Peanut Sauce - The Best Way to Use and Enjoy It
What is peanut sauce?
Peanut sauce, alternatively referred to as satay sauce, sambal kacang, bumbu kacang, or pecel, is a savory sauce created by grinding fried or roasted peanuts. This delectable condiment is well-liked in Indonesian and Thai cuisine, frequently utilized to enhance the flavors of meats, vegetables, or noodles. Additionally, peanut sauce is occasionally employed as a salad dressing or dip.
The origin of peanut sauce
Initially cultivated in South America, peanuts were introduced to new territories by European explorers. They transported peanuts to Brazil and Africa before spreading their cultivation to China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia. Upon reaching Indonesia, local inhabitants began crafting the familiar Asian-style peanut sauce we enjoy today.
In the United States, peanut sauce is commonly linked to Thai cuisine. However, it's important to note that many people in Thailand are unfamiliar with peanut sauce. Ground peanuts are only used in a few traditional Thai dishes, and their texture is typically chunkier, differing significantly from the peanut sauces commonly found in the United States. Therefore, Thai peanut sauce dishes can be considered a fusion of American and Thai cuisine.
How are peanut sauces made?
Thai Peanut Sauce comprises peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, a sweetener, rice wine vinegar, sesame seeds, spice, and water. In some more traditional versions, coconut milk is used instead of water, but this combination is perfect. If you're new to using peanut butter in dressings, you're about to be blown away. Peanut butter combines all the ingredients for a sweet, spicy, and salty sauce that works perfectly on salads, tofu, tempeh, noodles, veggie dip, and so much more.
Making the sauce is so easy. Blend all the ingredients, and that's it! You can mix them by hand with a whisk, in a jar with a lid, or a food processor or blender. By hand, the most natural consistency, and by blender, the smoothest and creamiest.
The best way to use peanut sauce
Dipping Sauce:
Peanut sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce for various dishes. It pairs well with spring rolls, satay skewers, dumplings, and fresh vegetables. Serve the peanut sauce in a small bowl alongside these items for a flavorful and satisfying dipping experience.
Salad Dressing:
Peanut sauce can be used as a delicious dressing for salads. Thin it out with water or lime juice to achieve the desired consistency, then drizzle it over a mixed green salad or a Thai-inspired salad with ingredients like shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and herbs.
Stir-Fry Sauce:
Add peanut sauce to your stir-fry dishes to enhance the flavor. After cooking your vegetables and protein, stir in the peanut sauce towards the end of the cooking process. The sauce will coat the ingredients, adding a rich and nutty taste to the dish.
Noodle Sauce:
Peanut sauce can be used for noodles, such as Pad Thai or cold sesame. Toss cooked noodles with peanut sauce and other desired ingredients like vegetables, tofu, or shrimp for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Marinade:
Use peanut sauce as a marinade for grilled or roasted meats. Coat the beef with the sauce and let it marinate for a few hours or overnight before cooking. The peanut sauce will infuse the flesh with its delicious flavors, resulting in a tasty and tender dish.
Remember to adjust the consistency and flavor of the peanut sauce according to your preference by adding ingredients like water, lime juice, soy sauce, or spices. Enjoy exploring the versatility of peanut sauce in your culinary creations!
What should you look for when buying a peanut sauce?
Consistency and Texture
The thickness and texture of peanut sauces can vary. The ideal choice for you depends on your intended use and taste preferences. To gauge the thickness, give the bottle a gentle shake, which will give you an indication.
Ingredients
Like many commercially available sauces, a peanut sauce is likely better if it contains natural ingredients. Look for sauces with easily recognizable ingredients and minimal or no artificial additives, coloring agents, or preservatives.
Sodium Content
Examining the label before purchasing is essential if you are mindful of your sodium intake. Additionally, the color of the sauce can serve as a general indicator. Darker sauces often contain more soy sauce, which increases the sodium content.
Gluten Content
Individuals with gluten sensitivities should also check the product labels. There are gluten-free options available, but they require scrutiny to identify them. If you prefer the convenience of grocery delivery, you can easily find peanut sauces on platforms like Instacart. When adding a product to your cart, utilize the "Instructions" option to communicate preferences or specific instructions to your Instacart shopper regarding selecting the best products. Search for peanut sauce and proceed with your shopping.
How to store peanut sauces
Proper storage of peanut sauce is crucial for maximizing its shelf life. When the bottle is unopened, refrigeration is not necessary. It can be stored in a cool, dark place. Generally, correctly stored unopened peanut sauce can last up to a year. While it's advisable to consider the "use by" date, the sauce is typically safe to consume for a few months beyond that date.
Once the bottle is opened, it should be refrigerated. As long as the cap is tightly sealed, refrigerated peanut sauce lasts approximately six months.
If you have opened peanut sauce that you don't plan to use for an extended period, freezing is an option. However, it is important not to freeze the sauce in the original bottle. Instead, transfer the sauce to an ice cube tray, freeze it, and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This method lets you thaw only the amount needed while preserving the remainder. Frozen peanut sauce generally remains good for about eight months.
