Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a boldly flavorful, crunchy, and downright addictive appetizer, look no further than these Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. This fresh dish brings together cool, crisp cucumbers and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing for a side or snack that’s perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, or light lunches. Trust me—between the zesty sauce and refreshing crunch, you’ll be going back for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Quick & Easy: Whip it up in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy & Refreshing: Packed with hydrating cucumbers and protein-rich peanut sauce.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice to suit everyone’s taste buds.
- Perfect Make-Ahead: Stays crisp and flavorful for picnic baskets and lunchboxes.
- Versatile Side or Snack: Pairs well with grilled meats, Asian dishes, or a light meal on its own.
Ingredients for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 16 oz/450g), thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened, natural)
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (or chili-garlic sauce, to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons warm water (more as needed)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon crushed roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers. Thinly slice them using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even rounds. Sprinkle with the kosher salt, toss to coat, and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with a towel.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, Sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add 2 tablespoons warm water, whisking until smooth and pourable. Add more water if needed, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Toss the drained cucumber slices with the spicy peanut sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice, if desired.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Transfer Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce to a serving platter or bowl. Top with sliced scallions, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for an even more refreshing crunch.
Notes & Cooking Tips for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- For extra flavor, try lightly smashing your cucumbers before slicing for better sauce absorption.
- Choose low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from getting too salty.
- Fresh garlic and ginger make a difference, but jarred versions work in a pinch.
Variations on Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Swap the honey for agave or coconut sugar to make it vegan.
- Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
- Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a bright, herbal twist.
Required Equipment
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Mandoline (optional, for even slicing)
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Colander
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life for Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note: The cucumbers may soften slightly as they sit, but the flavor will deepen. Avoid freezing, as the texture will degrade.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Serve as a fresh appetizer at summer gatherings.
- Pair with grilled chicken, satay skewers, or tofu for a light meal.
- Enjoy alongside noodles or rice bowls for added crunch and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- For ultra-crisp cucumbers, let them chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes after salting and before mixing with sauce.
- Use natural peanut butter for the best creamy texture and nutty flavor (learn why here).
- Adjust the water in the sauce a little at a time; it should be thick but drizzle-able.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Can I make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and cucumbers separately; assemble just before serving for maximum crunch. - Which cucumbers are best for this recipe?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal—they’re crisp and have thin, edible skins. - Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store cucumbers and sauce in separate containers and combine when ready to eat. For more healthy meal prep ideas, check out these quick lunch recipes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 as an appetizer or side
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thin
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
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1Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons.
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2In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
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3Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss well to evenly coat with the peanut sauce.
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4Transfer the coated cucumbers to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro if using.
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5Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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