Name: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 English cucumbers, thinly sliced; ¼ – ⅓ cup peanuts, chopped small, lightly salted; 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds, plus extra as garnish; 2–3 tablespoons green onion, as garnish; Pinch red pepper flakes, optional; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1.5 – 2 tablespoons water, depending on preferred thickness; 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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If you’re searching for a refreshing yet boldly flavored dish to brighten up your table, look no further than these Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. This vibrant recipe brings together cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a luscious, creamy peanut dressing that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. Every bite bursts with texture and color, making it a delightful treat whether as a snack, side, or a light lunch. It’s a simple recipe that transforms ordinary cucumbers into something spectacularly memorable and utterly irresistible.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the crunchy, creamy, and spicy harmony that defines this salad.

English cucumbers: Thinly sliced to provide refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
Peanuts: Lightly salted and chopped small for a satisfying nutty texture.
White sesame seeds: Toasted lightly to add subtle nuttiness and visual appeal.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, sharp bite and lovely color contrast.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch to turn up the heat just a touch if you like spice.
Creamy peanut butter: The creamy base for the sauce, bringing richness and depth.
Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness to balance the spicy and tart flavors.
Water: Adjusts the sauce to your preferred consistency for easy tossing.
Low sodium soy sauce: Introduces savory umami notes without overpowering.
Sriracha: Brings bold heat and vibrant color to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Offers a mild acidity that brightens the entire dish.
Sesame oil: Provides a fragrant finish that rounds out the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing and thinly slicing your English cucumbers. The key here is slicing thinly to allow the sauce to coat every bite perfectly while preserving that fresh crunch that makes this dish so refreshing. Gather the chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions and toss them together in a large mixing bowl. This mix will be the crisp foundation for your spicy peanut dressing.

Step 2: Whisk the Spicy Peanut Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, water, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Take your time to whisk this mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and silky. The sauce should strike a delicate balance — creamy yet tangy, with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Adjust the water quantity to get your desired thickness for easy coating.

Step 3: Toss Cucumbers in the Dressing

Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the cucumber and peanut mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. This delicate folding technique keeps the cucumbers crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy while infusing them evenly with bold flavors.

Step 4: Add a Final Kick

If you enjoy a bit more heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the salad. This optional step takes the spice level up a notch without overwhelming the balance of flavors. It’s a small touch that can make a big impact for those who love a little extra fire.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish by garnishing the salad with extra sesame seeds and green onions. This final touch adds a burst of color and an extra hint of nutty, fresh brightness. Serve this dish right away to savor the perfect crunch paired with the creamy, spicy peanut sauce.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Beyond the suggested green onions and sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or chopped fresh mint can elevate the flavors even further by adding a fresh herbal note. Toasted peanuts sprinkled on top enhance the crunch and nutty taste, making this dish even more exciting with every bite.

Side Dishes

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or tofu for a light, summery meal. It’s also fantastic alongside steamed jasmine rice or cold soba noodles, adding vibrant flavor and texture contrast. Think of it as a versatile companion that brightens up your plate with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and shareable presentation, serve this dish on a large platter garnished with wedges of lime for an extra zesty squeeze. You can also spoon the salad over crispy lettuce leaves to create refreshing cucumber wraps, perfect for parties or as an appetizer. The vibrant colors and textures make it just as pleasing to the eye as to the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the cucumbers release moisture, it’s best eaten soon after making to maintain its signature crunch and texture. Stir gently before serving again to redistribute the sauce.

Freezing

This recipe is not ideal for freezing. The cucumbers will lose their crispness and become watery once thawed, and the peanut sauce texture may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh for that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.

Reheating

Since this dish is served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you’d like the flavors to meld slightly, let the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving but avoid warming it up to keep the cucumbers fresh and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! While English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, regular cucumbers work just fine. Just peel them if the skin is thick or waxed to maintain that smooth texture.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! This entire recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegan-friendly peanut butter and soy sauce. It’s an excellent plant-based dish that’s rich in flavor and texture.

How spicy is the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra sriracha or a dash of chili oil.

Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time?

You sure can! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Whisk before using, and add a bit of water if it thickens. However, toss the cucumbers fresh just before serving for best texture.

What are some good substitutions for peanut butter?

If peanut allergies are a concern, try creamy almond or cashew butter instead. These nut butters provide a similarly rich texture and flavor, though the taste will vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce — a dish that manages to be simple, vibrant, and packed with personality all at once. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how delightful fresh cucumbers become when paired with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing. It’s the kind of dish that brightens your day and keeps you coming back for more.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, garnished with crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish with a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped peanuts, white sesame seeds, and green onions. This mix forms the crunchy and fresh base of the salad.
Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, water (adjust to your preferred thickness), low sodium soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
Toss Salad: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cucumber mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients with the flavorful dressing.
Add Spice (Optional): Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the salad for extra heat if you like your salad spicy.
Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onions to add texture and freshness to the dish.

Notes

Use thinly sliced cucumbers for the best texture and flavor absorption.
Adjust the water in the peanut sauce to reach your desired consistency.
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and kept chilled.
Add red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook / Mixing
Cuisine: Asian-inspired