Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
If you’re hunting for a side dish with major crunch, a zippy kick, and just the right amount of creamy, nutty richness, Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is about to become a new obsession. This is the kind of plate that disappears first at any potluck, the one that steals the spotlight from the mains — cool cucumber slices tumble in a zingy-sweet, garlicky peanut sauce, finished with pops of toasty peanuts and fresh parsley. It comes together faster than you’d believe, and every bite has a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This is more than a salad; it’s the punchy, vibrant side your menu has been missing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a great example of how simple, honest ingredients can result in a truly memorable dish. Every item in the list brings something vital to the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce, from crunch to fire to fresh herby sparkle.
- English cucumbers: These are crisp, refreshing, and have fewer seeds, perfect for soaking up the sauce and staying snappy.
- Salt: Just a little helps draw excess moisture from the cucumbers, intensifying their flavor.
- Chopped peanuts, toasted: Toasting brings out their aroma and natural nuttiness, adding the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds rich umami without making the dish too salty; the low-sodium version lets the other flavors shine.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens everything up with a gentle tang and lifts the richness of the peanut butter.
- Peanut butter: Brings the creamy, satisfying body to the sauce — natural peanut butter works especially well here.
- Honey: A drizzle for natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the salt and spice.
- Garlic, minced: For a sharp, aromatic punch that dances through each bite.
- Dried red chili flakes: These bring a gentle heat — feel free to adjust up or down to suit your spice level.
- Ground black pepper: A hint of earthy warmth to round out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh pop of green and a hint of brightness at the end.
How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Salt and Drain the Cucumbers
Toss your cucumber slices in the salt, making sure each round is lightly coated. Pop them in a colander and let them rest for about an hour. This is where the magic begins! As the cucumbers drain, they shed excess water and become even more crisp — perfect for holding onto every last drop of that spicy peanut sauce. Don’t rush this step; it’s the secret to avoiding a watery salad and getting deep flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Spicy Peanut Sauce
While those cucumbers do their thing, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl. It should turn satiny and smooth, equal parts savory, spicy, and a little sweet. Give it a taste — this is your chance to dial up the spice or sweetness if you like things hotter or milder.
Step 3: Toss and Finish
After an hour, blot the cucumbers with a paper towel if they’re still a bit wet, then move them to a mixing bowl. Add the toasted peanuts, parsley, and that irresistible sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated — don’t be shy! You want every cucumber slice to glisten. Serve right away for the best crunch, or cover and chill for up to 8 hours if you’re making them ahead.
How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is an extra handful of toasted peanuts and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Both add vibrant color and a little extra punch. If you want to get fancy, a scatter of sesame seeds is never out of place, or a squeeze of lime for even more zing.
Side Dishes
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce go with just about everything! It’s a natural beside grilled meats like chicken satay, sticky Asian ribs, or simple ginger-scallion noodles. Pair it with fragrant jasmine rice and you have a light, cooling contrast to spicy main courses. For a lighter lunch, toss it into a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice and edamame.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Try stacking the cucumbers in neat rows on a platter, or threading them onto skewers for a party appetizer. For a wow-factor starter, slice the cucumbers slightly thinner and layer with the sauce in a mason jar salad. Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are endlessly customizable for any occasion — just let your imagination guide you.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra, pop the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re best eaten within eight hours, as the cucumbers will gradually release more water and soften, but the flavors stay delicious through the day. Before serving leftovers, give everything a good toss to combine the sauce once more.
Freezing
This is one dish that doesn’t love the freezer. Freezing cucumbers causes them to lose all their lovely crunch and become watery. For best results, enjoy Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce fresh, or at most within a few hours of making.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If chilled, just let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying so the sauce softens and everything tastes bright and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular cucumbers, peel them first and scoop out some of the seeds for best texture. English cucumbers just tend to be sweeter and less watery, making them ideal, but any crunchy variety works well in this recipe.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter if I have allergies?
Sunflower seed butter or almond butter are tasty alternatives that bring a similar creamy richness to the sauce. You can also omit nuts entirely and use tahini, which gives a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
What can I use instead of honey to make this vegan?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are both excellent vegan swaps for honey. They melt right into the sauce and still provide the touch of sweetness that balances the salty and spicy notes.
How can I make the sauce even spicier?
If you love a fiery kick, add extra chili flakes, a splash of your favorite hot sauce, or a bit of finely minced fresh chili to the sauce. Taste as you go so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce.
Can I make this the night before?
It’s best not to prepare Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce more than eight hours in advance. The cucumbers will continue to soften over time, so for maximum crunch and freshness, toss everything together no more than a few hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something refreshing, bold, and satisfying, don’t wait to try Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. It’s one of those dishes that makes you wonder why you ever settled for a plain cucumber salad, and it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. I can’t wait for you to take your first bite!
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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful dish of cucumbers coated in a spicy peanut sauce, perfect for a light and satisfying appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large English cucumbers (sliced about 1/3rd inch thick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let drain in a colander for one hour.
- Make Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic, chili flakes, and black pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss drained cucumbers with peanuts, parsley, and sauce mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh but can be prepared ahead for convenience.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce, Peanut Cucumber Salad, Asian Cucumber Salad, Spicy Cucumber Appetizer
