These Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are crunchy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, making them a refreshing side dish or appetizer! Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a rich, nutty, and slightly spicy peanut sauce, creating a dish that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor.
The best part? It’s ready in just 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with rice bowls, grilled meats, or noodles!
Ingredients for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt (for draining excess moisture)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts (for garnish, optional)
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup (60g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon or tongs for tossing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
- Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Toss the drained cucumbers with the spicy peanut sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
- Pair with grilled meats, rice bowls, or noodles!
Expert Tips for the Best Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Use English or Persian cucumbers – They have fewer seeds and more crunch.
Let the cucumbers sit with salt – Removes excess moisture for a crisp texture.
Adjust spice level – Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the salting step – Can lead to a watery dish.
Using too much water in the sauce – Add gradually to avoid thinning it too much.
Over-mixing the cucumbers – Stir gently to keep them crisp.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve in a shallow bowl with extra sesame seeds on top.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice and grilled chicken or tofu.
- Add a side of chilled soba noodles for a complete meal.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The sauce may thicken; stir before serving.
Make Ahead Tip:
- Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Slice the cucumbers fresh before serving for best texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it extra spicy – Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
- Swap the peanut butter – Use almond butter or tahini for a different flavor.
- Make it nut-free – Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
What to Serve with Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp
- Cold sesame noodles or stir-fried vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It adds extra texture to the sauce.
How do I make this dish completely gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I use pre-sliced cucumbers?
Freshly sliced cucumbers work best to maintain crunch.
Conclusion
This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is light, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect side dish or appetizer! With a creamy, nutty sauce and just the right amount of heat, this dish is easy to make and pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired meals.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and flavorful recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 150 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce – Crunchy, Creamy & Flavorful!
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are crunchy, creamy, and full of bold flavors! A quick and easy side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt (for draining excess moisture)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts (for garnish, optional)
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup (60g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
- Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Toss the drained cucumbers with the spicy peanut sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
- Pair with grilled meats, rice bowls, or noodles!
Notes
✔ Use English or Persian cucumbers – They have fewer seeds and more crunch.
✔ Let the cucumbers sit with salt – Removes excess moisture for a crisp texture.
✔ Adjust spice level – Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
