Welcome to our Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe! This simple and easy sauce is ready in just 5 minutes. It’s creamy, nutty, savory, sweet, and has no added sugar. Plus, it requires no cooking!

Pair this delicious sauce with shrimp summer rolls. The fresh rolls dipped in the peanut sauce create a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dip or a flavorful addition to your meals, this peanut sauce for spring rolls is a must-try!

Feature image shows a small pink bowl filled with Vietnamese peanut sauce and there's a spring roll dipped into the sauce.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this tasty peanut sauce for spring rolls. Each one brings its own special flavor and texture to the mix.

Image shows simple ingredients needed to make the peanut sauce.
  • Hoisin sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
  • Creamy peanut butter: Provides a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
  • White wine vinegar or Apple Cider: Adds acidity to balance the richness and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Sriracha or Sambal oelek: Optional, for adding a hint of heat and extra depth.
  • Grated garlic: Infuses the sauce with a fresh, aromatic kick.
  • Water: Thins the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Chopped roasted peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and extra nutty flavor for garnish.

What is sambal oelek? Sambal oelek is an Indonesian chili paste made from ground red chilies, vinegar, and salt. It’s used to add heat and a fresh, bold flavor to dishes. Huey Fong is a popular brand.

Gluten-free: To keep this sauce free of gluten, use my homemade gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Substitution

For people who are allergic to peanuts, I recommend substituting peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious and creamy sauce without the peanuts!

How to make peanut sauce for spring rolls

Making this hoisin peanut sauce is super simple and easy. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dipping sauce ready in no time!

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, Sriracha, and garlic in a mixing cup.
  2. Adjust Consistency: Stir in water, one tablespoon at a time, whisk until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped roasted peanuts and enjoy!

How to customize the peanut sauce flavor

You can easily tweak this sauce to match your taste buds! Here are some tips:

  • Hoisin and Peanut Butter Ratio: I find that a 1:1 ratio of hoisin sauce to peanut butter tastes the best. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, add a bit more peanut butter. For a more savory kick, increase the hoisin sauce.
  • Add Some Heat: To spice things up, add a bit of chili paste like Sriracha sauce or sambal oelek.
  • Sweeten It Up: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
  • Citrusy Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add a refreshing citrusy note.

Make ahead and store

This peanut sauce for spring rolls is perfect for making ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to one week. Just remember, no double dipping to keep it safe and tasty!

How to use spring roll peanut sauce

This versatile spring roll peanut sauce recipe can be used in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

Tips and summary

  • Balance the Flavors: Use a 1:1 ratio of hoisin sauce to peanut butter for a well-balanced flavor. Adjust the ratio to your taste if you prefer a nuttier or more savory sauce.
  • Consistency Matters: Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired sauce thickness. Remember, the sauce will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add more water later.
  • Alternative Butters: If you’re allergic to peanuts, substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I freeze the sauce?

Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture. It’s best to enjoy the sauce fresh within a week.

What can I serve this sauce with besides rolls and dumplings?

This sauce is versatile and can be used as a dressing for salads, a dip for fresh vegetables, or a topping for grilled meats and tofu.

More Asian dipping sauces recipes you might like

Looking for more tasty sauces to try? Here are some delicious options that pair perfectly with a variety of dishes.

  • Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham): This tangy, sweet, and funky sauce is perfect for dipping spring rolls, adding a burst of flavor to salads, and drizzling over grilled meats.
  • Thai Peanut Sauce: A creamy and little spicy sauce that’s ideal for noodles, satay, and fresh vegetables.
  • Egg Roll Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that’s sweet, fruity, and tangy perfect for egg rolls, dumplings, and more.
  • 23+ Best Sauces for Grilled Chicken: Discover over 23 delicious sauces that take your grilled chicken to the next level, from tangy and sweet to bold and spicy.
A side shot shows fresh spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce on the side.
Recipe image shows Vietnamese peanut sauce in a small pink bowl with a fresh spring roll dipped into the sauce.
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Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 tbsp
Author: ChihYu Smith
An easy, no-cook Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe, perfect for dipping shrimp summer rolls. Ready in 5 minutes, Creamy, nutty, and sugar-free.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 tbsp gluten-free hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, unsalted and unsweetened
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp Sriracha, optional, or sambal oelek
  • 0.15 oz. grated garlic, 1 medium
  • 1.5 to 2 tbsp water, to thin
  • Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts

Instructions 

  • In a mixing cup, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, white wine vinegar, sriracha, and garlic.
  • Thin the sauce with water 1 tablespoon a time while stirring until your desired consistency.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts on top.
  • The sauce will thicken the longer it sits. Thin with more water as necessary.
  • Usage: Use it as a dipping sauce for Vietnamese fresh summer rolls, spring rolls, Chinese egg rolls, and more!
  • Storage: the sauce stores well in an airtight jar in the fridge. It should last 1 week with no double dipping.

Notes

  • Hoisin Sauce: Don’t skip the hoisin sauce! It adds a savory umami flavor that perfectly balances the sweet, nutty peanut butter.
  • Balancing the Flavors: For the best flavor, use a 1:1 ratio of hoisin sauce to peanut butter, or a 1.5:1 ratio if you prefer a little more hoisin kick.
  • Consistency is Key: The sauce will thicken as it sits. If it gets too thick, just thin it out with a bit more water until it’s just right.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp, Calories: 34kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0.1mg, Sodium: 89mg, Potassium: 31mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Course: sauce
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: peanut sauce for spring rolls, Vietnamese peanut sauce
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