Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ketjap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce; see p. 14)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 cup lightly toasted peanuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek or other red chile paste
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup peanut or canola oil
  • Salt

Method

  • Place all the ingredients (reserving 2 tablespoons cilantro and 2 tablespoons sliced scallions) except the peanut oil and salt in a blender or the bowl of a food processor and puree.
  • Stop the motor and use a spoon or spatula to lift and incorporate the bottom of the mixture.
  • With the motor running, slowly pour in the peanut oil.
  • The sauce should be thick and creamy, like honey.
  • Add a little water if it is too thick.
  • The final sauce should be about the consistency of thin mayonnaise.
  • Taste, and adjust seasoning for spiciness or salt.
  • For a bit more texture, add some chopped peanuts to the finished sauce.