If you love bold flavors and crunchy textures, this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is perfect for you! Combining the cool freshness of cucumbers with a rich, creamy, and spicy peanut sauce, this dish is a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors.
This easy-to-make recipe is inspired by Asian flavors, featuring soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of spice for the ultimate balance of taste. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or a light snack, it’s a refreshing and healthy choice. Plus, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare!
Perfect for warm days or when you need a quick side, these spicy peanut cucumbers are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Refreshing & Crunchy: The cucumbers stay crisp, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Bold & Spicy Peanut Sauce: A creamy, nutty sauce with a spicy kick.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Pairs Well with Many Dishes: Great as a side, appetizer, or snack.
This dish is perfect for meal prep since the flavors deepen as it sits in the fridge. The coolness of the cucumber combined with the spicy, savory peanut sauce makes it an addictive, go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)
Equipment Used:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Knife and cutting board
Directions & Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or spears.
- Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Drain excess water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Add warm water and whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency as needed.
3. Combine & Serve:
- Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
This dish is low in calories but rich in flavor, offering healthy fats from peanut butter and a refreshing crunch from cucumbers.
Prep Time and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations:
- Extra Spicy: Add Sriracha or chili oil for more heat.
- Nut-Free: Substitute tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Sweeter Touch: Add a dash of coconut sugar or more honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors intensify as it sits.
2. What type of cucumbers work best?
Persian or English cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and a crisp texture.
3. How can I make this dish oil-free?
Skip the sesame oil or replace it with lime juice for added tanginess.
Pro Tips By Lyndy
- Salt the cucumbers first to keep them crisp and avoid excess water.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more water if needed.
- Chill the dish for 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish for rice bowls or grilled proteins.
- Topped on noodles for a quick, refreshing meal.
- Paired with dumplings or spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired spread.
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce : A Refreshing & Flavorful Side
If you love bold flavors and crunchy textures, this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is perfect for you! Combining the cool freshness of cucumbers with a rich, creamy, and spicy peanut sauce, this dish is a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Knife and cutting board
For the Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers (sliced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion (sliced (for garnish))
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)
- Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or spears.
- Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Drain excess water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Add warm water and whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Combine & Serve:
- Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
Salt the cucumbers first to keep them crisp and avoid excess water.
Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more water if needed.
Chill the dish for 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.