Get ready to groove with a sauce that brings the funk straight to your kitchen—introducing this West African style peanut sauce! This versatile and tasty concoction dances with rich, creamy peanut butter, bold spices, and a hint of heat that'll make your taste buds boogie.

Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, stirring into stews, or jazzing up veggies, this peanut sauce is the funky flavor your meals have been waiting for. Let's get cooking!

This peanut butter sauce is a deliciously complex do it all condiment.

Related Sauce Recipes:

Peanut sauce is a flavorful and versatile sauce made primarily from peanuts or peanut butter, often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. But I've also enjoyed versions from Mexico and West Africa. It has a rich, creamy texture and a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Why I Made It

Peanut-based sauces sound weird but in reality, they are pretty common around the world. During a guys fishing trip to Cabo a few years ago, the chef we hired prepared a peanut chili salsa made with roasted peanuts and dried chilis that we couldn't get enough of.

In Thailand, peanut sauces are used on everything from noodles to chicken. This peanut butter sauce is based on West African cuisine where groundnut (peanuts) are used as a key ingredient in prominent dishes like beef suya or creamed collard greens with peanut butter and chilis. The latter dish I plan to post a version of soon.

Why You'll Love It

This version of a West African peanut sauce is rather simple and easy to make, but it packs crazy amounts of flavor. It starts with your classic French mirepoix of sauted onions, celery, and carrots as the base and then ingredients like peanut butter, fresh chilis, and fire roasted tomatoes are layered in before being pureed into a creamy sauce. Cumin and ginger are added for the additional complexity and give it a bit more bounce to the ounce.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Peanut Sauce)

Zapp's song "More Bounce to the Ounce" pairs exceptionally well with West African peanut sauce for several reasons, creating a vibrant and dynamic sensory experience:

"More Bounce to the Ounce" is a high-energy, funky track that gets listeners moving with its infectious groove and rhythm. West African peanut sauce is bold and lively, with its rich, creamy texture and layers of spices. The energy of the song complements the dynamic flavors of the sauce, making each bite feel like a celebration.

The song features intricate rhythms, basslines, and electronic elements that create a textured and layered sound. The peanut sauce combines creamy peanuts with spices like garlic and chili, resulting in a complex, multi-layered taste. Both the song and the sauce offer depth and complexity that engage the senses.

The peanut sauce is a staple in West African cuisine, reflecting rich cultural traditions. Pairing them celebrates the fusion of musical and culinary heritage, enhancing the cultural experience.

Key Ingredients Needed To Make Peanut Sauce

Onions
Fire roasted tomatoes
Birds eye chilis
Ground Cumin
Garlic cloves diced
Fresh ginger
Peanut butter (I like natural peanut butter, but any works fine)
Cilantro

How To Make (step by step)

Heat olive oil to medium in a large skillet.

Add onions, carrots and celery to the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes or until veggies soften while occasionally stirring.

Add the garlic, ginger, chilis, bay leaf, cumin, salt, and pepper stirring to coat the vegetables. Saute about 2 minutes

Stir in the tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter and cilantro then cook for 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard

Add all ingredients plus cilantro into blender and puree until smooth.

How To Use It

West African peanut sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are different ways to incorporate this delicious sauce into your meals:

1. With Grilled Meats

Chicken Skewers: Brush peanut sauce on chicken skewers before grilling for a rich, nutty flavor.
Beef Kabobs: Serve grilled beef kabobs with a side of peanut sauce for dipping.
Pork Ribs: Glaze pork ribs with the sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

2. In Stews and Soups

Chicken Stew: Add peanut sauce to a chicken and vegetable stew for a creamy, spicy twist.
Vegetable Soup: Stir into a vegetable soup to add depth and richness.
Seafood Stew: Incorporate into a seafood stew for an unexpected but delightful flavor.

4. As a Dipping Sauce

Spring Rolls: Use as a dip for fresh or fried spring rolls.
Vegetable Crudités: Serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Chicken Wings: Dip crispy chicken wings into the sauce for a flavorful snack.

5. In Sandwiches and Wraps

Chicken Wrap: Spread on a tortilla and fill with grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Vegetarian Wrap: Use as a base for a wrap filled with grilled vegetables and chickpeas.
Banh Mi: Add a twist to a traditional Banh Mi sandwich by spreading some peanut sauce on the baguette.

6. With Noodles and Pasta

Peanut Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles, vegetables, and protein for a quick and flavorful meal.
Pasta Salad: Use as a dressing for a cold pasta salad with bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots.
Stir-Fry: Add to a noodle stir-fry for a creamy, spicy coating on the noodles.

7. As a Marinade

Chicken Marinade: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in peanut sauce before baking or grilling.
Tofu Marinade: Coat tofu cubes in peanut sauce and bake until crispy.
Shrimp Marinade: Marinate shrimp in the sauce and then grill or sauté.

8. With Vegetables

Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add to a vegetable stir-fry for a rich, nutty flavor.
Grilled Corn: Brush on grilled corn on the cob for a tasty side dish.

9. In Salads

Green Salad: Use as a salad dressing for a green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Cabbage Slaw: Mix with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions for a peanut slaw.
Cold Noodle Salad: Toss with cold noodles, chopped vegetables, and herbs for a refreshing salad.

Peanut Butter Sauce Cooking Tips

Use unsalted creamy peanut butter which allows you to control for sodium amount
Use a grater to add fresh grated ginger to the sauce instead of finely chopped
Deseed and devein the chilis unless you prefer a kicked up hot AF sauce
Use cumin seeds, toast them slightly in a skillet and grind in a coffee grinder for more flavor
Use the sauce for dishes like shrimp and chicken or vegetables like cauliflower, portobello mushrooms, or cabbage steaks
If you prefer a thinner consistency, then add stock or water
Olive oil is the preferred oil but feel free to replace with toasted sesame oil for more of an Asian profile.

How To Balance Flavor

Balancing flavors in peanut sauce is essential to achieving a harmonious and delicious taste. Here’s how you can adjust the key elements to create a well-balanced sauce:

Sweetness

Add Sweeteners: If the sauce is too salty or spicy, add a bit more sugar, honey, or brown sugar to balance it out. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

Saltiness

Add Soy Sauce or Salt: If the sauce is too sweet or bland, add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt. Be cautious and add gradually, tasting as you go.
Dilute: If it becomes too salty, dilute the sauce with a bit of water

Acidity

Add Lime Juice or Vinegar: For a tangy balance, add a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar. This helps to cut through the richness of the peanut butter and brighten the overall flavor.

Spiciness

Add Chili Peppers or Chili Paste: If you like it spicy, incorporate more chili peppers, chili paste, or a dash of hot sauce.

Umami

Add Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce: For a deeper umami flavor, add a small amount of fish sauce or additional soy sauce.
Ground Crayfish or Shrimp Paste: These ingredients can also enhance the umami profile of the sauce.

Tips for Balancing Flavors

Taste Frequently: Continuously taste the sauce as you adjust the flavors to ensure you achieve the perfect balance.
Small Adjustments: Make adjustments in small increments to avoid overpowering any single flavor.
Combine Well: Use a whisk or blender to thoroughly mix the ingredients after each adjustment, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Let it Sit: Allow the sauce to sit for a few minutes after adjusting the flavors. This helps the ingredients meld together and gives you a better sense of the final taste.

Helpful Swaps

If you're looking for swaps and substitutes for a peanut sauce recipe, there are plenty of options that can accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply different taste preferences. Here are some helpful alternatives:

Chili Peppers

Habanero, Thai chili peppers, or red pepper flakes can be used in place of bird's eye chilis for that slight kick

Nut and Seed Butters

Almond Butter provides a similar creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Cashew Butter offers a milder, creamier alternative that still achieves the desired consistency.

Sweetener

Maple Syrup or Honey serve as natural sweeteners that offer a slightly different flavor profile.

Vinegars and Acids

Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers some acidity with a slightly different flavor profile.
Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy acidity that brightens the sauce.

Aromatics

Ginger Powder is a good substitute for Fresh ginger. Offers a similar flavor in a more convenient, shelf-stable form.
Garlic Powder is a good substitute for fresh garlic. It is easier to incorporate and distribute evenly throughout the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Peanut sauce is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different flavor profiles and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations on peanut sauce:

Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce

Ingredients: Peanut butter, coconut milk, low sodium soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, and crushed red pepper.

Sweet and Tangy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients: Peanut butter, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of orange juice.

Savory Garlic Peanut Sauce

Ingredients: Peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a dash of sriracha.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Proper storage of peanut sauce can extend its shelf life and maintain its quality. Here are some storage tips to ensure your peanut sauce stays fresh and flavorful:

Use Airtight Containers

Glass Jars: Store peanut sauce in glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Glass is non-reactive and helps preserve the sauce's flavor.
Plastic Containers: Use BPA-free plastic containers with airtight lids to prevent air and moisture from affecting the sauce.

Refrigeration

Cool Storage: Always store peanut sauce in the refrigerator. The cool temperature slows down the growth of bacteria and extends the shelf life.
Duration: Peanut sauce can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.

Make This Recipe

Creamy West African peanut sauce is a delightful and versatile addition to any condiment collection. Its rich, nutty flavor, combined with aromatic spices, brings a unique and comforting taste to a wide variety of dishes. Whether drizzled over grilled meats, stirred into stews, or used as a dipping sauce, this peanut sauce enhances every meal with its depth and warmth.

Easy to store and perfect for multiple applications, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to explore and enjoy the vibrant flavors of West African cuisine. So, get ready to elevate your cooking with this delectable sauce that promises to bring joy and satisfaction to your table.

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"more bounce to the ounce" West African peanut sauce