These Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce bring together the perfect balance of textures and flavors—crisp cucumbers, crunchy toasted peanuts, and a creamy, savory peanut dressing with a hint of heat. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey adds depth, making this dish a refreshing yet bold addition to any meal.
Ideal for a summer side dish, a light snack, or even a quick appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, alongside grilled meats, or simply as a healthy snack, the contrast of cool cucumbers and rich, spicy peanut sauce will have everyone coming back for more!
Full Recipe:
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced (about 1/3-inch thick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Transfer them to a colander and let them drain for one hour to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried chili flakes, and ground black pepper until smooth.
- After the cucumbers have drained, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the toasted peanuts, fresh parsley, and the prepared peanut sauce. Toss well to coat.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bring to room temperature and toss again before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 81 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce – A Bold and Refreshing Dish
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings together crunchy cucumbers, rich peanut butter, and a spicy kick from red chili flakes. This recipe is perfect for those who love a balance of textures and bold flavors. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or light meal, this dish is refreshing, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
The Perfect Blend of Crunch and Spice
One of the best things about this dish is the combination of contrasting textures. Cucumbers offer a crisp and juicy bite, while the toasted peanuts add an extra layer of crunch. The creamy peanut sauce coats each piece perfectly, delivering a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor profile that lingers on the palate.
Unlike many cucumber-based dishes that rely on dairy or oil-based dressings, this one gets its creaminess from peanut butter, making it a great option for those who enjoy plant-based ingredients. The use of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey enhances the complexity of flavors, creating a well-balanced dish that can complement a variety of main courses.
Why You Should Salt the Cucumbers First
A crucial step in this recipe is salting the cucumbers and allowing them to drain before mixing them with the peanut sauce. Cucumbers naturally contain a lot of water, which can dilute the dressing and make it too thin. By drawing out excess moisture beforehand, the cucumbers retain their crunch, and the peanut sauce remains thick and flavorful.
If you skip this step, you might find that the sauce becomes watery after a few hours, affecting both the taste and texture. This simple trick ensures the dish stays fresh and delicious for longer, making it a great make-ahead option for parties, potlucks, or meal prepping.
The Role of Peanuts in This Dish
Peanuts are a key component of this dish, adding both texture and depth of flavor. Toasting the peanuts before adding them enhances their nuttiness, making them more aromatic and crunchy. The contrast between the creamy peanut butter in the sauce and the crunchy toasted peanuts sprinkled on top creates a dynamic eating experience.
In many Asian-inspired dishes, peanuts are used to balance heat and acidity. Their mild sweetness counteracts the spiciness from the red chili flakes and the tanginess from the rice vinegar, making every bite well-rounded and satisfying. If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute them with cashews or sunflower seeds for a similar effect.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- As a side dish – Pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or stir-fries.
- As a light snack – Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing mid-day bite.
- As an appetizer – Serve it as a starter before a hearty meal.
- As a topping – Add it to rice bowls or noodle dishes for extra crunch and flavor.
Because it’s a cold dish, it’s especially enjoyable during hot summer months when you crave something light yet satisfying. It’s also a great option for potlucks, as it can be made in advance and served at room temperature.
Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit different preferences:
- Make it spicier – Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of Sriracha.
- Make it milder – Reduce or omit the chili flakes for a more kid-friendly version.
- Add more crunch – Toss in sesame seeds or crushed almonds.
- Enhance the umami – Add a splash of fish sauce or miso paste for deeper flavor.
- Boost the freshness – Incorporate chopped cilantro, mint, or Thai basil for an herby touch.
This flexibility makes it a dish you can experiment with and adjust according to your personal taste or dietary needs.
Health Benefits of Cucumbers and Peanuts
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water content, making them an excellent hydrating food. They also provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote digestion and overall health.
Peanuts, on the other hand, are a great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. When combined, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense dish that is light yet satisfying, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Serving and Storing Tips
For the best flavor and texture, this dish should be served immediately after mixing. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Since the peanut sauce can settle at the bottom, be sure to give it a good toss before serving.
Avoid keeping it for too long, as the cucumbers will start to release moisture and soften, which can affect the overall texture. If you want to extend its freshness, store the cucumbers separately from the sauce and mix them right before serving.
Conclusion
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a simple yet impressive dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The crispness of the cucumbers, the richness of the peanut sauce, and the heat from the chili flakes create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, a refreshing summer salad, or a light yet flavorful snack, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal plan. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your kitchen!