Zesty Crunchy Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Crisp cucumbers dance with vibrant peanut sauce in this delightful culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

A classic Thai-inspired cucumber peanut sauce recipe brings bold flavors to your plate with unexpected zest.

Crunchy cucumber slices absorb the rich, spicy marinade, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to deliver a refreshing and addictive side dish that stands out from ordinary salads.

The combination of cool cucumbers and fiery peanut sauce offers a perfect balance of heat and coolness.

Chilled and ready in minutes, this recipe transforms simple vegetables into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every last bite of this irresistible cucumber creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 4

Directions for Making Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Sweat Cucumber Slices

Grab your cucumbers and slice them into delicate rounds or crisp spears. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them and let them rest for 10 minutes. This magical process helps draw out extra moisture, ensuring your sauce clings perfectly. Gently pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel.

• Whip Up Zesty Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter with bold soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, sweet honey, fiery sriracha, nutty sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together, adding splashes of water until the sauce reaches a silky, drizzle-ready consistency.

• Dress and Garnish

Pour your luscious peanut sauce over the cucumber slices, carefully tossing to coat each piece. Sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds and scatter some chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. Your refreshing, spicy cucumber dish is ready to devour!

Flavor Adjustments for Your Peanut Sauce Mix

• Pat cucumbers completely dry to prevent watery sauce and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free diets or allergy considerations.
• Adjust sriracha quantity from mild to fiery hot, letting each diner customize their heat preference.
• Try grilling cucumber slices briefly for a smoky char before adding sauce, adding unexpected depth to the dish.
• Add shredded chicken, tofu, or edamame to turn this side dish into a satisfying light meal with extra protein boost.

Serve This Salad Cold for a Fresh Kick

• Cool Cucumber Chill Platter: Arrange cucumber slices beautifully on a large serving plate, creating an artful design that allows guests to easily grab and enjoy.
• Refreshing Asian-Style Appetizer: Serve as a light starter before main dishes, perfect for summer gatherings or as a zingy side dish that adds bright flavors to any meal.
• Picnic Perfect Snack Pack: Pack the cucumber slices and sauce separately in small containers for a portable, healthy snack that stays crisp and delicious during outdoor adventures.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the cucumber and peanut sauce with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this simple recipe into a more substantial and protein-rich meal option.

How to Save Spicy Cucumber Salad for Later

• Transfer leftover cucumbers in peanut sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Cold temperatures help maintain sauce flavor and cucumber crispness.
• Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb extra liquid and prevent soggy cucumber texture. This trick keeps your dish fresh and crunchy.
• Store sauce and sliced cucumbers separately if planning to enjoy over multiple meals. Mix just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and prevent watery consistency.
• Let the cucumber and sauce sit together for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.

What You Need for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Cucumber: Crisp, watery vegetable that provides a refreshing crunch and light texture to the dish, best when selecting firm, bright green specimens without blemishes.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that delivers rich, nutty depth and smooth consistency to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor and helps balance the sauce's overall taste profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces tangy brightness and helps cut through the richness of peanut butter.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind sauce ingredients together.
• Sriracha: Delivers spicy kick and vibrant heat to elevate the sauce's complexity.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes distinctive nutty aroma and enhances overall Asian-inspired flavor.

• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor foundation to the sauce.
• Ginger: Brings sharp, warming notes and traditional Asian culinary depth.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Provide fresh, herbal brightness and additional layer of flavor complexity.

Tools to Slice and Mix Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing cucumbers smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for creating thin, even cucumber rounds or spears.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking peanut sauce ingredients together.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients into a silky, uniform mixture.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting cucumbers dry after salting.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient proportions.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure liquid ingredients precisely.

Crunchy Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crisp cucumbers meet fiery peanut sauce in this bold Asian-inspired salad that dances with tangy and nutty flavors. Refreshing ingredients combine seamlessly, promising you a quick, zesty side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cucumbers (medium, English or Persian), thinly sliced or cut into spears
• 2 tbsps peanut butter (creamy)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp salt (for drawing out moisture)
• ½ tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro or green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• 12 tbsps water (to thin, as needed)

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Instructions

1. Cucumber Preparation: Slice cucumbers into delicate rounds or elongated spears, generously sprinkle with salt, and allow to rest for 10 minutes to extract surplus moisture. Carefully blot dry using paper towels to ensure crisp texture.
2. Peanut Sauce Crafting: Vigorously whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate water to achieve a silky, pourable consistency that coats ingredients smoothly.
3. Final Assembly: Lavishly drizzle the expertly crafted peanut sauce over prepared cucumbers, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating. Embellish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Pat cucumbers thoroughly with paper towels to prevent watery sauce, ensuring a crisp texture and better sauce absorption.
• Slowly add water while whisking peanut sauce to achieve perfect drizzling thickness, preventing it from being too thick or runny.
• Control heat by gradually adding sriracha, tasting as you go to match personal spice tolerance without overwhelming the cucumber’s freshness.
• Prepare sauce separately and store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Add cucumbers just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg