Khmer Krom Peanut Sauce

5.0 from 1 vote

Khmer Krom peanut sauce is a creamy, lightly spiced dipping sauce from the Mekong Delta. It comes together in about ten minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients. The sauce balances roasted peanuts, coconut milk, fresh lime, and palm sugar.

Unlike thicker peanut sauces, this one stays pourable and bright. A small amount of curry powder and chili adds gentle warmth without covering the peanuts. It is traditionally served with fresh vegetables or grilled meat, and it works just as well as a everyday dip at home.

What You Need

You only need a small saucepan and a few basic ingredients. Chau Doc coconut milk gives the sauce its rich, slightly sweet base. Roasted unsalted peanuts, or creamy peanut butter, provide the nutty flavor. Lime juice, curry powder, chili or paprika, palm sugar, and salt round it out.

If you enjoy peanut-based dips, you might also like our Pineapple with Peanut Sauce for a fruity variation. This sauce is also a natural partner for Thai Chicken Sate.

Equipment

Small saucepan: To simmer the coconut milk, water, and seasonings into a smooth sauce.
Measuring cups: To measure the coconut milk and water accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the lime juice, curry powder, chili, and salt.
Wooden spoon or whisk: To stir the peanuts and seasonings into the coconut milk mixture.
Serving bowl: To hold the finished sauce for dipping.

How to Make Khmer Krom Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Simmer the Coconut Milk and Water

Pour the coconut milk and water into a small saucepan. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until small bubbles appear across the surface.

Step 2: Add the Peanuts and Seasonings

Add the ground peanuts, lime juice, curry powder, chili or paprika, palm sugar, and salt. Stir well with a wooden spoon or whisk. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Boil, Then Cool

Continue simmering until the sauce comes to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Cooking Tips

Use freshly roasted peanuts for the best texture and flavor. If you use peanut butter, choose a natural creamy style without added sugar, and stir it until it dissolves fully into the coconut milk.

The sauce thickens as it cools, so take it off the heat while it still looks a little loose. Taste before serving and add a squeeze more lime if you want a brighter flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this sauce with cucumber spears, carrot sticks, or cabbage leaves. It also works well with grilled chicken, beef, or pork. Try it as a dip for fresh spring rolls, or spoon it over rice noodles for a quick lunch.

For more Cambodian recipes, browse our recipe category.

Recipe Notes

The recipe gives you two options for the peanut base: ground roasted peanuts or creamy peanut butter. Peanut butter makes the sauce slightly thicker and sweeter, so you may want to reduce the palm sugar by a little.

Because peanuts are a major allergen, always check labels and warn guests if you are serving someone with a peanut allergy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peanut butter instead of ground peanuts?

Yes. Use 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Stir it well so it melts evenly into the coconut milk.

How long does this sauce keep?

Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. Use it within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Is this sauce spicy?

It has only a little warmth from the chili or paprika. If you want more heat, add a pinch more chili. Paprika gives color and mild flavor without much heat.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

The recipe is dairy-free and uses coconut milk. Most palm sugar is vegan, but some refined sugars are not. Check the label if you need a strict vegan sauce.

Final Thoughts

Khmer Krom peanut sauce is a simple way to bring a creamy, gently spiced Cambodian flavor to your table. With a short ingredient list and one saucepan, it is easy to stir together for a weekday meal or a weekend gathering. Try it with fresh vegetables and grilled meat, and adjust the lime and chili to match your taste.