Creamy Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce
Elevate your fresh spring rolls with this rich and flavorful Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce. A delightful blend of roasted peanuts, savory hoisin, and aromatic garlic, this sauce adds an unforgettable creamy texture and a touch of heat to your favorite rice paper rolls. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it's an easy-to-make sauce that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Plus, it's adaptable for various diets—just use gluten-free hoisin sauces if needed! Get ready to dip, dunk, and enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasted peanuts
1/4 cup (ground, for garnish)
Peanut oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Chili paste or sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon
Chicken broth or water
1/2 cup
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons
Sugar
3/4 teaspoon
Peanut butter
2 tablespoons (or more as desired)
Hoisin sauce
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and chili paste (or sriracha) to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes golden brown and fragrant.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the flavors meld together.
4
Slowly add in the chicken broth (or water), stirring continuously to combine.
5
Whisk in the sugar, peanut butter, and hoisin sauce until the mixture is smooth and the peanut butter is fully incorporated.
6
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
8
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with ground roasted peanuts for added texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce?
It is a rich and savory condiment made from peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and aromatics, traditionally served with Vietnamese spring rolls.
What are the primary ingredients in this sauce?
The main ingredients include roasted peanuts, peanut oil, garlic, chili paste or sriracha, chicken broth, tomato paste, sugar, peanut butter, and hoisin sauce.
How can I make this peanut sauce gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply ensure you use a certified gluten-free hoisin sauce, as standard versions often contain wheat.
Can I substitute chicken broth?
Yes, you can use water or vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth if you prefer.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild touch of heat from the chili paste or sriracha, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can use crunchy if you prefer more bits of peanut throughout.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The sauce is very quick to make, taking only about 5-7 minutes of active cooking time.
What is the purpose of tomato paste in this recipe?
Tomato paste adds a deep savory flavor (umami) and contributes to the rich color of the sauce.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the recipe completely vegan.
How should I serve the peanut dipping sauce?
Serve it warm or at room temperature in a small bowl, garnished with ground roasted peanuts.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It is the perfect accompaniment for fresh rice paper spring rolls, summer rolls, or even grilled chicken skewers.
Can I store leftover sauce?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How do I reheat the sauce?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
What if I don't have peanut oil?
You can substitute peanut oil with any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Is the sugar necessary?
The sugar helps balance the saltiness of the hoisin and the acidity of the tomato paste, but it can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of chili paste?
Yes, minced fresh Thai chilies can be used if you prefer a sharper heat.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir-fry the minced garlic for only 1-2 minutes over medium heat until it is golden brown and fragrant.
Can I freeze this peanut sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may separate or become grainy upon thawing.
How do I garnish the sauce?
Top the sauce with about 1/4 cup of ground roasted peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more broth or water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
What if the sauce is too thin?
You can thicken the sauce by simmering it for a few extra minutes or whisking in an additional tablespoon of peanut butter.
Can I use almond butter instead?
While it will change the flavor profile, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, you can make a large batch ahead of time and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Does this sauce contain allergens?
Yes, this recipe contains peanuts and may contain soy and gluten depending on the hoisin sauce used.
Can I skip the hoisin sauce?
Hoisin is a key flavor component, but in a pinch, you could use a mix of soy sauce and honey, though the taste will differ significantly.
How much sauce does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 1 to 1.5 cups of dipping sauce.
Why should I simmer the sauce?
Simmering for 3 minutes allows the flavors to meld and ensures the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Is this an authentic Vietnamese recipe?
This is a popular style of peanut sauce found in many Vietnamese-American households and restaurants.
Can I use light or dark brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used for a slightly deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
Can I add lime juice?
Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can provide a nice citrusy brightness if desired.