All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Satay sauce, often called peanut sauce, is a richly flavored condiment made from ground nuts, spices, and often coconut milk. It’s the kind of sauce that hugs food — sticky, nutty, and slightly sweet with a whisper of heat. Whether you grew up eating it or you discovered it at a street-food stall, satay sauce has a comforting, crowd-pleasing quality that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners and dinner-party showstoppers alike.
Think of satay sauce as the Swiss Army knife of condiments: it transforms grilled meat, lifts noodles, and turns simple veg into something celebratory. A jar takes minutes to jazz up leftovers and adds instant personality to dips and marinades. If you’re short on time but craving restaurant-style flavor, satay is your fast track to delicious.
If convenience is king, big supermarkets are your best bet. Chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose generally stock a selection of satay sauces in both their own-brand and branded ranges. Own-brand jars are usually the most budget-friendly, while premium ranges offer richer textures and deeper peanut flavor. Shopping in-store lets you check ingredient lists if you have allergies or dietary preferences.
Tesco typically offers multiple options, from value ranges to premium jars. Their own-label sauces are good for everyday cooking, while branded lines like Blue Dragon often appear for those after a more authentic kick. Tesco’s online shop also lets you compare pack sizes and ingredients before you add to cart.
Sainsbury’s tends to stock both mainstream and specialty satay sauces, including some with reduced sugar or heat levels tailored to UK palates. The “Taste the Difference” line is where you’ll find richer, bolder options if you want something closer to restaurant quality without hunting down specialist stores.
Asda and Morrisons are reliable for everyday jars and often price-match to keep costs low. Their own-brand satay sauces are easy to find and practical for families, while occasional seasonal or international ranges can introduce new flavors to try.
Waitrose leans towards higher-end and artisanal options. You’ll find carefully curated satay sauces with clean ingredient lists and interesting twists, such as organic peanuts or coconut cream instead of water, which give a creamier mouthfeel.
Budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl frequently surprise shoppers with great-value satay sauces that punch above their price. While stock rotates faster than the big chains, when they have satay jars you’ll often get excellent quality for less. Co-op stores also carry mainstream brands and local variations that are handy for impulse buys.
If you want taste profiles closer to street food, visit specialist Asian supermarkets. Chains like Wing Yip and smaller Chinatown grocers often carry authentic Thai and Indonesian brands — think Mae Ploy or local peanut satays — which can taste noticeably different from mass-market jars. These stores are also the place to find satay packets, pastes, and sauces in larger tubs used by restaurants.
For sheer variety, online retailers are unbeatable. Amazon UK stocks an enormous range, from mainstream labels to imported, boutique bottles. Grocery delivery services such as Ocado and the big supermarket websites let you browse ingredient lists, compare sizes, and read reviews before you buy. For artisan or ethically sourced satay, look at specialty food shops online that focus on international pantry staples.
Some satay brands appear across many UK stores and are good starting points. Blue Dragon is a familiar name, often delivering a balanced peanut flavor with a smooth texture. Mae Ploy is a Thai brand well respected for authentic taste and is commonly found in Asian supermarkets. For own-brand alternatives, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose each produce accessible versions that are perfect for everyday cooking. Try a few to see which suits your taste — peanut sauces vary widely in sweetness, heat, and thickness.
Choosing the right jar comes down to a few simple checks. First, look at the ingredient ordering: ideally, peanuts or peanut butter should be near the top. If sugar or fillers dominate, the taste will skew sweet. Check for coconut milk or coconut cream if you want a creamier, richer sauce. If you have allergies or dietary needs, read the label for gluten-free certification or a vegan note — some sauces use fish sauce or shrimp paste. Finally, consider the texture: thicker sauces are great for skewers and dipping, while thinner sauces blend better with noodles or dressings.
Satay sauce is ridiculously versatile. Brush it over chicken or pork skewers before grilling, stir it through rice noodles for a fast supper, or spoon it over roasted vegetables. It’s a fantastic dip for spring rolls and crudités, and a great sandwich spread when you want something richer than mayo. Imagine your weekday roast getting a Thai makeover — that’s the superpower of a jar of satay.
Stir together cooked rice noodles, a handful of shredded cabbage, sliced peppers, and a few tablespoons of satay sauce. Warm gently until everything is coated and finish with a squeeze of lime for brightness. Dinner done in under 20 minutes with minimal washing up.
For a simple party platter, warm a jar of satay and serve it in a dipping bowl alongside skewered chicken, cucumber sticks, and prawn crackers. It looks like effort, tastes like a takeaway, and barely takes any time to prepare.
Want to try a homemade version? This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes and uses basic pantry ingredients. You’ll end up with a thick, creamy sauce that’s easy to adapt.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste), 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 to 2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha (adjust for heat), 1/4 cup warm water to loosen, 1 clove garlic (minced).
Method: In a bowl, whisk the peanut butter and coconut milk until smooth. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili paste. Whisk again, then add warm water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and tweak — more lime for brightness, more sugar for sweetness, or more chili for heat. If you want it thinner for drizzling, add up to 1/2 cup warm water.
If you need a peanut-free version, almond butter or tahini are good substitutes — the flavor is different but still delicious. Swap brown sugar for maple syrup to keep it vegan and let the natural sweetness shine. If you’re avoiding soy, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep that depth of flavor without gluten or soy.
Too thick? Add warm water, coconut milk, or a splash of stock a tablespoon at a time until it loosens. Too thin? Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or reduce it gently in a pan over low heat to thicken without changing the flavor too much. Cornstarch slurry can also help if you want a glossy, clingy finish — mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, stir into the sauce, and heat gently until it thickens.
An unopened jar from a reputable brand will usually keep well in your pantry for months, but always check best-before dates. Once opened, store satay sauce in the refrigerator and aim to use it within 2 to 3 weeks for the best flavor and texture. If you make your own batch, it will keep for about a week in the fridge. Want to freeze? Homemade satay freezes well in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk before using.
Prices vary by brand and store. Own-brand jars generally offer the best value, while well-known brands and imported bottles can cost more. Buying larger tubs is often cheaper per ounce if you use satay regularly. Watch for multi-buy deals at supermarkets and keep an eye on online promotions if you prefer shopping from home. If you’re experimenting, buy a small jar first — it’s the simplest way to discover the flavor profile you prefer.
Satay loves foods with texture. Skewered meats soaked in a smoky char, crunchy raw veg, and chewy noodles all benefit from its creamy, nutty profile. Pair with lime wedges for acidity, chopped cilantro for freshness, and sliced chili for extra heat. For wine drinkers, try a lightly chilled Riesling or a fruity rosé — they complement the sauce’s sweetness without fighting the spice.
The easiest way to find your favorite is to taste-test. If you shop in-store, look for in-house samples or pick up small jars from different brands. If you shop online, read customer reviews and look for notes about sweetness, thickness, and heat. Over time you’ll learn which brand matches your cooking style — whether you want a pourable noodle sauce, a thick dip, or a seriously spicy marinade.
Satay sauce is one of those pantry items that repays curiosity. Whether you pick up an affordable own-brand jar from a high-street supermarket, hunt down an authentic bottle at an Asian grocer, or whip up your own version at home, satay transforms everyday meals into something memorable. Use the guide above to navigate choices at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, Aldi, Lidl, Co-op, and specialist shops, and remember: small tweaks to sugar, lime, and chili will tailor any jar to your taste. So grab a spoon, experiment, and enjoy the delicious ride.
| Satay Sauce | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Home Gourmet Peanut Sauce Mix 50 G | kr. 15,- | |
| Lkk Peanut Flavored Sauce 226 G | kr. 29,- |
