Dipping Sauces
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce For Spring Rolls | Quick & Delicious
Creamy, nutty, slightly sweet and salty Vietnamese peanut sauce takes spring rolls from great to phenomenal. This versatile sauce adds flavor complexity unlike any other condiment.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes Vietnamese peanut sauce so special. I’ll share a step-by-step recipe for classic peanut sauce, along with ideas for fun variations. You’ll find out the proper way to dip spring rolls, and the best dishes to enjoy with peanut sauce.
Get answers to common questions, and discover why making your own peanut sauce is so worth it. Let’s dive in.
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The Allure of Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
Authentic Vietnamese peanut sauce balances the five flavors – sweet, salty, bitter, sour and spicy. It gets its signature nuttiness from smooth peanut butter. Garlic, lime juice and fish sauce provide a savory depth. Chili and vinegar add a bright acidic tang.
This complex flavor profile perfectly complements fresh Vietnamese imperial rolls. The contrast of the cool, crunchy vegetables and shrimp with the rich, warm sauce is phenomenal. No wonder peanut sauce is such a popular condiment!
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Recipe For Spring Rolls
Here is an easy recipe to make traditional Vietnamese peanut sauce at home:
Ingredients
- 1⁄3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1⁄4 cup hot water
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk together the peanut butter and hot water in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Add the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili flakes and garlic. Mix well.
- For extra tang, stir in 1 tsp rice vinegar.
- Let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to develop before serving.
Customize Your Peanut Sauce
Once you master the classic recipe, get creative with these variations:
- Add ginger, sesame oil, cilantro or toasted coconut for new dimensions.
- For more heat, mix in sambal or sriracha sauce.
- For added sweetness, mix in honey, maple syrup or hoisin sauce.
- For extra tang, use tamarind paste, rice wine vinegar or lemon juice.
The possibilities are endless! Adjust to your personal tastes.
Serving with Spring Rolls
Here are tips for pairing peanut sauce with Vietnamese spring rolls:
- Pour sauce into a shallow bowl for easiest dipping access.
- Dunk the ends of the rolls first so the wrapper doesn’t get soggy.
- Don’t overload rolls with sauce so the filling flavors still shine.
- Try dipping the ingredients like shrimp, mint and vermicelli before assembling rolls!
Beyond Spring Rolls
While peanut sauce is the perfect match for spring rolls, it also enhances other Vietnamese dishes like:
- Grilled chicken, beef or pork skewers
- Crispy fried tofu
- Stir fried noodles and rice dishes
- Steamed vegetable pot stickers
- Green papaya salad
Peanut sauce can also be used as a salad dressing, sandwich spread or dip for fruits and veggies.
FAQs About Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
How many calories are in peanut sauce for spring rolls?
The calories in peanut sauce can vary widely depending on the recipe, but a typical 1/4 cup serving of peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil and spices contains around 200-250 calories.
Does peanut sauce have carbs?
Yes, peanut sauce does contain carbohydrates, primarily from the peanut butter or peanuts used to make it. About 5-10 grams of carbs can be found in a 1/4 cup serving of peanut sauce.
Does Peanut Sauce have a lot of sugar?
Most peanut sauce recipes only include small amounts of added sugars, usually in the form of brown sugar or honey for flavor. A 1/4 cup would likely contain 2-5 grams of added sugars at most. However, the carbohydrates from the peanut butter itself contribute to the sauce’s sweetness as well.
Why is peanut sauce healthy?
Peanut sauce can be a healthy sauce when homemade as it provides protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals from its main ingredient peanuts. The sauce also contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Peanut sauce is a good alternative to higher fat, calorie sauces like cheese or cream-based ones. Moderation is still key though, as peanut sauce is high in calories.
Conclusion: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
Homemade Vietnamese peanut sauce takes spring rolls and other dishes to new heights. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can whip up this versatile sauce in minutes. Play with the flavors to make it your own unique creation. Hopefully this guide inspires you to dive into the wonderful world of Vietnamese cuisine. Let me know how your peanut sauce creations turn out.
Ingredients
- Base:
- Creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference) - ¼ cup
- Water - ¼ cup (or more to adjust consistency)
- Flavorings:
- 3. Hoisin sauce - 1-2 tablespoons
- 4. Soy sauce (optional) - 1-2 teaspoons (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 5. Lime juice or rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- 6. Garlic, minced (optional) - 1 clove
- 7. Sriracha or chili paste (optional) - to taste (for spiciness)
Instructions
- Whisk Together Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and water until smooth and creamy. You may need to adjust the water amount depending on the desired consistency. A thicker sauce works well for dipping spring rolls, while a thinner sauce might be better for grilled meats.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce (if using), lime juice or rice vinegar, and garlic (if using).
- Adjust for Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as desired. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more hoisin sauce. Want it tangier? Add a bit more lime juice or rice vinegar. For a kick of spice, add sriracha or chili paste to taste.
- Serve: Pour the peanut sauce into a serving bowl. Enjoy with fresh spring rolls or other Vietnamese appetizers.
Notes
- Wait Time (Optional): While the sauce is delicious right away, some prefer to let the flavors meld for 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Creamy vs. Chunky Peanut Butter: The choice is yours! Creamy peanut butter yields a smoother sauce, while chunky offers a bit more texture.
- Adjusting for Dietary Needs: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check labels of store-bought hoisin sauce and soy sauce if you have celiac disease or a strict gluten sensitivity. For a peanut-free alternative, consider using a sunflower seed butter or tahini base.
- Storage: Store leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will develop and intensify over time.
- Serving Ideas: In addition to spring rolls, this peanut sauce is delicious with fresh vegetables, grilled meats, tofu, or even drizzled over rice noodle bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce For Spring Rolls
Serves: 4-6 servings
|
Amount Per Serving: About ¼ cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 15-20 g | 23.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 4-6 g | 20% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 5mg | 1.7% | |
| Sodium 300-400mg | 12.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 15-20 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2-3 g | 8% | |
| Sugars 10-15 g | ||
| Protein 8-10 g | ||
| Vitamin A 100-200 IU | Vitamin C Negligible | |
| Calcium 30-40mg | Iron 1-2mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me
