Satay Sauce

This Satay Sauce is low in both sodium and sugar, making it perfect for little ones. Use it as a dip, marinade or sauce for stir-fries. 

Jump to:

• Satay Sauce Flavour Profile
• Satay Sauce for Babies / Kids
• How To Make Satay Sauce 
• Boosting the Flavour for Older Kids / Adults
• Satay Sauce

Satay Sauce Flavour Profile

Satay Sauce can vary greatly from recipe to recipe and there are variations all across the world. I remember first trying satay sauce, as a young child, in Hong Kong.  We were served chicken and pork skewers with the most delicious nutty sauce and we always had to ask the waitress for more. Several years later, in Thailand, we tried a hotter version. With an added kick of chilli, I felt it even surpassed the Hong Kong version.

For years now, I have been making satay sauce myself and have also enjoyed it in many restaurants. No two sauces have been the same with each sauce varying in the degree of spice, salt and sugar. Although all different, I am never disappointed by any peanut-based sauce! 

Satay Sauce for Babies / Kids

If you look at the ingredient list of many store-bought satay sauces you will find that they are usually high in both sodium and sugar. Many recipes for the sauce, also contain high levels of salt (through fish sauce/soy sauce) and/or sugar (through sugar, sweet chilli sauce or maple syrup).  This, of course, makes it taste great but isn't really what we want to serve babies/toddlers. 

Satay sauce doesn't need to to have all the extra added sugar and salt to make it delicious. This simple and delicious option for kids takes no time to make and can be used in a variety of ways (dip, sauce, marinade). 

 

How To Make Satay Sauce 

This recipe is so easy that the kids can actually make it themselves. Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir until combined. Taste and adjust ingredients to suit. 

Different brand of peanut butter/ coconut milk may produce different results and you might have to add more or less of certain ingredients to thin/thicken the sauce to your taste. I find natural peanut butter (which I use) is thicker and needs a little more coconut milk to loosen it. Add the milk gradually until you get the right consistency. If you find your sauce too runny, add a little more peanut butter to thicken. 

Just because babies / young kids should avoid high levels of salt and sugar in their food, that doesn't mean they should avoid flavour. Don't be scared to add the ginger, garlic and coriander and add more if you think they would like it. We want to introduce babies and young kids to a range of spices and herbs at a young age.  

Boosting the Flavour for Older Kids / Adults

This recipe has been created for babies / young children but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by the whole family. Start by making the base recipe, remove your baby/ child's portion and then boost the salt/sugar/spice levels to suit your taste. Taste and adjust until you have your perfect combinations. No exact measurements needed!

• Want it saltier? Add more soy sauce or fish sauce, add a little at a time and keep tasting and adjusting. 
• Like it Sweeter? As this recipe isn't cooked I don't recommend adding sugar as it could be grainy, you could add some sweet chilli sauce or a touch of maple syrup. 
• Want it Spicy? Add some freshly chopped chilli or some hot chilli sauce (e.g sriracha). (Or if you like it really hot, like me, add both!)
• Like it Sour? Add more lime juice. 

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