This Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with peanut butter, hoisin sauce, garlic, and coconut milk, it’s the perfect dip for spring rolls, grilled meats, and more!
Let’s talk about that moment—the one where you try a sauce so good, so ridiculously flavorful, that you start planning your life around it.
For me, it happened at a tiny, family-owned Vietnamese restaurant tucked into the corner of a strip mall. You know the type—nothing fancy, but the kind of place where you know the food’s gonna be good. I was there for the fresh spring rolls, but the real star of the show? The peanut sauce.
I dipped my first roll, took a bite, and immediately paused. My brain stopped processing everything else. Conversations faded into the background. The world didn’t exist—just me and this ridiculously good Vietnamese peanut sauce.
So, obviously, I did what any food-obsessed person would do: I asked the server what was in it. She just smiled and said, “Secret family recipe.” Challenge accepted.
After several failed attempts (and one batch that was so thick I could literally stand a spoon up in it), I finally nailed it. And now, I can confidently say this homemade Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe is better than anything you’ll find in a jar.
Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe?
- It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, just stir, heat, and you’re done.
- It’s creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced. Sweet, salty, a little savory—it’s all there.
- It works on everything. Dip it, drizzle it, pour it over noodles, slather it on grilled meats.
- It’s better than store-bought. No weird preservatives, no artificial aftertaste—just pure, peanutty perfection.
Ingredient Notes:
A great Vietnamese peanut sauce is all about balance. Too thick? It’s overwhelming. Too thin? It won’t cling to anything. This version? Just right.
- Olive Oil – Helps bring out the garlic’s flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic – Because what is life without garlic? Adds that deep, savory kick.
- Hoisin Sauce – A little sweet, a little tangy, a little umami—it’s essential.
- Peanut Butter – The star of the show. Creamy peanut butter gives the best texture.
- Coconut Milk – Makes everything silky smooth and adds just a touch of sweetness.
- Water – Helps adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Salt – A pinch makes all the flavors pop.
- Roasted Peanuts – For a little crunch on top. Highly recommend.
How To Make Vietnamese Peanut Sauce?
If you can stir, you can make this sauce.
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Don’t overdo it—burnt garlic is not the vibe we’re going for.
Step 2: Stir in the Hoisin & Peanut Butter
Pour in the hoisin sauce and stir it around for a few seconds. Then, add the peanut butter and mix. It’s gonna look super thick at first—don’t panic, that’s normal.
Step 3: Add Coconut Milk & Water
Slowly pour in coconut milk and stir until everything is combined. Once the sauce starts to simmer, add ¼ to ⅓ cup of water (depending on how thick you want it). Want it extra creamy? Swap some of the water for more coconut milk.
Step 4: Season & Simmer
Keep the heat low—no boiling! Add a pinch of salt, give it a taste, and adjust if needed. If you want a little extra depth, a splash of soy sauce works wonders.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle roasted peanuts on top, and dig in! It’s best served warm, but honestly, it’s good straight from the fridge too.
Storage Options:
If you don’t eat it all in one sitting (impressive, honestly), here’s how to save it:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here’s how to switch it up:
- Make it spicy – Add sriracha, chili flakes, or sambal oelek.
- Make it soy-free – Swap hoisin for coconut aminos.
- Go nut-free – Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Sweeten it up – Stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
What to Serve with Vietnamese Peanut Sauce?
You will find excuses to use this sauce on everything. Trust me.
- Spring Rolls – The classic pairing. A must.
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu – Drizzle it on top for an instant upgrade.
- Noodles – Toss with vermicelli for easy peanut noodles.
- Stir-Fries – Works as a sauce base for veggies, tofu, or meat.
- Veggie Dip – Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers—so good.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! It actually tastes better after sitting overnight because the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently before serving.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Easy fix—just stir in a little water or coconut milk until it’s just right.
Is this gluten-free?
Not as written—hoisin sauce contains gluten. But you can swap it for gluten-free hoisin sauce or use tamari with a little honey instead.
Are You Ready to Become Obsessed with This Sauce?
This Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe is the sauce I make the most. It’s quick, easy, and somehow makes everything taste better.
So, what’s the first thing you’re dipping in it? Spring rolls? Noodles? Your spoon? (No judgment.) Let me know—I love hearing what people do with this sauce!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup peanut butter preferably creamy
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ¼ to ⅓ cup water adjust to desired consistency
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1¼ teaspoons roasted peanuts for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Garlic
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 10 seconds, or until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it may result in a bitter flavor.
Incorporate Hoisin Sauce and Peanut Butter
- Add the hoisin sauce to the saucepan and stir for about 10 seconds, allowing it to loosen in consistency. Then, add the peanut butter and stir until the mixture begins to combine.
Add Coconut Milk and Adjust Consistency
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth texture. Once the sauce begins to simmer, gradually add ¼ to ⅓ cup of water, adjusting to your preferred thickness. If a richer sauce is desired, additional coconut milk may be used instead of water.
Simmer and Season
- Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, ensuring the sauce does not boil. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of salt, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, a small amount of soy sauce may be added for additional depth of flavor.
Serve and Garnish
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before use. Garnish with roasted peanuts for added texture. Serve warm or at room temperature as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled meats, or noodles.
Notes
- Use gluten-free hoisin sauce – Traditional hoisin sauce contains wheat. Opt for a certified gluten-free brand.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari – If using soy sauce for additional seasoning, substitute it with gluten-free tamari.
- Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free – While most are naturally free of gluten, check the labels of peanut butter and coconut milk for potential cross-contamination.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
