Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce, a dish that manages to be refreshing, creamy, fiery, and crunchy all at once! This flavor-packed salad balances cool, crisp cucumbers with a luxuriously velvety peanut sauce, a pop of toasted peanuts, and a whisper of heat from chili flakes. Whether you’re hosting friends or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly with a few pantry staples and is always a conversation starter. I promise, once you’ve tried this bowl of irresistible tangy, nutty crunch, you’ll be making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple, familiar, and yet each one is vital to the perfect Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. Take a second to see how each element lends its own magic—whether it brings texture, brightness, or that signature kick.

• English cucumbers: These stay exceptionally crisp and have almost no seeds, making for the perfect bite and less watery salad.
• Salt: This draws out moisture from the cucumbers, intensifying their crunch and flavor.
• Chopped peanuts (toasted): Don’t skip the toasting! It deepens the flavor and adds irresistible crunch to every bite.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami depth without overwhelming saltiness; helps all the flavors pop.
• Rice vinegar: Delivers that bright acidity you need to cut through the peanut richness and ties the dressing together.
• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter creates the silky, nutty backbone for the sauce.
• Honey: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the spicy and salty notes.
• Garlic (minced): For a little aromatic punch that makes the whole dish more savory.
• Dried red chili flakes: The classic source of that addictive, mouth-tingling heat.
• Ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): A pop of color and herby freshness that lifts everything up.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Salt and Drain the Cucumbers

Start by piling your sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle on the salt and give them a gentle toss. This little trick isn’t just for flavor—the salt actually pulls excess water from the cucumbers so your dressing doesn’t get watery later. Let them sit in a colander over the sink for about an hour. You’ll notice the cucumbers end up even more satisfyingly crisp, ready to soak up that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Spicy Peanut Sauce

While the cucumbers are draining, grab a small mixing bowl for the star of the show: the spicy peanut sauce. Add in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, chili flakes, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until completely smooth. This combination is creamy, tangy, savory, and has just enough fire to keep you coming back for more.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Once your cucumbers have rested and are perfectly crisp, move them to a fresh bowl. Add your toasted chopped peanuts and chopped parsley, then pour the peanut sauce right over the top. Toss everything together until each piece is gleaming and well coated. The mix of colors, textures, and smells at this point is nothing short of tantalizing!

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can dig in right away, when everything is crisp and punchy, or cover and refrigerate your bowl if you’re making it ahead. If you do chill the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce, just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a good toss before serving, as the sauce may settle a bit.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

A final shower of extra peanuts and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley right before serving brings out loads of flavor, color, and crunch. If you want to turn things up a notch, you could add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a few crushed chili peppers for extra heat.

Side Dishes

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are a lively companion to almost anything! They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted tofu, or simple steamed rice. If you’re going for a full spread, tuck them next to satay skewers, dumplings, or even a bowl of noodles to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the salad bowl! Spoon this mixture over a rice bowl, fold into a lettuce wrap, or serve as a fresh appetizer on little Asian soup spoons for a party. You can also pile it onto a platter for family-style dining, making sure everyone gets plenty of sauce and crunch in every serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce, pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be best enjoyed within a day, as the cucumber will continue to release moisture. Be sure to give them a good stir before serving, as the sauce tends to settle at the bottom.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t a great option for this dish—the cucumbers will lose all their lovely crunch and become watery and limp once thawed. The sauce itself could technically be frozen, but fresh is best when the stars of the show are crisp veggies.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s actually no need to reheat! Just let it sit out for a few minutes after removing from the fridge, give it a toss, and enjoy all those flavors bright and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you do, just peel them and scoop out the seeds first so the salad stays nice and crunchy and doesn’t get too watery.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter if I have allergies?

Of course! Sunflower seed butter or tahini both work well and make a dreamy sauce. Just make sure to toast the seeds or nuts for that same depth of flavor.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?

As written, Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce have a mild to moderate heat. If you’re heat-sensitive, feel free to cut the chili flakes to half a teaspoon or leave them out altogether—the flavors will still shine.

Can I prep this salad ahead for a party?

Definitely! Assemble everything except for the peanuts a few hours before serving, then toss in the nuts right before. This keeps them crunchy even if you need a head start on entertaining.

What proteins go well with Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are outstanding choices. A simple hard-boiled egg is also delicious alongside this salad and turns it into a light meal.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love just how quick, crave-worthy, and versatile these Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are. They’re a guaranteed hit whenever you want something fresh, satisfying, and a little unexpected. Try them this week and see how fast they disappear!

Print