Indonesian Satay Sauce

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened, unsalted

02 - 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

→ Seasonings

03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if necessary)

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

05 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar

06 - 1 garlic clove, minced

07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

09 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, adjustable to taste

10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Optional

11 - 1 teaspoon fish sauce (for non-vegetarian option)

12 - 2 tablespoons water, to adjust consistency

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together peanut butter and coconut milk until smooth and fully incorporated.

02 - Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, chili flakes, and salt until evenly blended.

03 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy texture.

04 - Taste and modify with additional lime juice, sugar, or chili flakes as desired. Whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach preferred thickness.

05 - Remove from heat, stir in fish sauce if used, and allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -

It comes together in less than twenty minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
The balance of creamy peanut butter, tangy lime, and warm spices makes every bite feel indulgent.
It works as a dip, a drizzle, or even a salad dressing base, so you'll use it more than you think.

02 -

Always use unsweetened peanut butter, because sweetened versions will throw off the balance and make the sauce cloying.
Stir constantly while simmering, or the peanut butter can scorch on the bottom of the pan and turn bitter.
Fresh lime juice is essential, bottled lime juice lacks the bright, floral acidity that makes this sauce sing.

03 -