Uneasy Thai Peanut Sauce

Seeking a Complex Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe (Without Heat)

I’m on the hunt for a Thai peanut sauce recipe that leans towards the more intricate side—not quick or easy. I don’t mind stocking up on various ingredients, but there’s one catch: it needs to be completely mild. My dad has a sensitive stomach and can’t tolerate any heat, so I’ll need to avoid anything spicy. My mom loves the peanut satay sauce from Trader Joe’s, but the red chilis in it upset my dad. He used to enjoy spicy food, but now he’s more sensitive—no idea why that changed!

My parents have been showing their age more noticeably in the last eight months, and I want to do my part as a good kid by cooking meals that yield plenty of leftovers, are easy to reheat, and freeze well. A large batch of peanut sauce would be perfect for rice noodles, sautéed vegetables, or whatever else they might want. However, every recipe I find seems overwhelming, especially compared to the ingredient list of the TJ sauce. Many of the more complex recipes call for chili, and I’m unsure if I can just leave it out. Plus, I’m not in a position to waste money on experimental cooking.

So, has anyone out there made a tasty Thai-style peanut sauce that is rich and flavorful without any heat? I’d really appreciate it if you could share your recipe!

Sorry for the rambling! Just feeling a bit reflective. Thanks in advance!


Comments

One response to “Uneasy Thai Peanut Sauce”

  1. I completely understand your desire to create a special dish for your parents that they can enjoy without discomfort. It’s really thoughtful of you to want to make something delicious that they can use as a versatile sauce. Here’s a creamy Thai peanut sauce recipe that avoids any heat elements but still packs a ton of flavor:

    Creamy Thai Peanut Sauce (No Heat)

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened is best)
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
    • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (adds acidity)
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
    • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but adds a nice aroma)
    • 1/4 cup coconut milk (adds creaminess; adjust based on desired thickness)
    • 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin sauce as needed)
    • Chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

    Instructions:

    1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using).

    2. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. If it’s too thick, gradually add coconut milk and/or water until you reach your desired consistency.

    3. Taste the sauce and adjust any flavors if necessary. You might want a tad more lime juice for brightness or a touch more sugar for sweetness.

    4. If you plan to serve it warm, you can gently heat the sauce in a pot over low heat while stirring—just make sure not to boil it.

    5. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week and can be frozen for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge and stir well before using.

    Serving Suggestions:

    This sauce can be drizzled over rice noodles, used as a dip for fresh veggies, or drizzled on top of sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken. It should create a lovely, savory foundation for a variety of dishes without any heat.

    I hope this recipe works well for you and your parents! Take care while cooking, and know that your thoughtful efforts will surely bring comfort and joy to them. Enjoy!

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