hot sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Just remember to adjust the other ingredients accordingly to balance the flavors.

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free brand of Tamari, Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce can be gluten-free! Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. This sauce is not only delicious but also accommodating for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

In summary, Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Its creamy texture and flavorful profile make it a fantastic sauce to have on hand. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the delightful flavors it brings to your dishes. You won’t be disappointed with how easy it is to prepare and how much it enhances your meal experience.

Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this easy weeknight sauce will turn any simple meal into something special. Whip it up tonight and enjoy deliciously satisfying dishes!

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 4 servings

Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

½ cup natural peanut butter
½ cup water
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 inches ginger, peeled
2 tablespoons Tamari
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek (or Sriracha, Gochujang, other hot sauce/chili paste)
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In an upright blender, combine the peanut butter, water, garlic, ginger, Tamari, maple syrup, lime juice, rice vinegar, Sambal Oelek, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Store the peanut sauce in a sealable jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

Any liquid sweetener that you enjoy will work well in place of the maple syrup.
After being stored in the fridge, the sauce may need a splash of water stirred in to loosen it up a bit.