Easy Satay Dipping Sauce

Name: Satay Dipping Sauce
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cup coconut milk; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural preferable); 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce); 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed); 2 1/4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste; 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional - replace with soy sauce if desired); ½ tablespoon Tamarind puree (optional); 1 pinch salt; 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed, adjust to your tastes)

An easy Satay Sauce that’s rich, nutty, and ready in under 5 minutes! Made with simple pantry ingredients, this satay sauce recipe delivers that irresistible sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavor you know and love. Drizzle it over grilled chicken, beef skewers, seafood, or even roasted veggies for instant satay magic at home.

The only challenge? Resisting the urge to skip the skewers altogether. This peanut satay sauce is so good, you’ll find yourself “taste-testing” straight from the pan… and suddenly wondering where half of it went. Serve it as a satay dipping sauce or spoon it over your favorite mains; either way, you’ll be hooked.

What Makes This Satay Sauce Work

This satay sauce recipe is ready in minutes yet loaded with flavor. Creamy peanut butter, savory soy sauce, and rich coconut milk create a smooth, velvety base, while chili adds gentle heat and lime brightens every bite. Perfect as a satay dipping sauce or drizzled over grilled meats, noodles, and veggies, this peanut satay sauce instantly elevates any dish.

What Goes Into Satay Sauce

Top shot of ingredients: Coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, garlic, tamarind puree, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, salt, Thai red curry paste, and Kecap Manis.

This satay sauce recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a bold, restaurant-style flavor in minutes.

Coconut Milk: Creates a silky base and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy notes.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of any good peanut satay sauce, giving it a nutty richness and smooth texture.
Kecap Manis: This thick, sweet soy sauce adds caramel-like depth and authentic satay flavor.
Thai Red Curry Paste: Brings gentle heat, fragrant spices, and that unmistakable satay warmth.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Satay Sauce

Combine Ingredients: Add coconut milk, peanut butter, kecap manis, sugar, curry paste, fish sauce, tamarind, salt, and garlic to a saucepan. Whisk until smooth.

Simmer Until Thick: Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Simmer, stirring often, until glossy and slightly thick, 5 to 6 minutes.

Finish With Lime: Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice, starting with 1 tablespoon. Taste and add more lime to balance sweetness and heat.

Serve Warm: Serve as a dipping sauce for chicken, seafood, or beef, or drizzle over noodles and veggies. Loosen with a splash of water if needed.

This satay dipping sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and even veggie dishes. Try served as a dipping sauce for Crispy Oven Fried Beer Batter Crumbed Shrimp. You can also spoon it over Singapore Zoodle Stir Fry With Chicken or use it as a rich, nutty dressing for Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad + Mango Avocado Salsa.

Is Satay Sauce Always Made With Peanuts?

Traditionally, yes, peanuts give satay dipping sauce its signature flavor. For allergies, you can swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter.

How Do I Make Satay Sauce Spicier?

Add extra Thai red curry paste or a pinch of chili flakes while simmering. You can also stir in sriracha for an extra kick without altering the texture.

Why Is My Satay Sauce Too Thick?

It thickens as it cools. Simply whisk in a little warm water or coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency