Vietnamese peanut sauce: An indispensable sauce to perfect your dishes

Vietnamese peanut sauce is simply irresistible when paired with boiled food, fresh veggies, or pho rolls. Don’t miss the chance to taste some special dishes with this flavorful sauce in Vietnam.

While you are in Vietnam, besides visiting famous tourist attractions, enjoying Vietnamese traditional dishes served with Vietnamese peanut sauce (“sốt bơ đậu phộng” or “sốt bơ lạc” in Vietnamese) should be one of the top activities on your bucket list. Read on to discover some interesting facts about this essential sauce, an authentic Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe, and some must-try dishes with it.

1. What is Vietnamese peanut sauce made of?

Being one of the most popular types of Vietnamese dipping sauces, Vietnamese peanut sauce captivates every palate from the very first bite, thanks to its rich and impressive flavor. The sauce is a flavorful blend of peanut butter, hoisin sauce, hot chili peppers, and water. It can vary in spiciness and thickness, depending on personal taste and what you are pairing it with.

Vietnamese peanut sauce brings together influences from Chinese (hoisin sauce), American (peanut butter), and Vietnamese cuisines to create a traditional and authentic dipping sauce. Compared to Thai or Chinese peanut sauces, Vietnamese peanut sauce is a bit sweeter and thinner in consistency. It is perfect for dipping spring rolls or adding a unique flavor to various dishes in Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese peanut sauce is gaining popularity, especially among vegetarians and vegans. It is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients found in peanuts, like protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. These nutrients offer potential benefits, including kidney stone prevention, heart health support, weight management, and an energy boost. Adding peanut sauce to your meals is an easy way to enjoy its taste and nutritional advantages.

2. The BEST Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe

2.1. Preparation

What is truly fantastic about this recipe for Vietnamese peanut sauce is that it does not call for any cooking. All it takes is approximately 10 minutes to blend together a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to get ready.

80g hoisin (Maggi soy sauce can be used for a more savory taste)
50g peanut butter (make sure that the peanuts are not moldy or infected with insects or worms)
Raw peanuts
Minced onion, minced garlic, black or white pepper
Chili sauce, salt, sugar
Rice vinegar and peanut oil
Tapioca starch
200ml water
Crushed peanuts, fried onions, fresh chillies, sesame seeds (optional)

2.2. Instruction

Here is the breakdown of the steps for making Vietnamese peanut sauce:

Step 1: Soak the raw peanuts in warm water for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the outer shells and grind or blend the peanuts into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Heat the pan and add peanut oil (or a mild vegetable oil). Once it is hot, add the minced onions and garlic and stir-fry until they turn fragrant and golden. Afterward, lower the heat, add the peanut paste, and stir well to prevent burning.
Step 3: Make a slurry by mixing tapioca starch with a little water. Pour this into the pan, mix well. Then, add the remaining ingredients: peanut butter, a splash of rice vinegar, salt, sugar, spice powders, hoisin, pepper, and a bit of chili sauce for some heat. Stir until all the mixture is completely dissolved.
Step 4: As the sauce gradually thickens, transfer it to a bowl. Your peanut sauce will have a golden brown color. Garnish with some crushed peanuts, fried onions, chili slices, or sesame seeds on top according to your liking.

3. Tips to make Vietnamese peanut dipping sauce

To keep your peanuts from getting brittle in the fridge, you just need to soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes after boiling.
When selecting peanuts, it is important to ensure they are all fresh, even, and round, as even one bad bean can affect the sauce’s flavor.
You can adjust the seasoning to your family’s taste by tasting the sauce during the cooking process.
After making it, you should remember to store your sauce in the refrigerator and sterilize the jar before using it. When serving, just use a clean spoon to scoop out the amount you need, and avoid putting leftover sauce back into the preserved jar.

4. What is Vietnamese peanut sauce served with?

Peanut sauce holds a cherished place in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly among the older generations and in rural communities. This versatile sauce serves as both a dipping condiment and a distinctive seasoning. With its rich flavor, enhanced by the gentle richness of peanuts and soy sauce, it finds its way into various dishes.

Boiled Food: Vietnamese peanut sauce elevates the simplicity of boiled ingredients by adding depth and a hint of nuttiness.
Raw Vegetables: The sauce breathes life into raw vegetables as it transforms them into enticing, crunchy bites with its rich and nutty notes.
Summer Rolls: A popular choice is using Vietnamese peanut sauce as a dip for Vietnamese summer rolls. The peanut sauce for Vietnamese rolls helps to create a harmonious balance between the crispy, fresh rolls and the sauce’s creamy texture.
Noodles: Vietnamese people also pour the sauce over noodles for a delectable fusion of flavors, making each mouthful a delightful experience.
Salads: You can consider using Vietnamese peanut sauce as a unique Vietnamese salad dressing. This creamy sauce will give your greens rich and nutty essence.