Spicy Peanut Sauce

Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe - Vegan and Vegetarian Thai Food

Region / culture: Thailand | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Spicy Peanut Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. This creamy and tangy sauce is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite recipes.

History

Peanut sauce has its origins in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in countries like Thailand and Indonesia. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for satay or as a dressing for salads. The addition of spicy ingredients like red curry paste and cayenne pepper gives this traditional sauce a modern twist.

Ingredients

0.5 cup creamy, all-natural peanut butter
0.5 cup coconut milk
4 oz (113 g) silken tofu
1 shallot, peeled
1 tsp Thai red curry paste
4 tbsp lime juice
3 tbsp granulated sugar (brown or white only)
2 tbsp white miso
3 tbsp soy sauce (dark or light only)
fresh jalapeño, minced (optional)
2 tbsp cayenne pepper powder (optional)

How to prepare

Combine the ingredients in a food processor and process until they become smooth and creamy.
If desired, thin the mixture with water. Pour the peanut mixture into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Spoon or scoop the homemade spiced peanut sauce into a fresh jar and refrigerate it. Use it on noodles, meat, cooked rolls, or other meals.

Variations

Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped peanuts or cilantro for extra texture and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use creamy, all-natural peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red curry paste and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients in a high-speed blender instead of a food processor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Peanut Sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, drizzle it over grilled chicken or tofu, or toss it with noodles for a delicious and spicy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding water as needed.

- Heat the sauce in a saucepan before serving for a warm and comforting meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for sugar for a healthier alternative.

- Use tofu or Greek yogurt instead of silken tofu for a creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Peanut Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it before serving for the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Peanut Sauce in a small bowl with a garnish of chopped peanuts and a lime wedge for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Peanut Sauce with dishes like grilled chicken skewers, vegetable stir-fry, or rice noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Spicy Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Sauce contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Peanut Sauce is a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens.

Summary

Spicy Peanut Sauce is a flavorful condiment that is rich in healthy fats and proteins. It is a great addition to your meals for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Summary

Spicy Peanut Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate any dish. With a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, tangy lime juice, and spicy red curry paste, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite meals for a delicious and satisfying experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spicy Peanut Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a wealth of knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn, tattered notebook from a drawer. Inside were pages upon pages of handwritten recipes, each one more enticing than the last. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes landed on a recipe for Spicy Peanut Sauce.

"This is a recipe I learned from a dear friend many years ago," she explained, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "It's perfect for adding a kick to any dish."

Intrigued, I leaned in closer as she began to gather the ingredients. Peanuts, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili paste – the list went on and on. Each ingredient held a special place in the recipe, adding layers of flavor and complexity to the sauce.

As she began to cook, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of peanuts and spices. I watched in awe as she effortlessly blended the ingredients together, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that I knew would be a hit at the dinner table.

Once the sauce was ready, she poured it into a small bowl and handed me a spoon. "Taste it," she urged. "Tell me what you think."

I took a hesitant spoonful and let the flavors explode on my tongue. The heat from the chili paste mixed perfectly with the nuttiness of the peanuts, creating a harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't help but smile at the perfection of it all.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the Spicy Peanut Sauce, and she happily obliged. Together, we spent hours in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe and making it our own.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Spicy Peanut Sauce for friends and family, each time earning rave reviews and requests for the recipe. It became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the love and care that went into each and every dish.

Over time, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly unique. Sometimes I would add a touch of honey for sweetness, other times I would throw in some lime juice for a burst of acidity. Each variation brought a new depth of flavor to the sauce, making it even more irresistible.

But no matter how many times I tweaked the recipe, the essence of it remained the same – a spicy, savory sauce that brought warmth and comfort to any meal. It was a reminder of my grandmother's teachings, of the passion and dedication she instilled in me from a young age.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen now, preparing a batch of Spicy Peanut Sauce for tonight's dinner, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the recipe that started it all. It's more than just a sauce – it's a piece of history, a connection to my past and a symbol of the love that has been passed down through the generations.

As I take a taste of the sauce, I can't help but smile. The flavors are perfect, just as I remember them all those years ago. And as I sit down to enjoy my meal, I know that my grandmother is looking down on me with pride, knowing that her legacy lives on in every bite.