Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a refreshing, bold, and flavorful side dish that combines cool, crisp cucumbers with a creamy, spicy-sweet peanut dressing. This dish draws inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisine, where peanut sauces are often paired with crunchy vegetables to create dishes that are vibrant, healthy, and full of contrast. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors: cool versus spicy, crunchy versus creamy, and savory versus sweet.

Ideal as a light appetizer, picnic side, or unique salad, this dish comes together quickly and requires no cooking, making it a favorite for warm days or busy weeknights. The cucumbers are lightly salted to enhance their flavor and texture, then tossed in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, garlic, and chili flakes. Toasted peanuts add depth and crunch, while fresh parsley brightens everything up. If you’re looking to add variety to your side dish game, this spicy cucumber salad is a fantastic and surprising choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and No-Cook – Ready in under 15 minutes and requires no stove or oven.
2. Bold Flavors – A balanced mix of salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy.
3. Healthy and Refreshing – Packed with fresh veggies and protein-rich peanuts.
4. Versatile – Works as a side dish, salad, or even a light lunch.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors deepen as it chills, making it ideal for prep in advance.

Ingredients

• English cucumbers
• Salt
• Chopped peanuts (toasted)
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Peanut butter
• Honey
• Garlic (minced)
• Dried red chili flakes
• Ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Variations

• Add Sesame Oil – A dash of sesame oil will give it a nuttier, toasted flavor.
• Make it Vegan – Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Include Protein – Top with grilled tofu or shredded chicken for a more filling dish.
• Cucumber Noodles – Spiralize the cucumbers for a fun, noodle-like texture.
• Garnish Creatively – Try adding sesame seeds, scallions, or cilantro for extra flair.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Slice the cucumbers into rounds about 1/3 inch thick. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic, red chili flakes, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine

Toss the cucumber slices with the peanut sauce until evenly coated. Add the toasted peanuts and stir gently.

Step 4: Garnish

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use English Cucumbers – They have thin skin and fewer seeds, perfect for salads.
• Salt First – Salting draws out excess water, preventing a watery salad.
• Toast the Peanuts – Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds more crunch.
• Adjust Spice Level – Increase or reduce chili flakes based on your heat tolerance.
• Stir the Sauce Well – Make sure the peanut butter is fully blended for a smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this dish cold or at room temperature as a side with grilled meats, rice bowls, or noodles. It’s also great as an appetizer for Asian-themed dinners or potlucks. You can serve it in small bowls with chopsticks or as part of a larger salad spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the sauce may settle.

Freezing

Not recommended. Cucumbers become mushy when frozen and thawed.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this dish is best served cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers?

Yes, but peel and deseed them for the best texture and taste.

2. What type of peanut butter should I use?

Smooth, unsweetened peanut butter works best for a creamy dressing.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors improve after chilling for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick from the chili flakes; adjust to taste.

5. Can I use other nuts?

Yes, chopped cashews or almonds can be substituted for peanuts.

6. Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free.

7. How do I make it low-carb?

Skip the honey or use a sugar-free sweetener.

8. What if my sauce is too thick?

Thin it with a splash of water or more rice vinegar until desired consistency is reached.

9. Can I use bottled peanut sauce instead?

You can, but homemade has a fresher, more customizable flavor.

10. How long can this sit out?

It’s safe at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.

Conclusion

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a refreshing, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish or a light meal with bold flavor, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up something truly special in minutes.

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