Figure 1 Image Source: Satay Beef with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Peanut sauce; also referred to as satay sauce, satay peanut sauce or peanut satay sauce, is used extensively in many Asian cuisines including Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. Peanut sauce is also used in many traditional European and Middle Eastern dishes but not to the same extent as in Asian cuisines.

No prizes for guessing that the main ingredient of peanut sauce is the peanut (usually in the form of peanut butter Figure 2)). It is the combination of roasted peanut-based paste (peanut butter) and soy sauce that gives peanut sauce its characteristic nutty and slightly salty taste.

Figure 2 Image Source: Peanut Butter in Jar

Various other herbs and spices may be added to the basic peanut sauce depending upon its intended use and desired flavor nuances. With such a large range of potential ingredients there are a considerable number of recipes that may be used in the making of peanut sauce I have elected to present a foundation recipe that you can pick up and run with as you see fit.

Ingredients:

• ½ Cup of Smooth Peanut Butter (Figure 2)
• ¼ Cup each of Coconut Milk and Pure Water
• 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon of Soy Sauce
• 1½ Teaspoons each of Minced Garlic and Peanut Oil
• ¼ Teaspoon of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Method:

1. Into a small saucepan add the peanut butter, minced garlic and peanut oil. Stir to roughly combine and then add in the coconut milk and pure water. Once again a quick stir to roughly mix in the ingredients is all that is required. Now add the lemon juice, soy sauce and crushed red pepper flakes and give the peanut sauce mixture a quick stir.
   1. Place the saucepan with your peanut sauce mixture over a medium-low heat and continue stirring as you bring the peanut sauce mixture to a slow boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes. You should keep an eye on the peanut sauce. Stir and adjust your heat source as and when required such that the peanut sauce simmers, rather than boils.
   2. Add additional water/peanut butter to the simmering peanut sauce mixture as and when required to ensure an even consistency and texture. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Modifications:

To produce a changeup from the foundation peanut sauce recipe such ingredients as chilies, garlic, ginger, milk, fried onions, sesame seed, coriander, cumin, sesame seeds, olive oil and peanut oil are regularly swapped in and out. Peanut sauce also makes a great marinade.

Serving:

These portions make 4 healthy adult-sized servings. Being a great dunking sauce means that you can use this sauce with a far greater range of dishes than would be the case had you included strongly aromatic seasonings.

Figure 3 Image Source: Thai Satay Pork with Peanut Sauce

Figure 4 Image Source: Plate of Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce goes well with satay beef, lamb, pork and chicken (see Figure above) in which case it is usually served warm. Beyond this you can simply make additions to this base recipe to reflect the dish that you are serving the peanut sauce with.

Figure 5 Image Source: Beef Satay

When catering for self-serve banquets you might consider cooking a variety of satay sticks and arrange them in a medium deep serving bowl with the handle end of your skewers projecting out of the bowl (Figure 5 above). Guests can simply select a stick, dip in the peanut sauce and enjoy!