Peanut sauce is a familiar ingredient in Vietnamese households, renowned for its aromatic and nutritious qualities. Moreover, this dish can be easily prepared at home with simple, readily available ingredients. Let's step into the kitchen with Mytour and try our hand at making peanut sauce right below!
1. Introduction to peanut sauce
Peanut sauce is a well-known condiment in Vietnam, especially among rural communities. This sauce serves as a dipping sauce or a special seasoning. With its rich, nutty flavor complemented by a hint of creaminess from the peanuts, it enhances the taste of boiled dishes, fresh vegetables, or even rice noodle rolls, making them incredibly enticing.

Moreover, peanut sauce is increasingly favored by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Packed with nutrients such as protein, unsaturated fats, carbohydrates, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, etc., incorporating peanut sauce into your diet can help prevent kidney stones, strokes, and aid in weight loss.
2. The simplest way to make peanut sauce
Making peanut sauce is incredibly simple. All you need to do is select the necessary and highest quality ingredients, then follow the steps below!
Required ingredients
- Peanuts: 200g
- Rice: 1/3 cup rice
- Soy sauce: 1 cup
- Seasonings: bouillon, salt, chili sauce, sugar

Execution Steps
Step 1: Soak peanuts in clean water overnight. Remember to change the water every 3 hours for about 3 hours to enhance the fragrance of the peanuts. Soak the rice in clean water for only 30 minutes to 1 hour before making the sauce.
Step 2: Add about 1.5 liters of water to a pot, place it on the stove, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt, put the peanuts on and turn on the heat, and cook over medium heat until the peanuts are soft, about 15 - 30 minutes. After softening, turn off the heat and let it sit for another 20 - 30 minutes so that the peanuts won't become soggy when stored in the refrigerator later.
Step 3: After soaking, spread the rice out to dry, then put it in a pan, place it on the stove to toast until fragrant. Toast until the rice turns golden, then transfer it to a mortar and crush it finely or grind it in a blender.

Step 4: Take 1 cup of soy sauce, pour it into a pot, add 1 cup of water, 2 teaspoons of bouillon, 1 teaspoon of salt, 4 teaspoons of chili sauce, and 5 teaspoons of sugar. Stir well until the mixture dissolves. Then, put the pot on the stove, transfer the peanuts directly from the soaking pot to the soy sauce pot. Continue to cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: As the liquid gradually reduces, cook for the required time, then add the toasted rice powder. Before adding, it's advisable to sift the powder to obtain the finest particles. Ensure to stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution throughout the sauce. Continue cooking over low heat for about 5 - 7 minutes until the powder expands.

Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir well, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Let it cool, then transfer it into a tightly sealed glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. Whenever you want to use it, simply take it out and enjoy!
Read more: How to make chili soaked in fish sauce for long preservation
3. Standard Finished Product
Once the sauce is done, you must refrigerate it for 2 - 3 days before using. During this time, the spices will fully infuse, and if consumed immediately, it may taste bland. Homemade sauce achieves a texture according to your preference, with a subtle aroma of soy sauce and the nuttiness of peanuts. This dipping sauce pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, grilled dishes, beef wraps, spring rolls, and more. It's richer and more aromatic compared to soybean sauce.

4. Tips for Successful Cooking
Besides mastering the recipe and method, you also need to know some tips during the cooking process to enhance the dish's flavor:
- Avoid peanuts becoming stale when stored in the refrigerator. After boiling, soak the peanuts in hot water for about 20 - 30 minutes. If you season or use them immediately after cooking, it may lead to staleness.
- You must carefully select peanuts before making the sauce. Even a single spoiled or shriveled peanut can affect the sauce's flavor.
- Roasted rice powder is responsible for thickening the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your family's taste preferences. More roasted rice powder results in a thicker consistency.
- Seasoning can vary according to each family's taste preferences, so you can taste the soy sauce during cooking to ensure it suits your taste the best.
- The sauce should be well stored in the refrigerator. Before storing, sterilize the container, and when serving, use a clean spoon to take an appropriate amount. If there's leftover sauce, don't pour it back into the container being stored.
Above are the simplest and most successful methods for making peanut sauce that you can refer to. Wishing you success with the above recipe. And don't forget to follow Mytour for more exciting cooking recipes.
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