Don’t let the simplicity of this 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce fool you, because it will knock your socks off! This sauce packs all the peanut-forward flavor we love about a classic satay sauce without the need for a long list of ingredients. Whether you want to add a delicious twist to your salads, toss it with chicken and veggies for lettuce wraps, serve it with Chinese noodles, or simply use it as a dip with crudités, this satay sauce will elevate your culinary creations.
The Magic of 3 Ingredients
If there’s anything I love more than a five-ingredient recipe, it’s a three-ingredient recipe. I’m sure you share my sentiments. Even though I adore my original satay sauce more than life itself, there are times when I don’t have every single ingredient on hand, and I’m guessing you may not either, especially during these uncertain times. So, I decided to pare down the ingredients and create this incredible 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce. Trust me, it’s absolutely amazing.
This new version of satay sauce captures all the peanut-forward flavor we love while using only three ingredients. Thanks to one super-secret ingredient (hoisin sauce!), this easy satay sauce retains the complexity of the original, which makes it simply irresistible. Its universal appeal is evident when even my two-year-old son couldn’t resist dunking his hand into the entire jar and inhaling more than his fair share. The best part is, since the ingredients are pantry staples with a long shelf life, you can whip up this satay sauce and store it in the fridge for at least a month, always ready to add a burst of flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients in 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce
A typical satay sauce traditionally includes soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vinegar, chili paste, and peanut butter, among other ingredients. But we’ve narrowed it down to just three essential components:
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Peanut butter: Obviously, we can’t have satay sauce without peanut butter. I’ve tried every single peanut butter under the sun, and I find that good ol’ processed peanut butter works best for this 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce. If you prefer the natural stuff, that’s fine too. But for the purpose of this simplified recipe, regular smooth peanut butter with a bit more sugar is recommended. If you like texture in your satay sauce, you can use chunky peanut butter as well.
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Hoisin sauce: This is our secret weapon for creating a flavorful satay sauce with just three ingredients. Hoisin sauce has many of the same ingredients found in a more complex satay sauce, making it the perfect shortcut. With hints of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and chili peppers, some versions even have a peanut-like taste, making it an ideal ingredient for a quick and easy satay sauce.
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Rice vinegar: We need a little acidity in our satay sauce, and rice vinegar adds the perfect hint of tang. Just a small amount is enough to elevate the flavors.
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Water: Although water is technically a fourth ingredient, it’s necessary to balance the consistency of the sauce. Without water, the sauce would be thick and concentrated. Adding water helps to achieve a sauce that easily coats salads, chicken, or salmon. If you want to add even more flavor, you can use low-sodium chicken stock instead of water.
Optional Ingredients
Even with the two additional “optional” ingredients, we’re still looking at a five-ingredient recipe. If you’re serving the satay sauce as a dressing for salads or a dip for crudités, you can garnish it with a tablespoon of chopped peanuts for added texture. For extra flavor, you can replace the water with low-sodium chicken stock (make sure to adjust the amount of salt accordingly). And if you like a bit of heat, throw in a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce
Guys, this is as simple as:
- Throw everything in a bowl.
- Whisk together.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Done!
Substitutions and Tips for Recipe Success
Here are some substitutions and tips to ensure your satay sauce turns out perfectly:
- You can swap out crunchy peanut butter for added texture. If you only buy natural peanut butter, you can use it too, but I’d recommend adding a little honey, around two teaspoons to a tablespoon, to enhance the flavor.
- If you want to add even more flavor, you can substitute the water with low-sodium chicken stock or coconut milk.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or regular white vinegar as a substitute.
- For a spicy satay sauce, blend everything in a food processor or blender with a bit of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy our 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce:
- Easy Thai Chicken Salad: This flavorful salad combines juicy peanut chicken, a variety of veggies, and an easy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect dish to showcase our satay sauce!
- Easy Lettuce Wraps: These wraps provide a fantastic vessel for our satay sauce. Packed with flavor, they’ll satisfy your cravings.
- Use it simply as a dip with crudités. Sliced red peppers, cucumbers, and jicama are some great options to pair with the sauce.
- Grill chicken and spoon the satay sauce on top, garnishing with chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time and store it?
Absolutely! You can whip up this satay sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for at least a month. It’s convenient to have on hand whenever you need a quick and delicious addition to your meals.
Q: Can I make this sauce spicier?
Certainly! If you prefer a spicier satay sauce, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite spicy ingredients to suit your taste. Adjust the level of heat according to your preference and enjoy!
With just three simple ingredients, you can create a sensational satay sauce that will take your dishes to the next level. Whether you’re using it as a dip, dressing, or marinade, this 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce captures the essence of the original. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity and the incredible flavors that can be achieved with minimal ingredients. So go ahead, embrace the joy of culinary exploration, and indulge in the culinary excellence of Takeout Food’s 3-Ingredient Satay Sauce!
