thai essentials: spicy peanut sauce
This sauce is a staple in Thai cooking and is used in a variety of dishes. It can be used for dipping veggies, drizzling over a sautéed chicken breast, tossing with a bunch of noodles, as a dressing on salads, or any one of a thousand different ways. It is easy to prepare, and if you are into Asian cooking you probably already have the ingredients lurking about your pantries. FYI: I am not suggesting that this is a spot-on Thai sauce… I am saying that it is my interpretation of said sauce. I love it, and so do my clients. Full Stop. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.
prep time
10 Min
cook time
method
No-Cook or Other
yield
Several
Ingredients
- PLAN/PURCHASE
- 3/4 cup organic coconut milk
- 1/2 cup organic peanut butter, creamy style
- 2 tablespoons red or green curry paste, i am using green
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce, or liquid aminos
- 2 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
How To Make thai essentials: spicy peanut sauce
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Step 1PREP/PREPARE
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Step 2You will need a blender, or a whisk with a strong arm to make this recipe.
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Step 3I usually add an additional tablespoon of green curry, and a bit more lime juice.
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Step 4Curry Paste To begin with do not confuse Thai curry pastes with Indian versions. Indian curries are distinguished with their blends of spices, including chili powders, turmeric, coriander, garam masala etc., to name a few. Red Thai Chili Paste Red Thai curry is made small red chilies, hence the red color. It is cooked with soaked dried red chili. The soaking helps to remove the bitterness and heat. It is then mixed with water and coconut milk to give it its distinctive flavor. Green Thai Chili Paste Green Thai curry is comparable to the red Thai curry, with the main exception of the use of green chilis. In many of the cultures bird’s eye chills are added to give it a spicier and hotter flavor than its red cousin. Thai green curries also have basil, coriander and lime leaf added, to enhance the flavor and green tinge. FYI: There other versions of Thai chili pastes; including a yellow version that uses turmeric. However, today we will exit our discussion at these two popular versions. It will get slightly hotter/spicier after it sits for a bit. My suggestion would be to let it sit, covered on your countertop for about 4 – 6 hours, then place it into the fridge and bring out when needed.
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Step 5Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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Step 6Add all of the ingredients to a food processor, or a large bowl.
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Step 7Whisk or blend until smooth.
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Step 8WOW I am bushed… Think I will take a nap :-)
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Step 9Store in a good non-reactive jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will be good in the fridge for 2 – 3 weeks, assuming it lasts that long (I am betting that it will not).
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Step 10PLATE/PRESENT
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Step 11Here are some serving suggestions. Enjoy. • Use as a sauce with turkey meatballs • Toss with noodles and vegetables • Add to a chicken stir fry • How about a sweet potato buddha bowl • Drizzle on a pineapple and veggie rice bowl • Goes great on a chicken pizza baked on naan bread • Love it with pot stickers • And, of course as a dressing on a yummy chicken salad
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Step 12Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Category:
Other Sauces
Tag:
#Quick & Easy
Diet:
Vegetarian
Diet:
Gluten-Free
Diet:
Vegan
Diet:
Low Fat
Diet:
Dairy Free
Diet:
Wheat Free
Diet:
Low Carb
Method:
No-Cook or Other
Culture:
Thai
Ingredient:
Spice/Herb/Seasoning
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