Spicy Peanut Dressing

This made-from-scratch spicy peanut dressing comes together in about 5 minutes. It’s creamy, savory from the tamari, and tangy from the lime juice, there’s a little sweetness from the maple syrup, and a little kick of spice from some crushed red pepper flakes. 

It’s also super easy to make, vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free (if using tamari). The oil-free peanut sauce can be used in salads, as a dip for veggies, or try a variation of it with my vegan peanut noodles or peanut tempeh bowl.

How to Make Spicy Peanut Dressing  

Whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl until they’re smooth; starting with 3 tablespoons of water, then add any additional tablespoons of water depending on your desired consistency.  If I’m using it as a dip I keep the sauce a little thicker, if I’m using it as dressing I’ll thin it out more.  Now that’s super easy!

Tips for Oil-Free Peanut Sauce

• The recipe calls for ¼-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, if you want it spicier add more or use sriracha or sambal oelek.
• I use garlic powder to get the garlic taste without the harsh bite of fresh garlic, but you can always substitute it with fresh ingredients.  Start with one crushed clove, then add more if you think it needs it. 
• You can whisk everything together in a bowl until combined or place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
• The sauce can be prepped ahead of time, but it may firm up from being chilled in the refrigerator.  If you’re using it as a dip, start with ½ tablespoon of water to thin it back out once it's been chilled.  You can always add more if that wasn’t enough. 
• For this spicy peanut dressing, I use natural peanut butter, which is typically either just peanut or peanuts and salt.  Using peanut butter with added oils and sweeteners may alter the taste and consistency of the peanut sauce.

Uses for Vegan Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Use it with vegan peanut noodles
• Try it on a rice or noodle dish with vegetables
• Use it as a dip for vegetables
• Toss it with crispy baked tofu
• Serve it with spring rolls
• Use it as a dressing for salads
• Peanut tempeh bowl
• Buddha bowls
• Dipping sauce for wraps

Fresh Ginger Tips

If you don’t use fresh ginger very often, freeze it to make it last longer.  Peel the root to remove the papery skin, and then store it in a freezer bag for future usage.  When you need fresh ginger use a Microplane to grate the frozen root straight out of the freezer, no need to thaw. Then return the rest of the ginger back to the freezer. 

Storage

Store the spicy peanut dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.  If leftovers firm up after chilling in the fridge, thin them back out with a little bit of water.

Vegan Dips and Dressing

• Dijon Tahini Dressing
• Cashew Dijon Dressing
• Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Smoky Tahini Dressing
• Cilantro Cashew Dressing
• Oil-free hummus
• Vegan Honey Mustard

As always, I hope you enjoy the recipe for an easy peanut dipping sauce!

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