If you are looking for a refreshing dish that delivers a delightful punch of flavor, look no further than Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. This vibrant recipe combines crisp, cool cucumbers with a rich, nutty sauce that has just the right amount of heat and zest. It’s the kind of dish that brightens up any meal with its perfect balance of textures and bold tastes, making it an instant favorite for summer gatherings or a light lunch on any day.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

As simple as it sounds, each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the crunchy cucumbers to the creamy peanut butter and spicy chili flakes. These components come together harmoniously to create a dish that is bursting with flavor and offers a wonderful mix of textures and colors.

English cucumbers: Their firm, crisp texture and mild flavor make them ideal for soaking up the spicy peanut sauce.
Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from cucumbers, ensuring they remain crunchy and not watery.
Chopped peanuts: Toasted for added crunch and a deeper nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth without overpowering the dish.
Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that brightens the sauce and balances the heat.
Peanut butter: The creamy foundation for the sauce, offering richness and a touch of sweetness.
Honey: Introduces a subtle sweetness that rounds out the spicy and tangy notes.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds pungent warmth and vibrant flavor.
Dried red chili flakes: Provide the spicy kick that makes this peanut sauce truly stand out.
Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a hint of earthiness.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a refreshing burst of color and herbal freshness.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by slicing the English cucumbers into rounds about one-third inch thick. Toss them lightly with salt and let them rest in a colander for an hour. This resting period is key because it draws out excess moisture, keeping your cucumbers perfectly crunchy and preventing your sauce from becoming diluted.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

While the cucumbers are draining, prepare the spicy peanut sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried red chili flakes, and ground black pepper. This simple mixture creates a complex, creamy sauce that’s rich, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the cucumbers have released their water, transfer them to a clean bowl. Add the toasted chopped peanuts and chopped fresh parsley for crunch and herbal brightness. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over everything, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every slice is luxuriously coated.

Step 4: Ready to Serve or Chill

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are best enjoyed right away for maximum crispness and fresh flavors. However, if needed, you can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 8 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and toss again before serving to redistribute the sauce evenly.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro can elevate the dish’s appearance and introduce new layers of flavor and texture. A wedge of lime on the side is a perfect finishing touch to enhance the tangy notes in the sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, as the cool, spicy cucumbers make a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory mains. It also complements dishes like fried rice, steamed dumplings, or even a simple bowl of jasmine rice to create a full, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce in small individual cups or on mini lettuce leaves as bite-sized appetizers. Layering the salad in a clear glass bowl also lets the vibrant colors shine, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will maintain their crispness for up to 8 hours, but longer storage can cause them to become soggy as they absorb more sauce.

Freezing

Due to the fresh cucumbers’ high water content and the texture of the peanut sauce, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will ruin the crunch and alter the sauce’s consistency.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply toss the salad again before serving if it has been chilled to redistribute the peanut sauce evenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them ideal for this recipe’s texture and flavor balance.

Is the peanut sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level from the dried red chili flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili flakes to suit your taste.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce.

How long should the cucumbers drain?

Letting the cucumbers rest for one hour with salt is ideal to remove excess water and keep the salad crisp and flavorful.

Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the spicy peanut sauce earlier in the day and store it in the refrigerator, just give it a good whisk before combining with the cucumbers.

Final Thoughts

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. This dish brings a perfect harmony of crisp freshness and bold, nutty spice to your table, making it a wonderful addition to any gathering. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to recipe that you and your loved ones can’t get enough of.