Satay sauce is a rich and flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Its creamy texture and blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors make it a versatile addition to any meal.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, while lime juice provides a tangy contrast. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can include chili paste, which can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients For Satay Sauce Recipe
Peanut butter: Provides a creamy and nutty base for the sauce.
Coconut milk: Adds a rich and creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.
Soy sauce: Contributes a salty and umami flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors.
Lime juice: Provides a tangy and fresh contrast to the richness.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth.
Ginger: Offers a warm and slightly spicy note.
Chili paste: Optional, for adding heat and complexity to the sauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your satay sauce, toast the peanut butter in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before adding it to the saucepan. This will bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender after it has been heated through.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for those with peanut allergies.
peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is another nut-free option that mimics the consistency and richness of peanut butter.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used for a lighter, less creamy sauce, suitable for those avoiding coconut products.
coconut milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk offers a creamy texture and neutral flavor, making it a versatile substitute.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor, suitable for those avoiding soy.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and slight floral note, making it a good alternative to brown sugar.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the other flavors in the sauce.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness, making it a suitable replacement for lime juice.
lime juice - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar offers a mild acidity that can mimic the tanginess of lime juice.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Minced shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the sauce well.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it has a more concentrated flavor.
ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal offers a similar spicy and aromatic profile, making it a good alternative to ginger.
chili paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar heat and tanginess, making it a suitable substitute for chili paste.
chili paste - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add heat and a bit of texture, though they lack the paste's smooth consistency.
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How to Store or Freeze Satay Sauce
- Allow the satay sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can affect the texture and flavor.
- Transfer the satay sauce into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to maintain freshness.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its shelf life.
- Store the satay sauce in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the satay sauce. Portion it into smaller containers or use ice cube trays for convenient, single-use servings.
- If using ice cube trays, once frozen, transfer the satay sauce cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This saves space and makes it easy to thaw just what you need.
- When ready to use, thaw the satay sauce in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat the satay sauce gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if it appears too thick.
- Avoid refreezing the satay sauce once it has been thawed to maintain its quality and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Gently reheat the satay sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Use a microwave for a quick option. Place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- For a more controlled reheating, use a double boiler. Place the sauce in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the sauce is heated evenly.
- If you have a small amount of sauce, you can reheat it in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- To maintain the sauce's creamy texture, add a splash of coconut milk or water if it appears too thick during reheating.
Best Tools for Making Satay Sauce
Saucepan: A medium-sized pan used to combine and heat the ingredients over medium heat.
Whisk: Essential for continuously whisking the mixture to ensure it becomes smooth and well-blended.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the peanut butter and coconut milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and optional chili paste.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.
Grater: Used to grate the ginger finely.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the saucepan to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Serving bowl: To transfer the sauce into once it has cooled slightly, ready for serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out peanut butter, coconut milk, and other ingredients before starting to save time during cooking.
Use a microplane: Grate ginger and garlic quickly with a microplane for a finer texture and faster prep.
One-pot method: Combine all ingredients directly in the saucepan to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of satay sauce and store in the fridge for future use, saving time on busy days.
Pre-chop garlic: Mince garlic in advance and store in the fridge to cut down on prep time.

Satay Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Chili Paste optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
- Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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