Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Sometimes, you just need a good sauce recipe that you can use with a variety of things. This spicy peanut sauce packs a punch of heat, and its thick consistency pairs well with pretty much any main course you could imagine. This is the perfect option, whether you are looking for an Asian sauce to dip your grilled chicken or tofu into, or you need to spice up some plain noodles or rice. Trust us — this takes your meal from just okay to an amazing level. It takes just a little time to whip up the dip, and it's filled with a symphony of flavors, bringing a total "yum" factor to your dish.

Recipe developer Miriam Hahn of YouCare-SelfCare is known for coming up with fresh and flavorful recipes, and this one is no exception. "I love sauces! I think you can take something really basic and jazz it up with a great sauce," Hahn raves. "This one is creamy and spicy and full of peanut butter flavor. Absolutely delicious." Keep reading to find out how to make this wonderful sauce.

As with any other recipe, it's time to head out to the store and grab everything needed for this dip. Start with avocado oil, and then add a clove of garlic to your cart. While you're at it, get some ginger as well. You will also need some water, but don't worry since you already have that at home.

In addition, grab some peanut butter and lemon. Next, swing by the sauce aisle, and get chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce. There are a few optional ingredients as well, including red pepper flakes and peanuts.

Once you return from the store, put all of the ingredients out in front of you to make things really easy. Then, grab a small pot, and toss in your garlic and ginger. Remember that you should have minced these both ahead of time.

Put the pot over heat, and crank up the flame to medium-high. Sauté the garlic and the ginger for about two minutes, and be sure to stir the mix constantly to avoid burning it.

Once the two minutes are up, it's time to add the wet ingredients, which give the sauce a nice texture. Start with ½ cup of water, and then add in the peanut butter. Next, take the juice from your lemon and pour it in. Then, you can add in the chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce. "Consistency in step two is thick and creamy," Hahn shares. "If you are using this for a dressing on a salad, you can thin it out with more water." Stir everything together until the mixture turns smooth.

Now, reduce your heat to a simmer, and set your timer for 10 minutes. Let the sauce cook until the mixture has thickened. If you want the sauce to be thinner, you can add in the remaining ¼ cup of water. Hahn also gives a great suggestion for adding a little kick of heat to the mix. "You can also add in some sriracha if you want it a little hotter," she notes. Once you finish, take the sauce off the heat, and pour it in a bowl of your choice.

Once you have the sauce in a bowl of your choosing, feel free to top it with peanuts and red pepper flakes if you want another little extra kick. "I use this sauce for a few different things. It is great with air-fried tofu skewers that I am picturing it with. (Or you can do chicken skewers.) I also love to dip roasted cauliflower in it," Hahn shares. "It is great on ramen noodles and stir fry. Great as a salad dressing for an Asian salad. [It's] pretty versatile!"

Any leftovers? "[This sauce] keeps great for about a week in an airtight container," Hahn notes.