Name: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers (sliced about 1/3rd inch thick); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 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

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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is the kind of dish that instantly brightens the table with both color and flavor. It starts with crisp English cucumbers, perfectly salted to draw out their freshness, then tossed with a rich, garlicky peanut sauce that’s got just the right kick of heat. Toasted peanuts add crunch, while parsley brings garden-fresh lift, making every bite refreshing, zesty, and oh-so-addictive. Whether you need a starter that wows or a snappy snack for yourself, this punchy, protein-packed salad never fails to steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce comes together with straightforward ingredients, but every single one earns its spot. From the sweet honey to the tangy rice vinegar, each component layers on unique flavor and texture, bringing life to a bowlful of cucumbers.

2 large English cucumbers: These are crisp and virtually seedless, offering the perfect crunch and soaking up the dressing beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out excess water and seasons the cucumber slices from the inside out.
1/2 cup chopped peanuts, (toasted): Toasting boosts their nutty flavor and delivers delightful crunch in every mouthful.
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory depth while letting other flavors in the sauce sing.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a gentle tang that lifts the whole salad.
2 tablespoons peanut butter: Creates a velvety, rich base for the spicy dressing.
1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens things just enough to balance the heat and acidity.
2 cloves garlic, (minced): Provides a punchy, aromatic backbone to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes: Delivers that warm, spicy bite everyone’s looking for.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives the dish mild heat and complexity without overpowering.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note, plus a pop of color for the final flourish.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Sweat and Prep the Cucumbers

Start by slicing those gorgeous English cucumbers about a third of an inch thick—thick enough for a satisfying bite, but not so chunky they won’t absorb flavor. Sprinkle on that half teaspoon of salt and toss the slices until evenly coated. Not only does this season the cucumbers, but it also pulls out excess water so your salad won’t get watery later. Pop them in a colander and let them drain for an hour; this little bit of patience pays off with extra crunch and concentrated cucumber flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Spicy Peanut Sauce

While your cucumbers rest, bring together the bold flavors that make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce unforgettable. In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, creamy peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried red chili flakes, and ground black pepper. Whisk, whisk, and whisk some more until you have a luscious, glossy sauce that hits every note—creamy, sweet, tangy, nutty, and tinged with spicy warmth. It should taste just a touch intense on its own, because the cooling cukes will mellow it perfectly.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

After the cucumbers have drained, gently pat them dry with a clean towel to remove any lingering moisture. Transfer them to a large bowl, then sprinkle over the toasted peanuts and chopped parsley. Pour your spicy peanut sauce right over the pile, and toss everything together with a big spoon (or your clean hands) until every slice glistens. The nuts will catch in the crevices, the parsley will dot everything with color, and the sauce will cling beautifully.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can serve your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce immediately for max crunch and freshness. If you’re prepping ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Just remember to give the salad a good toss before you serve—peanut sauce likes to settle at the bottom, and this salad is best enjoyed when everything’s perfectly coated.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

For a final flourish, try topping the bowl with extra toasted peanuts, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, or a little more chopped parsley. Even a wedge of lime on the side wakes up the flavors more. These add-ons provide bursts of crunch, color, and even more zing, making each bite pop and inviting guests to dive in.

Side Dishes

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce pair wonderfully with a host of dishes. Set it alongside grilled chicken, sticky rice, or noodles for an Asian-inspired spread, or use it as a fresh counterpoint to spicy barbecue. Its cool, nutty bite goes with anything rich or meaty, and it’s downright irresistible on a plate with summer rolls or lettuce wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving this salad in individual glasses or small bowls as an appetizer, or pile it onto a platter surrounded by crisp lettuce leaves for guests to scoop up. For a modern twist, skewer the cucumber rounds and drizzle the spicy peanut sauce on top for an elegant, party-ready presentation. No matter how you serve them, these cucumbers are always the first to disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crispness as they continue to release moisture, so try to enjoy them the same day for peak freshness and crunch.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing, as the cucumbers will become watery and lose their satisfying crunch once thawed. The sauce, however, can be mixed up ahead of time and frozen separately for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge and give it a good stir before tossing with fresh cucumbers.

Reheating

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; heating would make the cucumbers soft and sap that refreshing flavor. If refrigerated, simply set the salad out for about 10–15 minutes before serving to take off the chill, then toss it well to redistribute the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them for the best texture and flavor. English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds, but whatever you have on hand will work beautifully in Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce.

How can I make the sauce even spicier?

If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add extra red chili flakes or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the peanut sauce. Taste as you go—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!

Can I swap out the peanuts for other nuts?

Of course! Roasted cashews or almonds are also fantastic in this recipe, bringing their own unique textures and flavors. For those with nut allergies, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds are delicious alternatives that keep the crunch.

How far in advance can I prepare the salad?

You can make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce up to 8 hours ahead. More than that and the cucumbers may lose their signature crunch. Keep the salad refrigerated and always give it a gentle toss before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the honey for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients in Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are naturally plant-based, making it an easy vegan upgrade.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a snack or side that’s easy, exciting, and sure to impress, give Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce a try. With its refreshing crunch and knockout dressing, it’ll quickly become your go-to for everything from quick lunches to backyard gatherings. Grab those cucumbers and get tossing—you might just discover your new favorite bite!

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

These Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crunchy cucumbers with a zesty, nutty sauce. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack or side dish.

Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let them drain in a colander for an 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 until well coated.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 8 hours, bringing to room temperature before serving.