Authentic Thai Peanut Sauce (Nam Jim Satay)
This homemade Thai Peanut Sauce, known as Nam Jim Satay, is a rich and flavorful accompaniment perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite grilled meats and vegetables. Inspired by traditional Thai cuisine, this sauce combines the creaminess of roasted peanuts with the bold flavors of garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk. Whether you're serving it with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp satay, this versatile sauce will elevate your dishes and introduce a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes. Enjoy it as a dip, dressing, or marinade, and experience the delicious essence of Thailand from your own kitchen.
1
Servings
720
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasted unsalted peanuts
4 ounces (Whole)
Garlic cloves
3-4 cloves (Chopped)
Onion
1 ounce (Chopped)
Red curry paste or massaman curry paste
1-2 tablespoons (To taste)
Fish sauce
1 teaspoon (Liquid)
Coconut milk
8 tablespoons (Canned)
Lime juice
4-6 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Palm sugar
2-3 teaspoons (Granulated)
Chicken stock
As needed (To thin if necessary)
Instructions
1
If using peanut butter, feel free to substitute it for fresh peanuts in this recipe.
2
For fresh peanuts, begin by grinding or crushing them into a fairly fine powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed peanuts with chopped garlic, chopped onion, red or massaman curry paste, fish sauce, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
4
Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth and creamy sauce, adjusting the consistency by adding chicken stock if it becomes too thick.
5
Gradually incorporate the lime juice, tasting as you go to achieve your desired balance of flavors. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your preference.
6
It's important to note that if you're preparing beef or pork satay, use red curry paste; for chicken, opt for massaman curry paste; and if you're making shrimp satay, use half the amount of massaman paste for the right flavor intensity.
Nutrition Information
62g
Fat
40g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nam Jim Satay?
Nam Jim Satay is an authentic Thai peanut sauce characterized by its rich, creamy texture and a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Can I use peanut butter instead of whole peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter for fresh peanuts if you prefer a quicker preparation method.
How do I prepare the peanuts for this sauce?
If using fresh peanuts, you should grind or crush them into a fairly fine powder using a food processor or a mortar and pestle.
Which curry paste should I use for beef satay?
For beef or pork satay, it is recommended to use red curry paste.
What curry paste is best for chicken satay?
Massaman curry paste is the preferred choice when serving this sauce with chicken satay.
How do I adjust the recipe for shrimp satay?
When making shrimp satay, use half the amount of massaman curry paste to achieve the correct flavor intensity.
What ingredients make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from the combination of ground roasted peanuts and coconut milk.
How can I thin out the peanut sauce?
If the sauce becomes too thick during blending, you can gradually add chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
What type of sugar is used in authentic Thai peanut sauce?
Palm sugar is used to provide the traditional sweetness found in Thai cuisine.
How do I add acidity to the sauce?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is added to the mixture to balance the sweetness and fat.
Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce has a spicy element due to the red or massaman curry paste, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Can this sauce be used as a marinade?
Yes, this versatile sauce can be used as a dip, a dressing, or a marinade for various meats.
What are the primary flavor notes of Nam Jim Satay?
The sauce features a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes with a rich nutty base.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
There are approximately 720 calories in the full recipe serving.
How much protein is in this peanut sauce?
This recipe contains 24 grams of protein, primarily from the peanuts.
What kind of peanuts should I buy?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of roasted unsalted peanuts.
Does this recipe contain fish sauce?
Yes, one teaspoon of fish sauce is included to add a savory umami depth to the sauce.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 to 4 chopped garlic cloves for aromatic flavor.
Can I use a food processor for the whole process?
Yes, a food processor is ideal for grinding the peanuts and blending the mixture into a smooth sauce.
How much coconut milk is required?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of canned coconut milk.
Is onion used in this sauce?
Yes, one ounce of chopped onion is blended into the sauce.
How do I balance the flavors?
You should taste the sauce as you gradually incorporate lime juice and sugar to reach your preferred balance.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it contains fish sauce and chicken stock; however, these can be substituted with soy sauce and vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
What is the total fat content?
The sauce contains 62 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the sauce?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates in this recipe.
Is it okay to use salted peanuts?
It is best to use unsalted peanuts so you can control the salt levels via the fish sauce and curry paste.
Can I serve this with vegetables?
Yes, it is an excellent accompaniment for grilled vegetables or as a dip for raw crudites.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe as listed is intended for one large serving or multiple smaller dipping portions.
What type of curry paste is more versatile?
Both Red and Massaman are used, but Massaman is specifically recommended for chicken and shrimp variations in this dish.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, the flavors often develop more if left to sit, but you may need to thin it with more stock before serving if it thickens in the fridge.