Try these savory peanut butter recipes that prove the spread is more versatile (and delicious) than you thought.
37 Surprisingly Savory Uses for Peanut Butter
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
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Thai Chicken Linguine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m feeding a crowd, I multiply this Thai-inspired chicken with pasta and snow peas. The merrymaking begins when everybody digs in, even the kids. —Teri Rumble, Jensen Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 377 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 697mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Peanut Turkey Satay
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe years ago and immediately served it to dinner guests. It’s easy and fun and takes only minutes to cook, but it makes a fancy entree for special occasions. The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 202 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
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Thai-Style Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thai for two, anyone? Peanut butter, soy sauce and hoisin sauce flavor this quick, fabulous bean dish.—Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
4/37
Spicy Peanut Butter and Pork Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A little spicy, a little sweet, with just a hint of curry, this flavor combo is something you just have to try. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 215 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
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West African Peanut Stew
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I really love African flavors, but you don't really encounter them much in the U.S. Here the combination of native African ingredients, all of which can be found in the States, transports you to a new culinary place. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 275 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Slow-Cooker Thai Butternut Squash Peanut Soup
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This seemingly exotic dish is simple, vegan, healthy and hearty. The peanut butter blends beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and Thai seasonings. You can also serve this soup without pureeing it first. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 181 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat.
8/37
Thai-Style Pork
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A creamy Thai peanut sauce coats tender pork in this delectable dish. The recipe is from a friend in my cooking club, and it’s always a favorite. —Amy Van Orman, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup pork mixture: 357 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Thai Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup sauce (calculated without rice): 261 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/37
Chicken Satay Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is so quick and easy. It was given to me by a friend and it tastes just like chicken satay! —Salina Moore, Woodward, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups equals 509 calories, 21 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 42 mg cholesterol, 543 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 29 g protein.
11/37
Shrimp Pad Thai Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 252 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Thai Peanut Naan Pizzas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a huge fan of Thai food, but don't always have the time to make it at home. To get my fix, I top fluffy naan bread with a ginger-peanut sauce, fresh veggies, a sprinkle of cilantro and a spicy squiggle of Sriracha. —Rachel Seis, Taste Recipes Senior Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pizza: 316 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
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Southern Peanut Butter Mayo Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Yep, Southerners love the combo of peanut butter and mayo. The mayonnaise flavor disappears into the peanut butter, just making it creamier and more delicious. I add cheddar to mine because, hey, I'm from Wisconsin. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 320 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
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Peanutty Chicken Wings
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A pleasant, mild blend of peanut and curry flavors makes up the sauce for these wings. I doubled the recipe, and was I glad I did! The tasty wings were devoured. —Kristen Proulx, Canton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing piece: 116 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
15/37
Grilled Zucchini with Peanut Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini slices make perfect finger food. It’s fun to make a topping for zucchini and a good solution for a never-ending crop. — Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/37
Smoky Peanut Butter Chili
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 279 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Peanut Butter Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 365 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
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Thai Chicken Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to quick-cooking chicken, convenient broccoli slaw mix, and an easy peanut sauce, you can wrap up dinner in 25 minutes. —Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 389 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 935mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
19/37
Peanut Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After enjoying a spicy peanut soup at a little cafe, I knew I had to try to duplicate it at home. I think my version comes pretty close. It's the best way I know to chase away winter's chill. —Lisa Meredith, Eagan, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 276 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 932mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
20/37
Slow-Cooker Malaysian Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Malaysian food has influences from the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thai, British and Portuguese. In this dish, Asian ingredients combine for maximum flavor and sweet potatoes thicken the sauce as the meal slowly cooks. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 425 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
21/37
Peanut Butter Pork Curry
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For an anniversary with my boyfriend, I cooked pork Asian style with peanut, coconut and curry flavors. Bonus: The butcher cubed the pork for me to save time. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 463 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
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Shiitake-Chicken Sliders
Total Time
45 min
Servings
18 sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Asian cuisine. One of our favorite things to order at a Thai restaurant is chicken satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce. These chicken sliders are a fun variation on the skewers. They're moist and flavorful with the addition of shiitake mushrooms, and topped with the spicy-sweet peanut sauce and tangy cucumber slices. —Julie Hession, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 246 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein
23/37
Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chili with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 368 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
24/37
Peanut Butter Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served on a bed of rice, this saucy chicken skillet from Karen Holland of Winnipeg, Manitoba, will quickly become one of your favorites.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 442 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
25/37
Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves the spicy flavors in these Thai chicken noodles and often breaks out the chopsticks for a more immersive experience. — Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup spaghetti: 475 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
26/37
Pork Satay
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings (about 3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 73 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Thai-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Thai food, but I wanted to see how its flavors would translate in a plain ol' peanut butter sandwich. The result is anything but plain—it's just darn delicious. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
28/37
Satay-Style Pork Stew
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thai cuisine features flavors that are hot and sour, salty and sweet. This one-dish pork satay balances all of them using ginger and red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, garlic, lime juice and creamy peanut butter. —Nicole Werner, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 519 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein.
29/37
PB&J Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe for one of my daughters who loves peanut butter and pork! The result has become a favorite—kids and grown-ups alike often request it for dinner. —Jill Cox, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 862 calories, 49g fat (15g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 51g protein.
30/37
Squash and Lentil Lamb Stew
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family lived in New Zealand many years ago. Every Sunday my mother made a lamb stew—it was Dad's favorite! I changed the recipe to suit my family's more modern palates, but it still seems just as exotic and delicious. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 411 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
31/37
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
32/37
Spicy Peanut Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
A little sweet, a little sour, and a whole lot of flavor! These kabobs make a wonderful accompaniment to any party or get-together. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 94 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
33/37
African Peanut Stew
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
34/37
Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato with 1/2 cup black bean mixture: 400 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
35/37
Thai-Style Cobb Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings (3/4 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
This veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 382 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
36/37
Thai-Style Brisket
Total Time
9 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an unusual take on brisket that will have you hooked. Peanut butter, soy, crisp-tender veggies and zesty seasonings give it the authentic Thai flavor we crave. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 505 calories, 31g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1455mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 46g protein.
37/37
Thai Veggie Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious dip is full of flavor, color and crunch, but not full of calories. There's mild sweetness from the honey with a bit of heat at the end from the pepper flakes. If spicy food is your thing, feel free to add an extra dash of pepper. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without vegetables): 73 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
