Making a traditional satay sauce can be a bit of a faff, with some recipes requiring 8, 9 or 10 ingredients. This recipe might not be authentic but it’s super easy and requires, as the title suggests, just 3 simple ingredients.
You can then use this satay sauce as you would any other sauce. It also works well as the base for many variations – I’ve included a few of the ways I love to tweak it a little further down the page.
What’s In 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce?
Don’t worry! This isn’t one of those 3-ingredient recipes where there are countless hidden ingredients because you might have them in your pantry. Not here! The list of ingredients contains 3 items.
- 4 tbsp peanut butter: Peanut butter is an obvious must. It forms the creamy, nutty base of the sauce and gives it that iconic flavour.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Soy will add a savoury depth and balance the sweetness while also seasoning the sauce. It’s an umami ingredient I just love to use.
- 1 tbsp honey: You have nuttiness and saltiness, so honey is a great way to add sweetness.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a water splash to reach your desired consistency.
Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure it’s well combined.
Step 3: Enjoy your satay sauce as a dipping sauce, as you would with any other satay – on chicken, of course!
Substitutes and Tweaks
If you love things spicy, then add a pinch of dried chilli flakes or some grated fresh chilli.
To give the sauce some texture and more nuttiness, stir through some roasted peanuts.
If you want to make it creamier then add a splash of coconut milk at the end of the cooking.
Although it’s traditionally made with peanut, you could also try cashew nut or almond butters.
How to Store 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce
If you haven’t managed to finish off the pot in this recipe then don’t worry, it can be kept in the fridge or the freezer.
To store satay sauce in the fridge, place it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odours from the fridge.
Satay sauce can typically be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using.
To freeze satay sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some headspace for expansion. It freezes well
To thaw frozen satay sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Once thawed, stir well before using, as separation may occur.
3-Ingredient Satay Sauce Recipe
Course: SidesCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes5
minutes10
minutesYou might not think you’ll get much flavour with just 3 ingredients, but this 3 ingredientsatay sauce proves otherwise!
Ingredients
4 tbsp 4 Peanut Butter
2 tbsp 2 Soy Sauce
1 tbsp 1 Honey
Directions
- Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and warm it over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking.
- Serve the satay sauce as a dip with your choice of food, like chicken.