Lemongrass Peanut Sauce

Key Ingredients in Lemongrass Peanut Sauce

• Peanut butter – You can use chunky peanut butter, but I prefer smooth to get a creamy sauce more easily. I recommend looking for a brand that only uses peanuts and salt in their ingredients. 
• Rice vinegar – Rice vinegar is made through the process of fermenting rice. It has a much more mellow, less acidic flavor than other vinegars. 
• Sesame oil – Sesame oil is made from pressing raw sesame seeds. It’s nutty flavor and high smoke point (410ºF/ 210ºC) make it a great cooking oil and flavoring for dishes. Darker toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavor and is great for finishing dishes while light sesame oil is more neutral in flavor.
• Sambal oelek – Sambal oelek can be found in the international sections of most grocery stores. It is a spicy Southeast Asian chili sauce that adds a sweet and spicy kick to any foods. Substitute with sriracha if you cannot find sambal.
• Soy sauce –  I use reduced sodium soy sauce so that I can control the amount of salt in the recipe, adding more if needed. For a gluten free sauce substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. 
• Lemongrass – Lemongrass adds a bright, lemony flavor to dishes. Fresh lemongrass is best for this recipe since it has a more complex flavor. Using a pre-packaged paste or dried lemongrass is also fine if needed. Only the bottom yellow part of the lemongrass stalk is used in cooking, the top part is typically much too tough.
• Water – I use a bit of warm water to help thin the sauce and achieve the desired consistency. A thinner sauce blends much easier and becomes smooth and creamy. 

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Swaps & Substitutions

• Nut butter: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
• Spice level: Add more sambal oelek or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
• Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Sweetness: Add 1 teaspoon of honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.
• Ginger kick: Grate in a teaspoon of fresh ginger for extra brightness.
• Lemongrass: If fresh lemongrass isn’t available, use 1 tablespoon of lemongrass paste or ½ teaspoon dried lemongrass.

How to Serve Lemongrass Peanut Sauce

• As a dip: Perfect for satay, fresh spring rolls, or dumplings.
• With noodles: Toss with rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti for an easy weeknight meal.
• For wraps: Use as a flavorful dip or drizzle for lettuce wraps, grilled chicken, or tofu.
• As dressing: Thin with water or coconut milk and toss with greens, cucumber, and carrots for a quick salad.
• Spring rolls – Use the peanut sauce for dipping spring rolls. Vietnamese Gỏi cuốn (also called fresh spring rolls or summer rolls) are a classic pairing with peanut sauce. 
• Dumplings – One of my favorite Chinese restaurants in New York, Deluxe Green Bo , serves wontons in a combination of peanut sauce and chili oil for a contrast of flavors.
• On the grill: Brush over grilled shrimp or skewers for a nutty, spicy glaze.