Appetizer

Satay Sauce

Name: Satay Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or sriracha; ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger; ¼ teaspoon salt

This rich, balanced Southeast Asian sauce combines roasted peanut butter with coconut milk, lime, and gentle heat. It's the essential companion to grilled satay but works equally well as a dip for vegetables or drizzle for noodles.

166calper serving 5gprotein 9gcarbs 14gfat 10min prep 8min cook 8serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Satay Sauce — common questions

Can I make satay sauce ahead?

Yes, make it up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will thicken slightly when cold, so warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat and whisk in 1–2 tablespoons hot water to return it to dipping consistency.

What if I don't have sambal oelek?

Use the same amount of sriracha, or substitute ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper mixed with 1 teaspoon of water for a milder heat without the vinegar bite.

Why is my satay sauce grainy or separated?

This happens when the peanut oils separate due to high heat or overcooking; fix it by whisking in hot water 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth again, or try starting over and keeping the heat at medium, not high.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter works, but stir its separated oil back into the jar first; it may make the sauce slightly thinner, so use ⅖ cup instead of ½ cup to compensate.

How long does satay sauce keep?

Refrigerated in an airtight container, it lasts 5–6 days; do not freeze, as coconut milk will separate and won't recombine smoothly.

Is satay sauce gluten-free?

Check your soy sauce label—use tamari or coconut aminos as a certified gluten-free substitute if needed.