If you’re on the hunt for something fresh, boldly flavored, and just a little addictive, the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine crisp cucumber slices dressed in an irresistibly creamy, spicy-sweet peanut sauce, finished with crunchy peanuts and a shower of fresh cilantro. This dish is a celebration of contrasts: cooling, vibrant, rich, and tangy, all in one bite. It takes mere minutes to prepare, making it a must-have for quick lunches, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave a refreshing side that brings big flavor with little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly remarkable how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients can come together to create such an exciting dish. Each component in this recipe has an important role to play, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, heat, or a dash of vibrant color.
- English cucumbers: These are mild, crisp, and virtually seedless, making them the perfect canvas for the savory peanut sauce.
- Creamy peanut butter: The backbone of the sauce, lending a luscious, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with fresh cucumber.
- Soy sauce: Adds essential umami depth and seasoning for a balanced taste.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a punchy, tangy brightness that keeps the flavors lively and refreshing.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle brings nutty, toasty aroma and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness is key for balance and helps tame the heat.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Adjustable to your spice preference, this provides the signature spicy kick.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it delivers a lively, aromatic punch right into the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Adds zesty warmth and a subtle peppery bite that enlivens every bite.
- Warm water: Used to thin the peanut sauce to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Roasted peanuts: Chopped and sprinkled on top, giving the perfect crunchy finish.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Offers a pop of color and a burst of fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by grabbing those lovely English cucumbers and slicing them thinly. You want the slices to be slim enough to soak up plenty of sauce, but still provide that signature crisp crunch. Pop the slices into a large mixing bowl. If you adore extra crunch, try salting the cucumber slices lightly and letting them drain in a colander for around 10 minutes before moving to the next step. This simple trick helps draw out excess moisture and amplifies the texture.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Spicy Peanut Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Start whisking these together, then slowly add the warm water until the sauce becomes glossy, smooth, and easy to drizzle. This peanut sauce is meant to be bold but customizable, so give it a quick taste and adjust the spice level or sweetness to your liking—it’s your masterpiece in the making!
Step 3: Toss and Marinate
Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the sliced cucumbers, making sure to scrape out every last drop. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each slice gets an even coat of that luscious sauce. For the best flavor, let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This little pause lets the flavors meld and the cucumbers absorb all those wonderful savory, spicy, and tangy notes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your saucy cucumber mixture to a serving dish and scatter chopped roasted peanuts generously over the top. If you love herbs, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro for added color and vibrancy. Now, all that’s left is to decide if you want it chilled from the fridge or right at room temperature—either way, it’s sensational!
How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
This dish sparkles with simple, flavorful finishing touches. Chopped roasted peanuts add irresistible crunch, and a scattering of fresh cilantro brings a burst of color and fresh, herbal notes. For extra zing, a sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds also works wonders. Don’t be afraid to customize the garnish to match your own preferences or what you have on hand.
Side Dishes
The Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is an all-star side for an Asian-inspired spread. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice noodles, sticky jasmine rice, or even crispy tofu. Its bright, zippy flavors work as a palate cleanser or counterpoint to richer mains, making your whole meal feel lighter and more dynamic.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation for a little extra wow factor. Try mounding the cucumbers into lettuce cups for easy handheld bites at picnics and barbecues. You can also layer them on a platter with sliced radishes and carrots, or even use them as a topping for rice bowls and noodle salads. This is one of those dishes that shines whether you serve it family-style or in elegant little portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two days. The cucumbers will continue to marinate and can become even more flavorful as they sit. Just keep in mind that the longer they sit, the softer they will get, so enjoy them while they’re still crisp and vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish. Cucumbers contain a lot of water, and after thawing, their texture turns mushy. The sauce might also separate or lose its creamy consistency. For the freshest taste and crunch, prepare only what you plan to enjoy within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating needed! The beauty of the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is that it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just give it a gentle toss to redistribute the sauce and refresh the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work well in this recipe, though you may want to peel off the thicker skin and scrape out some of the seeds for the best texture. English cucumbers are preferred for their mild flavor and tender skin, but use what’s available.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe entirely vegan. Just use maple syrup instead of honey and double-check your sriracha or chili sauce for added animal ingredients.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is totally customizable. Start with one teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce and taste the sauce before tossing with the cucumbers. Add more if you like things fiery or scale back for a gentler kick.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The spicy peanut sauce can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in a covered jar in the fridge, and when you’re ready to assemble the salad, just give it a good stir and pour it over your freshly sliced cucumbers.
What else can I add to this salad?
Feel free to get creative! Thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes can be tossed in for extra crunch and color. You can also fold in chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil for a different flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe enough—whether you’re seeking something quick, light, or bursting with flavor, this dish never disappoints. Give it a go, play with the spiciness to suit your taste, and share the joy with friends and family. Once you’ve tasted that satisfying combo of cool cucumbers and spicy, creamy peanut sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the refreshing crunch of cucumbers coated in a flavorful and spicy peanut sauce with this easy recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, these Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a large bowl.
- Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and warm water until smooth.
- Coat the cucumbers: Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat.
- Let it sit: Allow the flavors to meld by letting the dish sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, top with chopped peanuts and cilantro if using, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them drain in a colander for 10 minutes before tossing with the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or rice noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
