Thai Cilantro Sauce (Printable)
A vibrant, zesty sauce bursting with fresh cilantro, garlic, lime, and Thai-inspired flavors—perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fresh Herbs
01 - 1 large bunch fresh cilantro (about 2 cups packed, leaves and tender stems)
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
→ Aromatics
03 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled
04 - 1 small shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
05 - 1 small Thai green chili, seeded if desired
→ Liquids
06 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
07 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
08 - 3 tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed or vegetable oil)
09 - 1 tablespoon water, as needed
→ Flavorings
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
11 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Place cilantro, mint, garlic, shallot, and Thai chili in a food processor or blender.
02 - Pour in lime juice, rice vinegar, oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and salt.
03 - Process until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time if thinner consistency is desired.
04 - Taste sauce and modify with additional lime juice, salt, or sweetener according to preference.
05 - Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 days.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This sauce transforms plain grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a simple bowl of rice into something restaurant worthy with zero effort
- It keeps beautifully in the fridge for days, meaning you can make impromptu dinners feel intentional and thoughtful
02 -
- Over blending can make the sauce bitter if your blades heat up too much, so pulse in short bursts and give your machine a break between whirs
- The sauce will thicken in the refrigerator as the oil solidifies slightly, so let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before serving
03 -
- For a creamy variation that will blow your mind, blend in half an avocado or a tablespoon of coconut milk for richness that still feels light
- Roasted peanuts or cashews added during blending create this incredible nutty depth that makes the sauce feel much more substantial