Peanut Dipping Sauce

Great peanut dipping sauce for stir fries, appetizers, fish, chicken, sandwiches,….   Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve at room temperature.
Makes about 3/4 cup.
  
INGREDIENTS
1/4    cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)
1/4    cup Hoisin sauce
1/4    cup water
2    tablespoons tomato paste or 1 tablespoon Ketchup
+1    teaspoon Asian chili sauce (Sirracha – Rooster Sauce  is great)
2    teaspoons peanut oil or vegetable oil (optional)
2    medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press
1    teaspoon red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk peanut butter, hoisin sauce, water, tomato paste, and chili sauce, if using, in small bowl.
Heat oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in peanut butter mixture; bring to simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors blend, about 3 minutes. (Sauce should have ketchup-like consistency; if too thick, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until proper consistency is reached.) Transfer to bowl; cool to room temperature. 

For quick method, combine all ingredients in a bowl, expect the oil.  Red pepper flakes are optional.  Whisk til smooth.  Serve or store in an air tight container in the refrig.