Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
Vietnamese peanut sauce—also known as tương đậu phộng—is that rich, creamy, slightly sweet dipping sauce you’ll find next to fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) at your favorite Vietnamese restaurant. This homemade version is made with just four pantry-friendly ingredients and brings all the nutty, savory, umami-packed flavor you love. It’s ridiculously easy, totally customizable, and so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything from grilled meats to rice bowls.
I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count—and like every recipe on my blog, it’s family-approved and reader-loved. Whether you’re dipping, spooning, or pouring it over noodles, this Vietnamese peanut sauce is the bold, flavorful finishing touch that ties everything together.
Why This Peanut Sauce Belongs in Your Fridge
- Quick & Easy – Just whisk it all together. No stove time, no fuss.
- Flavorful & Balanced – Creamy peanut butter meets garlic, hoisin, and chili sauce for that sweet-savory kick.
- Versatile – Perfect for dipping spring rolls, drizzling over bun thit nuong (vermicelli bowls), or serving with grilled tofu or chicken.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Keeps well in the fridge for days, so you can always have it on hand.
What You’ll Need (And Easy Swaps)
Here’s what goes into a classic Vietnamese peanut sauce:
- Peanut Butter – Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy texture. Use natural or shelf-stable—whichever you have! Want to go nut-free? Try sunflower seed butter.
- Hoisin Sauce – Adds that sweet and savory base. No hoisin? A mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar can work in a pinch.
- Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice – Just a splash adds brightness.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce – Adds heat and that signature zing. Adjust to your spice level.
- Water – To thin it out to your desired consistency.
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Make Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
- Boil water using the stovetop or microwave.
- In a medium bowl, mix boiling water with peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and lime juice until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
- Serve in dipping bowls and top with crushed peanuts and sriracha (if using).
Tips for the Best Flavor Every Time
✔️ Use warm water – It helps the peanut butter blend smoothly.
✔️ Whisk well – Don’t skip this step! It brings everything together into a silky-smooth sauce.
✔️ Taste and tweak – Start with the base recipe, then adjust to your liking. Vietnamese cooking is all about balance.
Fun Variations to Try
- Garlic Peanut Sauce – Add a clove of grated or sautéed garlic for an extra layer of savory depth.
- Coconut Peanut Sauce – Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical vibe that pairs perfectly with grilled shrimp or chicken.
- Lemongrass Peanut Sauce – Sauté minced lemongrass and stir it in for a citrusy, fragrant kick.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce – Stir in sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegan-Friendly – Most of the ingredients are naturally vegan. Just check your hoisin and sriracha labels to be sure!
Storage Tips
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will thicken slightly as it chills—just stir in a little warm water to loosen it back up before serving.
Make This Sauce Your Own
There’s no one “right” way to make Vietnamese peanut sauce, it’s all about finding the flavor combo you love most. And once you do, I promise you’ll want to drizzle it over everything from spring rolls to noodles, rice bowls, and grilled veggies.
Tried it? Let me know in the comments how you used your peanut sauce, I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!
RECIPE
Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ⅔ cup boiling water (or coconut soda)
- 2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice or vinegar
- crushed roasted peanuts, for serving (optional)
- sriracha, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Bring water to a boil using the stovetop or microwave. You’ll need it hot to help everything mix together smoothly.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the hot water, peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and lime juice (or rice vinegar). Use a whisk or fork to mix until the sauce is completely smooth and well blended. It may look separated at first, but keep mixing—it’ll come together!
- Adjust the Consistency: The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools. If it’s too thick for your liking, simply stir in a little more warm water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the sauce into small dipping bowls. Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts for crunch and a drizzle of sriracha for a little heat, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Use warm water – It helps the peanut butter blend smoothly.
- Whisk well – Don’t skip this step! It brings everything together into a silky-smooth sauce.
- Taste and tweak – Start with the base recipe, then adjust to your liking. Vietnamese cooking is all about balance.
First time making peanut dipping sauce and it was so easy. The consistency was thin and super smooth.
I cannot tell you how freakin’ much I love spring rolls. And I have tried almost every sauce under the roof. And this one is damn delicious. I initially added very less water to keep it thicker, but turns out, it tastes much better for me when the consistency is a bit thin.