Thai-Inspired Peanut Dressing: A Culinary Treasure from My Travels
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A creamy, Thai-inspired peanut dressing blending sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors—perfect for salads, grilled dishes, or dipping!
Thailand has always inspired me in the kitchen. Its vibrant culture and incredible food offer endless ideas for new recipes. During my visits, I had the chance to explore Thai cuisine deeply. The way Thai cooking balances sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy flavors amazed me. This Thai-inspired Peanut Dressing is my way of bringing those flavors into your kitchen. It’s not strictly traditional but draws on the bold flavors I learned during a cooking class in Chiang Mai.
Thai food is all about harmony. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance. This dressing blends creamy peanut butter, the caramel-like sweetness of palm sugar, the brightness of lime juice, and the warmth of sriracha. The result is a versatile dressing that can transform any dish. Use it to dress salads, drizzle over grilled chicken, or as a dip for spring rolls.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
- Peanut Butter: This adds creaminess and nuttiness to the dressing. While not traditional, it’s convenient and works well.
- Palm Sugar: A classic Thai ingredient that gives a subtle caramel sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors with its tangy, citrusy notes.
- Sriracha: Brings customizable heat to tie everything together.
- Sesame Oil: A toasty, nutty touch that enhances the overall depth.
The Technique
Making this dressing is simple, but technique matters. Dissolve the palm sugar in soy sauce to ensure smoothness. Gradually whisk peanut butter with the liquids to avoid lumps. Add water in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency. This gives you control and ensures the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Pairing Suggestions
This dressing pairs beautifully with a Thai-inspired salad of crisp greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. It also works wonderfully as a sauce for grilled chicken with lime zest or as a dip for fresh spring rolls.
This Thai-inspired Peanut Dressing brings vibrant Thai flavors to your table with a modern twist. It’s simple to make and full of personality.
Let me know how it turns out by sharing it with #FoodieRoam!
Ingredients
Servings4 servings
- 1 ½ tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Palm Sugar grated or finely chopped
- 4 tbsp Peanut Butter
- 1 ½ tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 clove Garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Water to thin, as needed
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Prep time10 minutes
Total time10 minutes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and grated palm sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. If necessary, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Add peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the desired consistency is reached. Use less water for a thicker dressing or more for a thinner sauce.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors to your preference. Add more lime juice for tanginess, palm sugar for sweetness, or sriracha for heat.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using.
Our notes
Adjust the consistency by adding water gradually to achieve your preferred thickness.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; stir before using.
While inspired by Thai flavors, this recipe is a modern adaptation and not strictly traditional