This peanut lime marinade is creamy, zesty, and full of bold flavor. It’s got that perfect mix of salty, tangy, and a little sweet—with just a hint of heat. It’s amazing on chicken, tofu, shrimp, or veggies, and it takes just a few minutes to throw together.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one came from a peanut sauce obsession. I turned it into a marinade and now I want to pour it on everything. It gives your food that satay-style flavor with zero stress—no cooking needed, just mix and marinate.
Why it’s always in my fridge:
- 🥜 Creamy, nutty, and tangy
- 🧄 Super fast to mix (5 mins!)
- 🥢 Perfect for grilling, baking, or stir-fry
- 🌱 Works on meat and plant-based proteins
- 🧊 Doubles as a dipping sauce if you save some
⏰ Time to Make: 5 minutes
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of meat, tofu, or veggies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil or toasted sesame oil
- 2–3 tbsp water, to thin
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
How to Make Peanut Lime Marinade
1. Add Peanut Butter and Lime Juice
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter and lime juice until smooth.
2. Add Soy Sauce, Honey, Garlic, and Ginger
Mix in the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Stir in Oil and Thin with Water
Add olive oil and slowly stir in water, 1 tbsp at a time, until pourable.
4. Spice It Up (Optional)
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha for heat.
📸 AI Image Prompt: Ultra close-up of red pepper flakes being sprinkled over creamy peanut lime marinade in a bowl, giving it a subtle spicy kick. White marble counters with hints of gold. With all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
5. Use or Store It
Pour over chicken, tofu, shrimp, or veggies. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Store extra in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to Serve With It
Once grilled or cooked, your marinated protein goes great with:
- 🍚 Coconut rice or jasmine rice
- 🥬 Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- 🥗 Chopped Thai-inspired salad
- 🥜 Crushed peanuts + cilantro for garnish
- 🫓 Warm naan or rice paper wraps
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It’ll just have a chunkier texture—great for dipping too.
What’s the best protein for this?
Chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even thin-cut pork chops.
Can I make this ahead?
Yep! It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days—just give it a good stir before using.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add chili flakes or sriracha. Otherwise, it’s mild and nutty.
Can I use it as a sauce too?
Totally! Save some before marinating and drizzle over bowls or stir-fries.
Enjoy!
This Peanut Lime Marinade is creamy, flavorful, and makes any meal feel exciting. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to keep on repeat—especially on busy weeknights. 🥜🍗🍋