Authentic Thai Peanut Sauce

Serves	4-6 as a dip
Meal type	Condiment
Region	Thai
Website	Slightly adapted from About Food

This authentic Thai peanut sauce is made using roasted peanuts. It's fast, easy, and delicious!

Ingredients

1 cup dry roasted peanuts, unsalted
1/3 cup water
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon tamarind paste (or 2 tablespoons lime juice)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce)
1/3 cup coconut milk
2 to 2.5 tablespoons fish sauce (or for vegetarians use 2.5 to 3 tablespoons regular soy sauce)

Note

The peanut sauce tends to thicken as it sits. Just add a little water or coconut milk to thin it out, as needed. Otherwise it stores well if kept covered in the refrigerator (it keeps up to 2 weeks).

Directions

Step 1
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend or process until smooth. If you prefer a runnier peanut sauce, add a little more water or coconut milk.
Step 2
Taste the sauce and add more fish or soy sauce if it's not salty enough. Add more cayenne if it's not spicy enough. If it's too salty, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add additional sugar, if you want it to taste sweeter.
Step 3
Serve warm or at room temperature with chicken satay, fresh spring rolls, or over noodles.