If you’re looking for a refreshingly vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor, the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine crisp, cool cucumber slices perfectly balanced by a luscious, slightly sweet and fiery peanut sauce that dances on your taste buds with every bite. This salad is not only easy to make but also a wonderful mix of textures and a colorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or part of a larger feast, this recipe brings exciting flavors to the table that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and how thoughtfully each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors. From the crunchy cucumbers to the rich peanut butter and spicy chili flakes, each item is essential to the texture, taste, and color of this dish.
- 2 large English cucumbers: Their firm, crisp texture is the perfect base for this salad and slices evenly for great bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and a subtle savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that brightens the dish and balances the richness of the peanut butter.
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter: The star of the sauce for creamy texture and nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Introduces a natural sweetness that perfectly offsets the spicy and tangy elements.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that amplifies the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes: Delivers the spicy kick that makes this dish exciting and memorable.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted: Provides a crunchy texture contrast and boosts the nutty flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshens the dish with a hint of herbal brightness and adds a touch of green color.
How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your English cucumbers into about 1/3-inch thick pieces for the ideal crunch. Then sprinkle the slices evenly with salt and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Transfer the cucumbers to a colander and set them aside for one hour. This step is crucial because it helps pull out excess water, ensuring your salad stays crisp rather than soggy when dressed.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
While the cucumbers are draining, it’s the perfect time to whip up your spicy peanut sauce. In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried red chili flakes, and ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy. This flavorful sauce will be the magic elixir that elevates your cucumbers into a dish you won’t forget.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Once your cucumbers have had their hour to shed moisture, transfer them back to a mixing bowl. Add the toasted chopped peanuts and freshly chopped parsley for texture and freshness. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cucumber mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until each slice is evenly coated. This ensures every bite delivers a burst of flavor with the perfect balance of crunch and creamy sauce.
Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill
For the absolute best texture and flavor experience, serve your salad right away. If you want to prepare in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours, then bring to room temperature before serving and give it a gentle toss to redistribute any settled sauce. This flexibility makes the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe ideal for parties, meal prep, or a quick snack.
How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad by adding a sprinkle of extra toasted peanuts for crunch or a drizzle of sesame oil for an aromatic finish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also amplify the freshness and add vibrant green pops that make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared tofu, or steamed jasmine rice. Its bright and spicy profile complements rich, savory mains and provides a refreshing balance to heavier dishes, making it a versatile side you’ll want to keep handy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cucumber salad in individual cups or on small plates as an appetizer. You could also layer it with noodles for a light Asian-style peanut noodle salad or stuff it into lettuce wraps to combine crunch and flavor in every bite. The possibilities are endless with this adaptable recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will stay crisp for about a day, but the sauce may slightly soak in over time, intensifying the flavor.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the cucumbers’ high water content which become watery and lose their texture when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow it to come to room temperature after refrigeration and give it a stir before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can, but English cucumbers tend to have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them ideal for this salad. If you use regular cucumbers, peel them and consider removing seeds to avoid extra moisture and bitterness.
How spicy is this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe?
The recipe has a moderate heat level from the dried chili flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference. Feel free to reduce or increase the chili flakes depending on how much of a kick you want.
Is there a vegan alternative for the honey in the sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the sauce vegan-friendly without compromising on the sweet balance.
Can I prepare the peanut sauce in advance?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good whisk before tossing with the cucumbers to recombine any separated ingredients.
What if I prefer a thicker or thinner sauce?
You can adjust the consistency by adding a little warm water to thin the sauce or adding extra peanut butter to thicken it, allowing you to tailor the texture to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe that makes it a staple for warm days, gatherings, or whenever you want a fresh, lively dish on your plate. Its fantastic blend of cool crunch, creamy nutty sauce, and a touch of heat will surprise and delight your taste buds. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cucumbers!
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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe combines crisp English cucumbers with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy peanut dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, the cucumbers are salted and drained to maintain crunch before being tossed in a flavorful sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. Garnished with toasted peanuts and fresh parsley, this salad offers vibrant texture and taste that delight the palate.
Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced about 1/3 inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peanut Sauce
- 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
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the English cucumbers into approximately 1/3 inch thick rounds. Place them in a mixing bowl and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss thoroughly so each slice is coated with salt, then transfer the cucumbers to a colander. Let them sit for one hour to draw out excess moisture, which preserves their crispness and enhances flavor.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the cucumbers drain, combine 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth, well blended, and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: After the cucumbers have drained for an hour, transfer them back into a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup toasted chopped peanuts and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cucumbers and gently toss everything to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated and the peanuts and parsley are well distributed.
- Serve: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad immediately. If preparing ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Before serving after refrigeration, bring the salad to room temperature and toss well, as the peanut sauce may settle at the bottom.
Notes
- Salting the cucumbers and allowing them to drain is essential to avoid a watery salad and to maintain a crisp texture.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the dried red chili flakes.
- Use fresh parsley for a balanced herbaceous note, or substitute with cilantro if preferred.
- To toast peanuts, dry-roast them in a pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated up to 8 hours; just remember to toss before serving.
