Last week, I felt like eating something different, so I thought, why not try making Thai food at home? I knew one of the main things that makes Thai food taste so good is the Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce.
I usually buy the tasty one from Trader Joe’s, but this time it was all sold out.
“Let me try making it myself!” I looked up the recipe on a trusted online platform that I often use for cooking ideas.
So, I made a copycat version of the Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe. It turned out great – full of peanut flavor, not too thick, and very delicious. It costs much less than buying it from the store.
What I love about this sauce is how fast and simple it is. You just mix everything in one bowl, and it’s ready in a few minutes.
This peanut sauce is great for dipping or adding to your favorite meals. It’s made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, lime juice, ginger, and soy sauce.
You can enjoy it with chicken satay, stir-fried vegetables, or even a bowl of rice – it tastes good with almost anything!
Why You’ll LOVE This Copycat Recipe
The flavor is spot-on to the original Trader Joe’s version, but I think mine tastes even better because it’s fresh.
You control every ingredient that goes into it, so you know exactly what you’re eating. Plus, you can adjust the taste to match your family’s preferences.
The cost savings are huge too. One jar of Trader Joe’s peanut sauce costs around $3 but this homemade version costs less than $2 to make and gives you the same amount.
You’ll have enough sauce for multiple meals, and it stays fresh in your fridge for up to few days.
Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Ingredients
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/3 cup): Use all-natural creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. Make sure it’s well-stirred before measuring. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be substituted for nut allergies, but the taste will be different.
- Fresh Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh lime juice is much better than bottled lime juice. Rolling the lime on the counter before cutting helps get more juice out. Fresh lemon juice can be used as a substitute if limes aren’t available.
- Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Pure maple syrup adds the perfect sweetness to balance salty and spicy flavors. Honey or agave syrup can be used instead, but maple syrup provides the best flavor.
- Tamari (2 tablespoons): Regular soy sauce works perfectly if gluten-free options are not necessary. For soy-free diets, coconut aminos can be used, but use 3 tablespoons since it is less salty.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adds the perfect amount of heat and flavor. Start with less for a milder taste, or add more for extra heat. Any preferred hot sauce can be substituted.
- Fresh Ginger (1 inch piece, minced): Fresh ginger is key to achieving authentic Thai flavor. Peel ginger with a spoon and mince finely. Ground ginger is less effective; use 1/4 teaspoon if only ground ginger is available.
- Fresh Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh garlic makes a big difference. Mince very finely to avoid large chunks in the sauce. Garlic powder won’t provide the same fresh taste.
- Water (1-2 tablespoons): Helps thin the sauce to the desired consistency. Start with one tablespoon and add more as needed.
Recommended Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl: Easy to mix all ingredients without mess.
- Whisk or spoon: Helps blend the sauce smooth.
- Microplane or grater: Quickly minces garlic and ginger.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Airtight container: Keeps sauce fresh in the fridge.
How To Make Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
Step 1 | Add the peanut butter
Add 1/3 cup of smooth, all-natural peanut butter to a large bowl. It should be at room temperature so it mixes easily. If it’s cold and firm, let it sit out for a bit before using.
Step 2 | Squeeze in the lime juice
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to the bowl. The acidity helps loosen the peanut butter and adds a bright, tangy flavor.
tep 3 | Add the maple syrup
Pour in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to balance the sauce with a subtle sweetness.
tep 4 | Stir in tamari and sriracha
Add 2 tablespoons of tamari for deep, savory flavor, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha for a gentle, balanced heat.
Step 5 | Grate the ginger and garlic
Use a microplane to finely grate 1 inch of fresh ginger and 1 clove of garlic directly into the bowl. These fresh ingredients bring sharp, aromatic notes that elevate the sauce.
Step 6 | Mix until smooth
Stir all the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about a minute of steady stirring.
Step 7 | Adjust the consistency
Add 1 tablespoon of water and stir to loosen the sauce. If a thinner texture is desired, continue adding water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 8 | Taste and adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust if needed. Add more sriracha for extra heat, maple syrup for added sweetness, or lime juice for more brightness.
Step 9 | Let the flavors develop and serve
The sauce can be used immediately, but letting it sit for 30 minutes allows the flavors to fully come together.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Don’t over-thin: Start with less water and add more slowly to get the perfect thickness
- If it’s a little salty: A splash of lime juice or maple syrup can help balance the flavor
- If it’s a bit too sweet: Try adding a bit of soy sauce or lime juice to mellow it out
- For easier mixing: Let your peanut butter come to room temperature first
- For the best flavor: Fresh ingredients work even better than dried or powdered ones
How to Use Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
The first thing that comes to mind for using up peanut sauce is as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken skewers or chicken satay.
The sauce is very versatile and can be used in many different ways. For example, it works perfectly as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken skewers or chicken satay.
You can also drizzle it over a fresh salad with cabbage, carrots, and cilantro for a flavorful twist. It’s great spread on wraps with veggies for a tasty lunch.
Another favorite is tossing it with rice noodles and stir-fried vegetables to make a quick and easy noodle dish.
Make a Large Batch Peanut Satay Sauce
I always make extra sauce because it keeps well and I use it so often during the week. This recipe is easy to double or triple if you want to make a big batch.
Just double or triple the ingredients – use 1 cup peanut butter, 6 tablespoons lime juice, 6 tablespoons maple syrup, and so on.
Mix it in a bigger bowl to keep things simple. This is great for meal prep or if you’re feeding a crowd. Making more at once saves time and means I always have delicious sauce ready when I need it.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can make this sauce ahead and store it easily. I keep mine in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 5 days.
The sauce gets thicker after it chills. So when you pull it out again, just add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water and stir it well.
I don’t recommend freezing this one because the texture changes a lot. But it only takes a few minutes to whip up fresh, so I just make small batches more often.
You’ll know it’s no longer good if it smells sour or changes color.
Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chunky peanut butter for this sauce?
Chunky peanut butter gives your sauce a little extra crunch. You might need a little more water to thin the sauce out, but the flavor will be just as rich.
2. Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?
Peanut butter brands are different. Some are thicker than others. If your sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it’s right. If it’s too thin, add a little more peanut butter. The sauce also thickens up in the fridge, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first. Room temperature is the best way to judge the final thickness.
3. Can I make this sauce without garlic?
You can skip the garlic if you need to. The sauce will still taste good, just not as complex. Try adding a tiny pinch of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
4. How long does copycat peanut sauce last compared to store-bought?
Homemade sauce lasts about five days in the fridge because it doesn’t have preservatives. Store-bought versions last longer because of added chemicals. Always smell your sauce before using it.
5. Can I use a blender to mix the sauce?
Absolutely! A blender makes it super smooth, especially if you’re using crunchy peanut butter or want a really creamy texture. Just toss all the ingredients in, blend until smooth, and add water a little at a time to get the right consistency.
6. Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes! It’s great for chicken, tofu, or shrimp—just thin it a bit more.
Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Add 1/3 cup of smooth, all-natural peanut butter to a large bowl. It should be at room temperature so it mixes easily. If it’s cold and firm, let it sit out for a bit before using.
- Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to the bowl. The acidity helps loosen the peanut butter and adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to balance the sauce with a subtle sweetness.
- Add 2 tablespoons of tamari for deep, savory flavor, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha for a gentle, balanced heat.
- Use a microplane to finely grate 1 inch of fresh ginger and 1 clove of garlic directly into the bowl. These fresh ingredients bring sharp, aromatic notes that elevate the sauce.
- Stir all the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about a minute of steady stirring.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water and stir to loosen the sauce. If a thinner texture is desired, continue adding water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust if needed. Add more sriracha for extra heat, maple syrup for added sweetness, or lime juice for more brightness.
- The sauce can be used immediately, but letting it sit for 30 minutes allows the flavors to fully come together.
This Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe has become one of my most-used recipes in the kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and so much better than store-bought versions.
The fresh ingredients make all the difference, and you’ll love how easy it is to customize to your taste.
Give this recipe a try and see why homemade peanut sauce is always the best choice.
