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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Sauces and Salad Dressings

    Published: Apr 2, 2018 · Modified: Jul 28, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Gluten-Free Peanut Sauce

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    Jump to Recipe
    peanut sauce in a jar
    serving peanut sauce with chicken satay

    The classic Thai Peanut Sauce gets a gluten-free makeover but we kept all the fabulous Asian flavors. Gluten-free peanut sauce doesn't require cooking, it whips up in just 5 minutes. Delicious has never been so easy! Make it mild or spicy, we have all the tips and tricks for the perfect Thai peanut sauce.

    peanut sauce in a serving dish on a cutting board next to chicken satay

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to:
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make Gluten-Free Peanut Sauce
    • How to Use Peanut Sauce
    • 🌡️Storage
    • More Easy Sauce Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    Peanut sauce (regular or our best peanut-free Paleo version) should be creamy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and very savory. Use it as a dip for spring rolls, a sauce for noodles, or use it in our quick and easy Thai chicken recipe.

    thai peanut sauce on grilled chicken with broccoli

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Peanut butter is the main ingredient in peanut sauce. I really hope that wasn't a surprise. You may be wondering if we can really make a reasonable substitution.

    Nut Butter- We use almond butter for a paleo version of everyone's favorite Thai sauce. The sauce will look more grainy but it will taste smooth and creamy. But that isn't the only option. You can use sunflower butter for a nut-free version.

    I like cashew butter for a change of pace. You can even make it with smoked cashew butter for a fun twist. Or course if you stumbled over here and you aren't actually avoiding peanuts- then peanut butter is fine too.

    Ginger- Fresh ginger is a must for this peanut sauce. Dry isn't going to cut it.

    Garlic- Always use fresh. If you aren't a big garlic fan you can use roasted garlic to tone down the pungent flavor.

    Soy Sauce- We use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also substitute coconut aminos to keep it soy free.

    Lime- You are going to need the juice and zest of one lime. This rich salty sauce needs acid to keep the flavor bright.

    Rice Vinegar- Always a must in just about every Asian sauce I can think of. You can substitute white wine vinegar if you're out of rice vinegar.

    Crushed Red Pepper- This is where many peanut sauces differ. Often they call for Sambal Olek or a Chili Paste. And while I love both of those flavors I prefer simply crushed red pepper. The flavor is easier to control and I always have it on hand.

    Ingrdients Tips

    The recipe, as written, is light on spice. Personally, I prefer to double up the crushed red pepper.

    This peanut sauce is sugar-free. Traditional peanut sauces often add sugar either by using processed peanut butter or adding hoisin that has added sugar. I don't find it necessary.

    However, if you are going to add sweetener I recommend adding coconut sugar or honey. About 1 tablespoon will do.

    ⏲️How to Make Gluten-Free Peanut Sauce

    Typically we go into detail about how to make our recipes. But in this case, it seems rather unnecessary. Pile all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Whirr to perfection. Taste for heat. Done.

    So instead we are going to give you a few tips and tricks before sending you on your way.

    paleo peanut sauce ingredients in a blender
    • Add warm water to thin the sauce. To make a salad dressing I use about ¼ cup of water. I typically always add at least 1 tablespoon of warm water when using a dip.
    • Add a small amount of coconut milk for a twist and to smooth out the sauce.
    • Whether you make this recipe with almond butter or decide to stick with the classic peanut butter make sure it is all-natural. Just the nuts and salt. No added sugar.

    How to Use Peanut Sauce

    This sauce has so many uses from grilled chicken to salads. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use this recipe.

    • Use it as the base for a swimming rama sauce
    • As a dip for veggies
    • Sub out the avocado sauce and make a Thai-style spicy coleslaw
    • Use as a marinade for grilled chicken satay
    • As a dip for summer rolls
    salads with peanut dressing

    🌡️Storage

    Peanut sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and chill. Bring to room temperature before using it.

    You can make a double batch of this Asian peanut sauce and store it in the freezer for up to two months.

    More Easy Sauce Recipes

    We are big fans of simple sauce recipes. Plain food is not allowed in this house! Here are a few more of our favorites. And they all take between 5 and 10 minutes. Woot woot!

    • chamoy sauce being spooned into small bowl.
      Chamoy Sauce
    • avocado crema in bowl
      Avocado Crema
    • gyoza sauce in a blue bowl surrounded by potstickers
      Gyoza Sauce
    • Basil pesto in bowl with spoon.
      Dairy-Free Pesto

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    peanut sauce in a serving dish on a cutting board

    Gluten- Free Peanut Sauce

    Creamy Thai peanut sauce made gluten-free. Perfect for grilled chicken, fish or steamed vegetables. It also includes a peanut-free Paleo option!
    Servings: 6
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 0 minutes mins
    Total: 5 minutes mins
    5 from 12 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • Blender or food processor

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup peanut butter, all-natural sub almond butter for Paleo
    • 2 tablespoon tamari gluten free soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • ½ lime juice and zest
    • 1 1" piece fresh ginger peeled
    • 2 cloves garlic peeled
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 tablespoon warm water optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend 1 minute or until smooth. Taste for heat and add more red pepper as needed.
      ½ cup peanut butter, all-natural, 2 tablespoon tamari gluten free soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ½ lime, 1 1" piece fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • The sauce can be thinned down with lukewarm water to form a dressing.
      1 tablespoon warm water
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    1. This recipe can be made up to three days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    2. This recipe will keep for two months in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 143kcal | Carbs: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 2g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Dip, Dressing, Sauce
    Cuisine: Asian, Thai
    Keyword gluten free peanut sauce, healthy sauce recipe, paleo thai peanut sauce, thai peanut sauce
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jane H. says

      November 28, 2020 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      I avoid soy, so in place of 2tbsp tamari use 1 tbsp coconut aminos and 1 tbsp fish sauce. This is great... we like spicy in my house so added a bit of sriracha, too. Delicious on a thai plate with rice, protein, salad greens, and mixed raw veggies....

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 02, 2020 at 8:01 am

        Thanks for giving it a try. Great idea on the soy-free substituitons. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. Stephanie says

      May 18, 2020 at 12:36 pm

      5 stars
      I've never had peanut sauce before because I can't stand peanuts. But subbing with almonds is a great alternative! I can't wait to try this now.

      Reply
    3. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      May 18, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It's perfect for a gathering or a party.

      Reply
    4. Jessica Formicola says

      May 18, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      Peanut sauce is my favorite! I'm so glad to have found a recipe to make my own at home!

      Reply
    5. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      May 18, 2020 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      I love peanut sauce and this one looks really easy and versatile.

      Reply
    6. Farah Maizar says

      May 18, 2020 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      Gorgeous! I can tell how full of flavor this is just by looking at it- love that it's Paleo too! Can't wait to try it out!

      Reply
    7. Elizabeth Hollier says

      January 03, 2020 at 11:38 am

      gonna try it. my dr. just put me on a paleo diet.

      Reply

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    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me...

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