Dinner

Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries Recipe

ByJack Voss April 26, 2026April 26, 2026

Introduction

This peanut sauce brings a rich, savory twist to your favorite stir fries and noodles. Combining tangy fish sauce, creamy peanut butter, and aromatic spices, it’s a quick way to elevate any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this sauce pairs beautifully with proteins and fresh vegetables.

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, thick, light brown peanut butter sauce sits on a white marbled texture. A spoon is held above the bowl, coated with the same creamy sauce, which drips slowly back into the bowl creating a small splash and hole in the center. The edges of the bowl show some sauce residue, adding a natural look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp fish sauce
1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp sugar
2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp curry powder (any type)
1 1/2 tbsp (30 g) crunchy peanut butter
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp oil
1/2 onion, sliced
1 – 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
180 – 200 g (6 – 7 oz) protein of choice, sliced
3 – 4 cups vegetables of choice, chopped or sliced according to cooking time
100 g (3.5 oz) dried rice noodles OR 180 g (6 oz) fresh noodles, prepared per packet (optional)
Finely chopped coriander (cilantro) and crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: To make the peanut sauce, place fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, cornflour, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, and crunchy peanut butter in a bowl. Mix well to combine.
Step 2: Add the water and stir until the sauce is smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add chopped garlic and sliced onion, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add your choice of protein or tofu and cook for about 2 minutes until just cooked through.
Step 5: Add vegetables in order of their cooking time, starting with those that take longest. Stir fry briefly until they are just tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Add any delicate vegetables such as bean sprouts or leafy greens along with the peanut sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients well. Add extra water if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 7: Garnish with crushed peanuts and chopped coriander. Serve over rice or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Step 8 (optional): If using noodles, follow the same stir fry steps and add the cooked noodles with the sauce in Step 6. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles. Remove from heat, garnish, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder sauce, reduce fish sauce and soy sauce slightly, then add a splash of lime juice for freshness.
Use smooth peanut butter if you prefer a creamier texture.
Swap curry powder for chili flakes or sriracha to add heat.
Add extra water gradually if the sauce becomes too thick while cooking.
Try protein options like chicken, beef, shrimp, or firm tofu depending on your preference.
For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.

Storage

Store any leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir fry components are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and reheated well before serving.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, thick, light brown sauce is set on a white marbled surface. Above the bowl, a spoon holds some of the sauce, showing its creamy texture as it drips slowly back into the bowl, creating a small ripple in the sauce below. The sauce has a shiny surface with small bubbles and slight texture variations, indicating its rich consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this peanut sauce vegan?

Yes, simply omit the fish sauce or replace it with soy sauce or tamari to keep the sauce vegan-friendly while maintaining flavor.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

Use a mix of firm vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots first, then add softer, delicate greens like spinach or bean sprouts at the end for the best texture and flavor.