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Authentic Thai Peanut Dressing (Salad Kaeg)

A luscious, creamy dressing with a magical blend of peanuts, coconut milk, and a kick of tamarind that enhances salads and grilled dishes alike.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dressing, Side Dish
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 15 g mild dried red chilies (seeds removed)
  • 1/3 cup chopped shallots
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 tsp coriander seeds (toasted)
  • 1 cup coconut milk Thai Kitchen is a suggested brand
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts Sunita is a suggested brand
  • 4-6 tbsp tamarind paste Can substitute with lime juice
  • 3 tbsp palm sugar (finely chopped, packed)
  • 3/4 tsp fine grain salt
For Serving
  • Greens (e.g., iceberg lettuce, baby spinach)
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
  • Carrots
  • Boiled eggs
  • Fried firm tofu
  • Potato chips (or fried potato sticks)
  • Fried shallots

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the peanuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool and grind into a coarse meal.
  2. Cut the chilies into chunks, remove seeds, and grind them along with the coriander seeds in a coffee grinder until finely powdered. If you don’t have a grinder, a mortar and pestle can be used. Pound the shallots and garlic in the same vessel and mix with the ground spices until they form a smooth paste.
Cooking
  1. In a pot, bring 1/4 cup of coconut milk to a boil. Add the chili paste and cook for about 5 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
  2. Pour in the remaining coconut milk, water, ground roasted peanuts, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt. Let it simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes, stirring regularly until you achieve the desired consistency.
Serving and Storing
  1. Allow the dressing to cool slightly before drizzling over salads or storing in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

For a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer. If it's too thick, add more water or coconut milk. Store in the fridge for up to one week. This dressing can also be frozen for up to three months.