This creamy and easy peanut sauce can be used in so many ways - as a sauce for spring rolls, as a dressing for bowls or grains, or dip for appetizers. It's delicious and so quick to make you'll think of a dozen reasons to keep some in the fridge at all times.
Quick sauces can be so important when you're short on time. I know I always keep a few dressings and sauces on hand when I need to get dinner on the table fast.
Some of my go-to sauces are my creamy cheesy sauce from Cashew Mac & Cheese as well as my cilantro lime sauce from my Green Power Bowl. Both can be used in all sorts of meals.
If you're one of my plant-based meal planners or love plant-based meal prep you know how important easy sauces can be.
Today I'm sharing another quick sauce that is very versatile - my easy peanut sauce.
Easy Peanut Sauce
This easy peanut sauce is based on countless peanut sauces that I've had at restaurants over the years. I loved it so much when I'm dining out that I made my own healthy version to have at home any time I need it.
The sauce is gluten-free, takes 5 minutes to make, and contains everyday ingredients you probably already have right in your kitchen (especially if you've stock your kitchen with my Vegan Kitchen Staples).
Basically you're just throwing some ingredients into a bowl and whisking it up - easy, peasy! I also love that it's healthier than many store-bought sauces that can have fillers, gluten, and added sugar.
A Sauce with So Much Variety
So you might be asking yourself, how can I use the easy peanut sauce?
There are so many ways to use this sauce! Here are just a few uses:
- as a dressing for a slaw or salad (like my Spiralized Thai Salad)
- as dip for spring rolls or rice paper spring rolls
- as a sauce for Buddha bowls (rice, veggies, tofu)
- as a base for tofu (baked or skewers)
- in some noodle bowls (you could use this sauce instead of my spicy sauce in my Spicy Sesame Noodles to make peanut noodles)
- as a sauce for stir fries
If you make this easy peanut sauce recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
Share your pictures of any of my recipes on Instagram and use #vnutrition or tag @v.nutrition so I won’t miss it!
📖 Recipe
Easy Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (room temp is easier to mix)
- ¼ cup water or veggie broth (more if needed)
- 2 TB tamari (or soy sauce if not gf)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 TB rice wine vinegar
- 2 TB fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional but totally adds flavor)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- If you're using this as a dressing or want a thinner sauce, add more water until you get the consistency you desire.
- Store in fridge up to 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Katstasia says
10 stars isn't enough. Best dressing ever tasted. I'm using it for literally everything. Love it.
Mary Ellen says
Oh my goodness, thank you so much, Katstasia! I appreciate you coming back and leaving such a nice review!
Kate says
I am pretty sure I told you on Instagram but this sauce is definitely something I will try. I am a huge fan of peanut butter (although I don't really like peanuts on their own, strangely) and I know it will be a perfect addition to tofu dishes and other quick to prepare meals.
Maria says
Versatile sauces like this are the best! It's great to have something in the fridge for when you need to take a simple meal to the next level. Can't wait to give this one a try 🙂
Holly says
Yum! I'm loving peanut sauce on baked tofu lately!
Mary Ellen says
yes, so good on baked tofu!
Jen says
I love all things peanut! So yum. This would go great with so many different dishes. Thanks for sharing,
Mary Ellen says
Thank so much Jen!
Paul Eyers says
We just made peanut sauce on a vegan cooking course in BAli. This one looks simple and tasty so now we've got 2 to try when we get back in the kitchen...thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Oh wow! That sound amazing! I'd love to go to Bali someday.
Jasmin | VeeatCookBake says
Peanut Butter is the hit in our house. Kids love it. Great way to make a peanut sauce. Yum Yum
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Jasmin! 🙂
Randi Tisdall says
Mmmmm I love peanut sauce!!! Those are great suggestions for using this sauce too. My hubby can't do peanuts (boo!), but sometimes I'll make peanut sauce for me and something different for him (like a tahini based dressing). I'm sure that sriracha adds a nice flavor as well!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Randi! I've made this with almond butter as well and it's still really good...maybe just like a tad sweeter if that makes sense.