Asian Recipes - Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp/30 ml vegetable oil

• 1 cup/250 ml coconut milk

• 3 to 4 tbsp/45 to 60 ml unsweetened crunchy-style peanut butter

Spice Paste:

• 1 tbsp/15 ml lemon grass, minced

• 2 to 3 coriander roots, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 shallot onion, minced

• 1 tsp/5 ml chili flakes

• 1/2 tsp/2 ml ground cumin seed

• 1/2 tsp/2 ml ground coriander seed

• 1/2 tsp/2 ml shrimp paste

Seasoning:

• 1 to 2 tbsp/15 to 30 ml tamarind water

• 1 to 2 tbsp/15 to 30 ml sugar

• Salt to taste

• Fresh lime juice to taste

Serves 4

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Method:

1. Prepare all ingredients and have at hand. Using a mortar and pestle or small blender or food processor, pound or grind the spice paste ingredients in the order given until they form a coarse paste.

2. Heat a small saucepan on medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, gently fry the spice paste until it smells fragrant and begins to change color.

3. Add the coconut milk, tamarind water and sugar. Stir the mixture and bring to a low boil. Add the peanut butter and stir carefully until it is thoroughly mixed with the sauce.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt, sugar, a dash of fish sauce or fresh lime juice to taste.