Chili-Garlic Peanut Sauce

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon peanut oil
2. 1 large shallot, finely chopped
3. 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
4. 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
5. 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
6. 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
7. 1 teaspoon Asian chili-garlic sauce or Tabasco sauce
8. 1/2 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
9. 1 cup water
10. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11. 2 tablespoons unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
12. Salt

1. APPLICATIONS In a medium saucepan, heat the peanut oil until shimmering. Add the shallot and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, chili-garlic sauce and ginger. Gradually whisk in the water. Simmer the sauce over moderately low heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the lime juice and peanuts. Season with salt. Transfer the sauce to a bowl or a glass jar and serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.
2. Serve as a condiment with grilled beef, pork, poultry and shrimp. Toss with shredded lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots and apples or with steamed green beans.