No Cook Peanut Sauce
Creamy peanut sauce made with peanut butter and boiling water. Ready in minutes for noodles, dips, or marinades. Vegan and gluten-free options.
If you can boil water...you can make this amazing sauce!
Try adding a pinch of Thai Red Curry Powder for extra complexity.
Submitted by: Lorie McCarthy from Chicago, IL
Yield: 2/3 cup
- Whisk 1/3 cup boiling water into 1/3 cup peanut butter with soy, vinegar, and seasonings; let sit 2–3 minutes to smooth.
- Use it hot or cold for noodles, dipping, or as a marinade; add toppings like crushed peanuts, basil, sprouts, and lime.
- Make it vegan or gluten-free by choosing natural peanut butter and tamari or coconut aminos; thin with extra water when reheating.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the sauce smooth without lumps?
Whisk the peanut butter and boiling water vigorously, then let the mix sit 2 to 3 minutes so the hot water softens the peanut butter. If it still has lumps, whisk again or stir in small extra splashes of hot water until smooth. Using creamy peanut butter helps, but chunky works too if you want texture.
Can this sauce be vegan?
Yes. Use a natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts and a soy sauce that is not processed with animal products. For extra assurance, choose labeled vegan soy sauce or use tamari or coconut aminos.
How do I make the sauce gluten free?
Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to remove gluten. Check your peanut butter label for any cross contamination warnings if you need strict gluten free.
How long will the sauce keep and how should I store it?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 to 7 days. Stir or re-whisk before using. You can freeze it, but texture may change; thaw in the fridge and whisk in a little hot water if it separates.
Can I change the heat or flavor level?
Yes. Add Thai red curry powder, extra red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha for more spice. Balance salt and sweetness with more soy sauce or sugar, and brighten with rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime.
Can I use other nut or seed butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes. Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter work as substitutes. Expect a different flavor profile. For peanut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free alternative.
How do I use this sauce with noodles or when reheating?
For a quick noodle dish, sauté vegetables, add the sauce to the pan, then toss in cooked rice noodles until coated and warm. If the sauce was chilled, add about 1 tablespoon of extra hot water when reheating to loosen the consistency.
How do I get the sauce smooth without lumps?
Whisk the peanut butter and boiling water vigorously, then let the mix sit 2 to 3 minutes so the hot water softens the peanut butter. If it still has lumps, whisk again or stir in small extra splashes of hot water until smooth. Using creamy peanut butter helps, but chunky works too if you want texture.
Can this sauce be vegan?
Yes. Use a natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts and a soy sauce that is not processed with animal products. For extra assurance, choose labeled vegan soy sauce or use tamari or coconut aminos.
How do I make the sauce gluten free?
Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to remove gluten. Check your peanut butter label for any cross contamination warnings if you need strict gluten free.
How long will the sauce keep and how should I store it?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 to 7 days. Stir or re-whisk before using. You can freeze it, but texture may change; thaw in the fridge and whisk in a little hot water if it separates.
Can I change the heat or flavor level?
Yes. Add Thai red curry powder, extra red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha for more spice. Balance salt and sweetness with more soy sauce or sugar, and brighten with rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime.
Can I use other nut or seed butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes. Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter work as substitutes. Expect a different flavor profile. For peanut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free alternative.
How do I use this sauce with noodles or when reheating?
For a quick noodle dish, sauté vegetables, add the sauce to the pan, then toss in cooked rice noodles until coated and warm. If the sauce was chilled, add about 1 tablespoon of extra hot water when reheating to loosen the consistency.
Very nice peanut sauce. Good choice for serving a group given it’s mild ingredients. Can easily be made more spicy or more sweet to suit your personal preference. I will be adding this to our permanent condiment repertoire. Definitely worth trying!