Name: Gluten- Free Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter, all-natural (sub almond butter for Paleo); 2 Tablespoons tamari gluten free soy sauce; 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 lime ( juice and zest); 1 1" piece fresh ginger (peeled); 2 cloves garlic (peeled); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 Tablespoon warm water (optional)

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The classic Thai Peanut Sauce gets a gluten-free makeover but I 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, I have all the tips and tricks for the perfect peanut sauce.

Bowl with gluten-free peanut sauce, shredded carrots, red bell pepper slices, edamame, shredded purple cabbage, sliced green onions over noodles.

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Peanut sauce (regular or my peanut-free Paleo version) should be creamy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and very savory.

Use it as a dip for summer rolls, a dressing for a ramen salad, spring roll in a bowl, or use it in my quick and easy Thai chicken recipe. You can even swap the dressing on coleslaw!

thai peanut sauce on grilled chicken with broccoli

📖Why My Recipe Works

Easy-to-find ingredients- I opted for crushed red pepper rather than pricey chili paste. Plus, it is easier to control the flavor using basic spices.
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.

🧾Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter- I like a natural creamy butter. Easy to use and no extra flavors added. Make it with cashew butter for a fun twist.
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- You can substitute white wine vinegar if you're out of rice vinegar.
Crushed Red Pepper- Double up the crushed red pepper for a spicier version.
Sugar- Not recommended but if you must, I recommend adding coconut sugar or honey. About 1 tablespoon will do.

Ingredients in small bowls arranged on a surface: minced garlic, grated ginger, natural peanut butter, rice vinegar, whole lime, red pepper flakes, and tamari.

Make it Paleo

I 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.

⏲️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.

paleo peanut sauce ingredients in a blender

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

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.

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