This sauce was born from having a large packet of raw cashew nuts in my pantry. Originally purchased to make a raw carrot cake, which in the end turned into quite tasty chocolate chip balls.
I was out of sweet chili sauce and wanted to make something to dip my deep fried chicken necks in (recipe to come). Therefore with a quick look in the cupboard and fridge, plus being inflicted with a severe case of the laziness bug, this sauce resulted.
As cashews are used it is the perfect alternative to a peanut satay sauce for those allergic to peanuts. Cashews are a tree nut and come from a different plant family to peanuts, which are ground nuts. This means that those allergic to peanuts aren’t necessarily allergic to cashews.
Besides being peanut free, the sauce is extremely simple to make with minimal ingredients required. Can be pulled together and on the table within 15 minutes. Simple, fast and tasty, what’s not to like.
Do you have a quick and easy dipping sauce you like to fall back on?
Sara xxx
Printable Recipe

Simple Cashew Satay Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 200 g cashews dry roasted
- 140 ml coconut cream
- 4 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
Instructions
- In a food processor blitz your cashews, until you have medium to fine pieces.
- In a medium size saucepan, heat your oil over a medium heat. Add red curry paste and fry until fragrant, around 3 minutes. Stir in coconut cream and brown sugar, simmer for a further 3 minutes. Then add cashews and 1 cup of water.
- Continue cooking for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of weeks or in the freezer for 3 months. Makes 1 ½ cups of sauce.
Oven Temperatures
All oven temperatures are fan forced.
Measurement Notes
All measurements are Australian metric standard. All measures are level, and cups are lightly packed unless specified. 1 teaspoon = 5ml / 1 tablespoon = 20mls / 1 cup = 250ml /4 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
The recipe's nutritional information is an approximation based on an online calculator. It is meant solely for reference purposes. If you're looking for precise details, be sure to double-check with your own research.
sam stephenson
can this be made raw? I am not cooking at the moment.
Sara McCleary
Hi Sam, unfortunately this recipe does need to be cooked.
Nancy
Hi Sara, can this be used as a marinade for grilled chicken satay? It looks delicious 🙂
Many thanks,
Nancy
Sara
Hi Nancy
I wouldn't recommend it as a marinade, my fear is that it would burn rather easily on the bbq. I suggest rubbing your diced chicken in 1 -2 tablespoons of curry paste, Malaysian would be best. Leave your chicken in the fridge for a couple of hours before skwering and popping on the barbie. Serve the sauce on the side with onion, cucumber and rice.
Cheers
Sara
Fiona
Easy, delicious and fast. Definitely to be made again.
Amanda@ChewTown
Such an amazing simple twist on a classic. I'll definitely be making this soon!
Gourmet Getaways
This recipe will save my day when Asian friends come by. Looks easy to prepare, too! Thank you.
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Helen (Grab Your Fork)
Sounds pretty tasty to me! And curious about these deep fried chicken necks too!
john | heneedsfood
Deep-fried chicken necks? Please don't keep us in suspense for too long. This sauce is so easy!
Padaek
So clever! Look and sound delicious. Love cashews and this sauce would be a great alternative.