If you have ever wished for a sauce that instantly transforms a simple stir fry into a dusky, nutty flavor explosion, then you absolutely must try this Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe. Creamy, a touch sweet, and just the right amount of savory, it brings together ingredients like peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and a hint of curry into a harmonious sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite stir-fried veggies and proteins. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends, this sauce is a game-changer that adds both depth and excitement to any stir fry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe lies in how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create an incredibly flavorful and versatile sauce. Each component plays an essential role, from the umami punch of fish sauce to the silky texture provided by peanut butter and the aromatic kick of ginger and garlic.
- Fish sauce: Adds that signature salty and savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Dark soy sauce: Brings a rich color and a subtle sweetness that balances the peanuts.
- Sugar: Just enough to round out the tangy and umami notes with a gentle sweetness.
- Cornflour/cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it the perfect cling for your stir fry ingredients.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced, for a bright punch that wakes up the taste buds.
- Grated ginger: Adds warmth and a little zing that complements the peanuts beautifully.
- Curry powder: Your secret spice that adds depth and complexity.
- Crunchy peanut butter: The star ingredient, providing creamy texture and a nutty flavor that defines the sauce.
- Water: To loosen the sauce just enough for perfect coating without overpowering.
- Oil, onion, and additional garlic: For your stir fry base bringing savory notes and aroma.
- Protein and vegetables: Choose your favorite, grouped by cooking time for even cooking.
- Optional noodles: Rice noodles or fresh noodles that soak up every bit of the sauce.
- Coriander and crushed peanuts: For freshness and added texture as toppings.
How to Make Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, cornflour, minced garlic, grated ginger, and curry powder in a small bowl. The cornflour ensures that your sauce will thicken nicely when it hits the heat. Then, stir in the crunchy peanut butter and water until you get a smooth, velvety consistency. This balance of sharp, sweet, and nutty flavors is what makes this Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe truly special.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Protein
Heat your pan with oil and add sliced onion along with the garlic. Sauté them gently until aromatic and slightly softened. Next, toss in your choice of protein, whether it’s chicken, tofu, beef, or shrimp, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Cooking the protein in this flavorful base lays down the foundation for absorbing that amazing peanut sauce later on.
Step 3: Stir Fry Vegetables and Combine
Add your vegetables in order of their cooking time – starting with denser vegetables like carrots or broccoli and finishing with delicate ones like bell peppers or snap peas. Once everything is almost tender, pour in your freshly prepared peanut sauce and toss everything together over the heat. The sauce will thicken and cling to every piece, ensuring each mouthful bursts with flavor. If you’re adding noodles, mix them in now so they soak up the sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish from everyday to something memorable. A sprinkling of finely chopped coriander or cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note, while crushed peanuts bring an irresistible crunch. A wedge of lime on the side is fantastic for an optional tangy kick that balances the creamy richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe works wonderfully as a stand-alone meal when paired with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed jasmine rice can round out the meal without competing with the sauce’s bold flavors. For something heartier, consider serving with fried rice or a bowl of miso soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the stir fry in a large colorful bowl with noodles nestling underneath the vegetables and protein. Drizzle extra peanut sauce on top for an indulgent finish. You might also try wrapping the stir-fry mixture in lettuce cups or using it as a filling for rice paper rolls, allowing the vibrant peanut sauce to shine in a new form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately if possible to keep it fresh, and reheat gently with your stir fry ingredients for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
The sauce itself freezes well if stored by itself in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before adding to your stir fry. Avoid freezing once mixed with vegetables or noodles to maintain optimal texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so over medium heat to prevent the peanut sauce from separating or becoming grainy. Add a splash of water if it feels too thick and stir constantly to restore its luscious texture. This method brings leftovers back to life without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works great but keep in mind it’s usually less sweet and more oily, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly to maintain the balance in the Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe.
Is this sauce vegetarian/vegan-friendly?
You can make the Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari and choosing plant-based protein options for the stir fry.
How spicy is this peanut sauce?
This recipe has mild warmth from the curry powder but isn’t spicy-hot by default. Feel free to add chili flakes or fresh chili to amp up the heat according to your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
What vegetables work best with this sauce?
Crunchy vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and baby corn complement the creamy texture and nutty flavor of the peanut sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a stir fry drenched in a rich, nutty sauce that’s effortlessly homemade. This Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe is a simple yet transformative addition to your kitchen repertoire, perfect for bringing a quick weeknight meal to life or impressing guests with bold flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own signature sauce!
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Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 people
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Sauce perfect for stir fries. This sauce combines savory fish sauce, soy, peanut butter, and aromatic spices, offering a rich and creamy flavor that enhances any stir-fried vegetables, proteins, and noodles. Ideal for quick weeknight meals, this sauce can be doubled for larger servings and pairs beautifully with rice noodles or fresh noodles.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp curry powder (any type)
- 1 1/2 tbsp (30 g) crunchy peanut butter, regular
- 3 tbsp water
Stir Fry
- 1 single batch Peanut Sauce (prepared above)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1–2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 180–200g (6-7 oz) protein of choice, sliced
- 3–4 cups vegetables of choice, chopped or sliced as required (grouped by cooking time)
- 100g (3.5 oz) dried rice noodles OR 180g (6 oz) fresh noodles of choice, prepared per packet instructions
- Finely chopped coriander/cilantro (for garnish)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, cornflour, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, crunchy peanut butter, and water. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring there are no lumps from the peanut butter or cornflour.
- Prepare the Stir Fry Base: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and onions start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Protein and Vegetables: Add your chosen sliced protein to the pan and stir fry until nearly cooked through, about 3-5 minutes depending on protein type. Then add vegetables grouped by cooking time, starting with those that take longer to cook first. Stir fry all together until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Sauce and Noodles: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the stir fry ingredients. Toss to coat all components evenly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly as the cornflour activates. Add pre-cooked noodles to the pan, gently mixing everything together so the noodles are well coated.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat once everything is heated through and well combined. Garnish with finely chopped coriander/cilantro and crushed peanuts before serving hot. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Fish sauce provides umami and depth; it can be substituted with soy sauce for vegetarians.
- Dark soy sauce adds color and richness; light soy sauce can be used but will result in a lighter color.
- Cornflour/cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce when heated.
- Group vegetables by cooking time; for example, add carrots and broccoli first, and quicker-cooking veggies like bell peppers last.
- Noodles should be prepared according to package instructions before adding to the stir fry.
- You can double the peanut sauce quantities for larger servings or leftovers.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but smooth peanut butter can also be used.
