Island flavor: Aruban Peanut Sauce recipe.
Some sauces do more than sit on the side.
Also known as saté sauce, or "saus di pinda" in papiamento, this peanut sauce shows up, pulls its weight, and quietly becomes the reason people ask for seconds. In Aruba, it reflects stories of movement and connection, shaped by Indonesian, Surinamese, and Dutch influences that found their way into everyday cooking.
Catch it at a local food truck and you’ll see why it’s a favorite. Crispy fries dipped in warm, nutty sauce, or chicken saté smothered in its richness, makes waiting in line worth every second. The Dutch love for fries with peanut sauce traveled here and stayed, and Aruba embraced it wholeheartedly.
Savory, gently sweet, with warmth from ginger and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Spoon it over chicken sate, drizzle it on rice, or serve it proudly with french fries. Yes, really.
Ingredients peanut sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili paste or hot sauce, optional
- ¾ to 1 cup warm water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Keep it gentle—burnt garlic is unforgiving.
Stir in paprika and cumin, then add peanut butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Slowly add warm water while stirring until smooth and pourable. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often. Taste and adjust—more salt, a touch of heat, or extra water if needed. Peanut sauce should coat a spoon, not fight it.
How to Enjoy an Aruban peanut sauce
Serve the sauce warm with chicken sate, rice, or fries. At local food trucks, it’s common to see guests savoring fries or chicken dipped generously in the sauce, letting the flavors slow down the moment and bring people together.
A note from the island
Aruba’s cuisine is a reflection of its history and community. Small dishes, shared experiences, and thoughtful preparation invite everyone to taste, pause, and connect. This peanut sauce is best enjoyed slowly, with company and intention.
