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Savory Peanut Butter Sauce

This versatile, creamy sauce combines peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar to create a rich, nutty, and slightly tangy topping. It’s prepared by gently heating and whisking ingredients until smooth and glossy, resulting in a silky sauce perfect for drizzling, tossing with noodles, or dipping. Its deep umami flavor enhances a wide range of dishes with a smoky, roasted aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter creamy preferred
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for a touch of sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh, minced
  • 1/4 cup warm water or broth to loosen the sauce

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Gather your small saucepan, whisk, measuring spoons, and a spoon for tasting. Measure out the peanut butter and set aside.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, and stir constantly with a whisk. Continue until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and starting to bubble gently, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant—about 30 seconds—until you smell the sharp, roasted aroma of garlic filling the air.
  4. Gradually pour in warm water or broth, a tablespoon at a time, while whisking vigorously. Continue until the sauce reaches your desired silky, pourable consistency and the ingredients are fully integrated.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed—add more soy for saltiness, vinegar for tang, or honey for sweetness. The sauce should be rich, nutty, and balanced in umami and acidity.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat. Let the sauce rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly and deepen the flavors. It should be glossy, smooth, and fragrant with roasted garlic and peanut aroma.
  7. Pour the savory peanut butter sauce over your favorite dishes—stir-fried vegetables, noodles, grilled meats—or serve as a dip. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor and velvety texture.

Notes

This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, stirring until smooth. Adjust consistency with a splash of warm water if needed. Feel free to customize with chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.