Peanut sauce is one of Indonesia’s signature condiments, known for its rich, savory, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. No wonder many dishes like gado-gado, satay, siomay, and ketoprak use peanut sauce as the main complement. The key to its deliciousness lies in choosing quality ingredients and the right cooking techniques, resulting in a creamy texture and well-balanced flavor.
If you’re looking to make homemade peanut sauce, this article provides a complete guide, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make it last longer while maintaining its great taste. Let’s get started!
Delicious Peanut Sauce Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 200 grams of peanuts (fried or roasted, as preferred)
- 3 cloves of garlic (roasted for extra aroma)
- 3 large red chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 red bird’s eye chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar (finely grated for easy dissolving)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind water (for a balanced flavor)
- 250 ml of warm water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce (for a richer taste)
Optional Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of thick coconut milk (for a creamier texture)
1 teaspoon of grilled shrimp paste (for extra aroma and umami flavor)
How to Make Savory Homemade Peanut Sauce
1. Preparing the Ingredients
- Fry or roast the peanuts until golden brown, then drain and let them cool before blending.
- Roast the garlic and red chilies until soft to enhance their flavor.
2. Blending the Sauce
- Blend the peanuts with garlic, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies using a blender or mortar and pestle.
- Add palm sugar, salt, and tamarind water, then blend again until well combined.
3. Cooking the Peanut Sauce
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, then sauté the blended mixture until fragrant.
- Gradually add warm water while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add sweet soy sauce, stir well, and cook until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Serving and Storing
- The peanut sauce is ready to serve with gado-gado, ketoprak, siomay, or satay.
- For longer storage, place the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to a week if stored properly.
Tips for a Tastier and Longer-Lasting Peanut Sauce
✅ Use high-quality peanuts – Fresh peanuts ensure a more savory flavor and prevent a rancid taste.
✅ Add coconut milk for a creamier texture – It enhances the smoothness and richness of the sauce.
✅ Use tamarind water in moderation – It balances the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
✅ Don’t skip sweet soy sauce – It enhances both the taste and color of the peanut sauce.
✅ Store it properly – To prevent spoilage, keep the sauce in a sealed glass container and refrigerate.
Storytelling: A Peanut Sauce That Brings Families Together
Every afternoon at Mrs. Rina’s house, the aroma of roasted peanuts fills the kitchen. It’s a clear sign that she’s preparing her special homemade peanut sauce for her beloved family. Her husband and children know that whenever she makes gado-gado or satay, her signature peanut sauce will be the highlight of the meal.
With care, Mrs. Rina grinds the roasted peanuts, blends them with garlic and chilies, and adds palm sugar and sweet soy sauce. The process might be simple, but each spoonful carries the warmth of her love. Her homemade peanut sauce isn’t just a condiment—it’s a cherished family tradition.
Since then, this recipe has become a family favorite. Whenever there’s a gathering, Mrs. Rina’s peanut sauce is always the center of attention, proving that home-cooked meals hold a special place in everyone’s heart.
Conclusion: Try This Peanut Sauce Recipe at Home!
Making homemade peanut sauce is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and practical steps, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy peanut sauce for various Indonesian dishes. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also healthier since it contains no preservatives.