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.

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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!

📖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.

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.

👩🏻🍳 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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📖 Recipe Card

Gluten- Free Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter, all-natural sub almond butter for Paleo
- 2 Tablespoons 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
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 Tablespoons 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
Notes
- This recipe can be made up to three days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This recipe will keep for two months in the freezer.






Jane H. says
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....
Jen says
Thanks for giving it a try. Great idea on the soy-free substituitons. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie says
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.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It's perfect for a gathering or a party.
Jessica Formicola says
Peanut sauce is my favorite! I'm so glad to have found a recipe to make my own at home!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
I love peanut sauce and this one looks really easy and versatile.
Farah Maizar says
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!
Elizabeth Hollier says
gonna try it. my dr. just put me on a paleo diet.