The easiest sauce for dipping spring rolls, chicken satay, or tofu nuggets. Save this recipe for the best 3-ingredient peanut sauce.

3 Ingredient peanut sauce in a small bowl with a hand spooning the sauce

As a dietitian, I can tell you that a good sauce makes everything better. Especially when you’re trying to eat a little healthier, satisfying sauce will make nutritious foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains a lot easier to eat.

That’s why you’ll love this 3-ingredient peanut sauce! As the name suggests, it couldn’t be easier to make so it won’t add any time or effort to your busy weeknights. But when you pour or dip this sauce with your favorite nutritious meals, you’ll feel 1000x more satisfied. That’s just a fact!

Learn how to make this simple recipe and some suggested swaps, additions, and tips.

Why you’ll love it

3 ingredients: You’ll only need three simple ingredients to prepare this tasty sauce.

Customizable: I’ve given lots of suggestions for swaps and additions to make this sauce work for you.

One bowl: Save time on dishes because this easy recipe is whipped up in one bowl.

Tasty: It might be low effort, but this 3-ingredient peanut sauce is still bursting with flavor.

Easy to store: Prep this sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge all week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Soy sauce — swap for tamari or low sodium soy sauce if desired
  • Chili crisp condiment — swap for sriracha
  • Natural peanut butter — you can use crunchy for extra texture

There’s an optional fourth ingredient… water! Use this to thin your sauce as needed.

How to make

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.

Ingredients for 3-ingredient peanut sauce in a white bowl, unmixed

Whisk together until combined and smooth. This may take 1-2 minutes.

3-Ingredient peanut sauce mixed in a white bowl with a fork.

Taste and adjust sauce as desired. Add water to thin (1 Tbsp at a time), or add more chili crisp for extra spice.

3-ingredient peanut sauce in a white bowl with a fork, thinned out with a splash of water.

Dietary restrictions

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Lower salt: Use low sodium soy sauce.

Nut-free: Swap peanut butter for tahini.

How to serve

You can use this tasty sauce as a dip or drizzle.

Dip with:

  • Spring rolls
  • Summer rolls
  • Chicken satay
  • Tofu nuggets
  • Veggie wrap

Drizzle on:

  • Rice bowls
  • Grain bowls
  • Sheet tray meals
  • Noodle dishes
  • Salads

Tips and tricks

  • Use a fresh and “drippy” natural peanut butter (older peanut butter can be dry)
  • Use a larger bowl than you think you’ll need to avoid spilling when mixing
  • Your sauce will appear chunky at first — just keep stirring!
A small white bowl of 3-ingredient peanut sauce sitting on a wood board near a green checkered kitchen towel and a jar of chili crisp

Extra mix-ins

If you have extra time and ingredients, add some of these for extra flavor:

  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Grated garlic
  • Rice wine vinegar
  • Chopped hot peppers
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Sweet Thai chili sauce
  • Diced green onions or chives
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chopped peanuts

How to store

You can store this 3-ingredient peanut sauce in any food container or jar with a lid.

Store in the fridge for up to a week. Stir before serving.

Common questions

How long will this stay good in the fridge?

This peanut sauce stays good in the fridge for up to one week. If you add any fresh ingredients (like garlic), the sauce will last 3-4 days.

If I have time for a few extra ingredients, what would you suggest adding?

There are lots of suggestions for extra ingredients in the post above! If I were to prioritize the yummiest and most impactful mix-ins, I’d say honey, lime juice, and garlic will give you the most flavor.

Where can I find chili crisp condiment?

“Crunchy Chili Onion” by Trader Joe’s is the best-known version of this condiment. However, you can also find it in the international aisle at most grocers. I find these versions tastier, too!

Is it okay if my peanut butter is salted?

I would recommend using unsalted peanut butter for this recipe, or the sauce will be too salty.

Did you try this recipe?

Leave your rating and review below! And don’t forget to post a picture to Instagram, and tag me @real.life.nutritionist.

3 Ingredient peanut sauce in a small bowl with a hand spooning the sauce
5 from 1 vote

The Best 3-Ingredient Peanut Sauce

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
The easiest sauce for dipping spring rolls, chicken satay, or tofu nuggets. Save this recipe for the best 3-ingredient peanut sauce.

Ingredients
 

  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, make sure it's drippy
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp chili crisp, or sriracha
  • 2-4 Tbsp water, optional to thin

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
  • Whisk together until combined and smooth. This may take 1-2 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust sauce as desired. Add water to thin (1 Tbsp at a time), or add more chili crisp for extra spice.
Calories: 102kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 506mg, Potassium: 109mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dips and Dressings, Sauces