By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
186 cal · 10 min
Nước léo (Vietnamese Peanut Sauce)
Recipe GLPRc98e03e51d2308
A rich and savory Vietnamese peanut sauce that balances the nutty depth of roasted peanuts with aromatic garlic, sweet hoisin, and spicy chile. This versatile condiment comes together in minutes and pairs beautifully with spring rolls, grilled meats, or noodle dishes. The combination of peanut butter and ground roasted peanuts creates a smooth yet textured sauce with authentic Vietnamese flavor.
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Ingredients
1 tablespoon peanut oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chile paste
2 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon sugar (palm or coconut sugar preferred)
¼ cup hoisin sauce
1 Thai red chile, thinly sliced
¼ cup roasted peanuts, ground
2 tablespoon peanut butter
Directions
Heat the peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the chile paste and tomato paste, combining well with the garlic and oil. Cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
Pour in the chicken stock and add the sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely and combine all ingredients.
Add the hoisin sauce and stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
Reduce heat to low and add the peanut butter and ground roasted peanuts. Stir continuously until the peanut butter is fully melted and the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in the thinly sliced Thai red chile. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let cool slightly before serving.
Comments
Nước léo is a swift sauce that earns its 10-minute claim—there's no hidden knife work, just stirring and tasting. Charlotte's major chains all stock the core ingredients: peanut butter, roasted peanuts, garlic, and tomato paste are reliable at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Publix, Walmart, ALDI, and Kroger. Thai red chile and chile paste may require a second stop at a Vietnamese or Asian market, or an order ahead to Harris Teeter's international aisle; that's a real friction point on a weeknight. Cost per serving runs around $1.50–$2.00, driven mainly by peanut butter and roasted peanuts, which are reasonable staples. The sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for a week and works as a dip, noodle toss, or protein bath, making it forgiving for households that eat on different schedules. For a Charlotte kitchen, this is a reliable peanut sauce that lands between weeknight helper and weekend exploration, depending on where you source the chiles.
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