Easy Thai Peanut Dressing (Creamy & Versatile!)
Whip up this incredibly easy and delicious Thai Peanut Dressing in minutes! Perfectly creamy, with a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Ideal for salads, dips, noodles, and more. Customizable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Blender (optional, for ultra-smooth dressing)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter natural, unsweetened preferred
- 1/4 cup warm water plus more for thinning
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup/agave for vegan
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha optional, to taste
Instructions
- PREPARE AROMATICS (If whisking by hand): If not using a blender, grate or finely mince the fresh ginger and garlic.
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS:
- Whisking Method: In a medium bowl, add the peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), lime juice, rice vinegar, sweetener (honey or maple syrup), sesame oil, minced/grated ginger, and minced/grated garlic. If using, add your chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Whisk vigorously until well combined. The mixture will be thick.
- Blender Method: Add all ingredients (peanut butter, soy sauce/tamari, lime juice, rice vinegar, sweetener, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, optional chili sauce, and about 2-3 tablespoons of the warm water) to a blender or food processor.
- THIN TO DESIRED CONSISTENCY:
- Whisking Method: Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously after each addition, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
- Blender Method: Blend until completely smooth. Check consistency; if too thick, add more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition until perfect.
- TASTE AND ADJUST: Sample the dressing. Adjust seasonings as needed for more sweetness, tang, saltiness, or spice.
- SERVE & STORE: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (See notes for storage details).
Notes
Pro Tips for Success:
Consistency: For a thinner dressing, add more warm water gradually. For a thicker dip, use less water.
Flavor Balance: Always taste and adjust! Peanut butters vary. Add more sweetener for sweetness, lime for tang, soy sauce for umami/saltiness, or chili for heat.
Ingredient Quality: Fresh ginger, garlic, and lime juice make a big difference.
Delicious Variations:
Spicy: Increase chili garlic sauce/sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne.
Extra Creamy: Replace some water with full-fat coconut milk.
Vegan: Ensure you use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Drizzle on salads, slaws, or noodle bowls.
Use as a dip for spring rolls, summer rolls, fresh vegetables, or chicken/tofu skewers.
Toss with cooked noodles for a quick meal.
Perfect for Buddha bowls or grain bowls.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
The dressing will thicken when chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or whisk in a teaspoon or two of warm water or lime juice before serving to reach desired consistency.
Consistency: For a thinner dressing, add more warm water gradually. For a thicker dip, use less water.
Flavor Balance: Always taste and adjust! Peanut butters vary. Add more sweetener for sweetness, lime for tang, soy sauce for umami/saltiness, or chili for heat.
Ingredient Quality: Fresh ginger, garlic, and lime juice make a big difference.
Delicious Variations:
Spicy: Increase chili garlic sauce/sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne.
Extra Creamy: Replace some water with full-fat coconut milk.
Vegan: Ensure you use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Drizzle on salads, slaws, or noodle bowls.
Use as a dip for spring rolls, summer rolls, fresh vegetables, or chicken/tofu skewers.
Toss with cooked noodles for a quick meal.
Perfect for Buddha bowls or grain bowls.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
The dressing will thicken when chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or whisk in a teaspoon or two of warm water or lime juice before serving to reach desired consistency.