If you’re on the hunt for a stunning side dish that practically sings with flavor, you’ve just found your new go-to: the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe. This dish is a celebration of contrasts — crisp, cool cucumber slices tossed in a creamy, nutty, spicy sauce that’s just as addictive as it is easy. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your summer spread or add a punchy appetizer to your weeknight rotation, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe so special is how each simple ingredient brings its own magic to the table. Every item on this list is essential for a symphony of texture, taste, and even a burst of color.
- Cucumbers: Their refreshing crunch is the backbone of this dish — make sure to slice them thin for maximum soak-up of that dreamy sauce.
- Salt: A pinch draws out excess water, intensifying the cucumber’s flavor and keeping the salad crisp, not watery.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the sauce, it adds luscious body and a deep, nutty richness.
- Soy Sauce: Brings a savory, umami punch that perfectly balances the sweetness and spice.
- Rice Vinegar: Lends a gentle tang that brightens and lifts every bite.
- Sesame Oil: Just a splash delivers a toasty aroma that echoes classic Asian flavors.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness rounds out the heat and acidity — use whichever suits your taste or pantry.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: The heat! Adjust to your liking for a gentle warmth or a fiery kick.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a bold, aromatic layer that infuses the sauce with depth.
- Water: Just enough to loosen the sauce to the perfect, pourable consistency.
- Chopped Roasted Peanuts and Green Onions (for garnish): These final touches add crunch, color, and a pop of freshness that make the dish irresistible.
How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your cucumbers nice and thin — this is key for soaking up all that glorious peanut sauce. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Give them a gentle toss and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture, so you get perfectly crisp cucumbers. Once they’ve rested, pat them dry with paper towels. Don’t skip this step — it keeps your salad from getting watery and ensures every bite is vibrant and crunchy.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Spicy Peanut Sauce
While the cucumbers are doing their thing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, your choice of honey or maple syrup, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and a tablespoon of water. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and pourable. Give it a taste and tweak the spice or sweetness until it’s exactly how you like it. This is where you can let your own flavor preferences shine!
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Now comes the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, add your crisped-up cucumber slices and pour over the spicy peanut sauce. Gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated. You’ll notice the cucumbers glisten with the creamy sauce, and the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your dressed cucumbers to a serving dish and shower them with a handful of chopped roasted peanuts and a sprinkle of green onions. These garnishes add not just visual flair but irresistible crunch and fresh flavor. You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld even more. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference. For the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe, a generous scatter of chopped roasted peanuts gives crunch while a handful of sliced green onions adds color and a fresh, oniony bite. You can even toss on some sesame seeds or a few sprigs of cilantro if you’re feeling fancy — it’s all about layering textures and flavors to make this dish pop.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a refreshing side to bold mains. Try it alongside sticky rice, grilled chicken skewers, or tofu stir-fry for a complete meal. Its cool, spicy profile also balances out rich, spicy entrees — making it a natural at summer barbecues or with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping appetizer, serve the cucumbers in little lettuce cups or spooned over rice crackers. If you want to make it a heartier salad, toss in some cold noodles or shredded carrots. You can even pile it onto a bed of greens for a quick, flavor-packed lunch bowl. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (which is rare!), store the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors get even more intense after a few hours, but the cucumbers may soften a bit. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal crunch and freshness.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this isn’t a freezer-friendly dish. Cucumbers tend to lose their texture and become watery when thawed. For best results, make only what you’ll enjoy in a day or two, and savor every crisp, spicy bite fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating required! This salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the sauce and garnishes. If it’s been sitting for a while, a fresh sprinkle of peanuts and green onions will bring it right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers?
Absolutely! Both English and Persian cucumbers work beautifully in this recipe. Their thin skin and fewer seeds make for an even more delicate crunch, and you can skip peeling them if you like a bit of extra color and texture.
Is this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe vegan?
Yes, it can be! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and double-check that your sriracha or chili garlic sauce contains no animal products. You’ll have a 100 percent plant-based dish that everyone can enjoy.
How spicy is this dish?
The beauty of this recipe is that you’re in control of the heat. Start with a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, then add more if you want to turn up the fire. If you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive friends, you can even leave it out and let everyone add their own at the table.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Whip up the spicy peanut sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a good stir before tossing with the cucumbers. This makes it even easier to pull the dish together at the last minute.
What can I use instead of peanuts for a nut-free version?
If you have a nut allergy, try using sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and top the salad with roasted sunflower seeds. You’ll still get that creamy texture and satisfying crunch, all without the nuts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so irresistible about the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe — it’s the kind of dish that brightens up any table and brings smiles all around. Whether you serve it as a quick snack, a vibrant side, or a creative starter, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash!
Print
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Asian-inspired side dish featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. This vegan, no-cook recipe combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with a hint of heat, making it perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a flavorful topping for rice bowls.
Ingredients
Cucumber
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
Garnish
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Salt the cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and toss well. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently pat dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and water until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness according to your preference.
- Toss cucumbers with sauce: Transfer the cucumbers to a large bowl and pour the spicy peanut sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and green onions over the top. Serve immediately for a crisp texture or chill for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld for a more intense taste.
Notes
- This dish works well as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or a topping for rice bowls.
- For a low-carb version, substitute honey or maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener and use tamari in place of soy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- To make it nut-free, consider replacing peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, but note this will alter the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
