Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

10 minutes
Temperature: Room temperature
Serving size: Makes about 1 cup of sauce

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used instead of peanut butter.
- Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey.
- Olive oil or avocado oil can be used instead of sesame oil.

Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Add a tablespoon of fish sauce for a more authentic Vietnamese flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Add a tablespoon of chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh herb flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a whisk or blender to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water or peanut butter.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Serve the sauce as a dip for spring rolls, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Reheating instructions:
- The sauce can be served at room temperature or heated in a microwave or on the stovetop.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve with spring rolls, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Vietnamese noodle salad, steamed rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water or vinegar to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too salty, add more honey or peanut butter to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Do not leave the sauce at room temperature for more than two hours.

Food history:
- Peanut sauce is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai and Vietnamese dishes.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, nutty, salty, sweet, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce as a dip or dressing for spring rolls, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Related Categories

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Region: Vietnamese

Taste: Savory, Nutty, Spicy, Creamy, Tangy