What is in Vietnamese peanut sauce?

Vietnamese peanut sauce typically includes creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and either coconut water or water. It’s often topped with crushed roasted peanuts and a drizzle of chili oil. Some variations use fermented bean paste or coconut milk for added richness.

What’s another name for peanut sauce?

While "peanut sauce" is the common term in English, it doesn’t have a direct Vietnamese name. It’s often referred to simply as “nước chấm đậu phộng” (peanut dipping sauce) or “sốt đậu phộng.” In restaurants, it's usually just called “peanut sauce” on English menus.

What culture is peanut sauce from?

Peanut sauce appears in many Southeast Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian cooking. In Vietnamese cuisine, it is most often paired with fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) and grilled meat dishes. Each culture uses different ingredients and flavor balances, making each version unique.

What is the difference between Thai and Vietnamese peanut sauce?

Thai peanut sauce often includes red curry paste, fish sauce, and a heavier use of coconut milk, creating a spicier and creamier profile. In contrast, Vietnamese peanut sauce uses hoisin sauce as a base, resulting in a sweeter, tangier, and lighter taste, perfect for balancing fresh herbs and grilled meats.

Peanut Sauce Vietnam – Ultimate Guide with 4 Uses & Authentic Recipe -

Name: Peanut Sauce Vietnam: How to Make the Authentic Vietnamese Version
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup coconut water or water; Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut milk; Crushed roasted peanuts (for topping); Chili oil or sriracha (to taste); 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional); Squeeze of lime juice (optional)

Description

Peanut sauce Vietnam is a rich, creamy, sweet-savory dipping sauce made with hoisin, peanut butter, and garlic. It’s a classic companion to spring rolls and grilled dishes in Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup coconut water or water

Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut milk

Crushed roasted peanuts (for topping)

Chili oil or sriracha (to taste)

1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)

Squeeze of lime juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a small saucepan over low heat and lightly sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

2. Add peanut butter and hoisin sauce, stirring until well combined.

3. Slowly whisk in the soy sauce and coconut water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

4. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Taste and adjust with sugar, lime juice, or chili as desired.

6. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl.

7. Top with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week.

To reheat, warm gently and add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 80
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: peanut sauce Vietnam, Vietnamese peanut sauce, spring roll sauce