Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

If you’re looking for a refreshing side dish that also brings a bit of excitement to your taste buds, then you’re in the right place! This recipe for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is one of my all-time favorites. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The crunchy cucumbers paired with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing create a delightful contrast that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to brighten up any meal!

This dish not only tastes amazing but also offers a fun and vibrant addition to any table. Whether you serve it at summer barbecues or enjoy it as a light snack on a warm day, it never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: You can make this salad in just 10 minutes! Perfect for those days when time is tight.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy peanut sauce and crispy cucumbers.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish or light snack, this recipe fits well into any meal plan.
• Make-ahead convenience: The salad stays fresh and delicious, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Packed with flavor: The combination of spices and the creamy texture makes every bite exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is super simple! These are wholesome items that you can find easily at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you need:

• 1.5 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup peanuts, chopped small, lightly salted
• 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
• 2-3 tablespoons green onion, chopped (for garnish)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1.5 – 2 tablespoons water (adjust based on desired thickness)
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add some crunch: Toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for an extra layer of texture.
• Make it zesty: Squeeze some lime juice over the salad before serving to give it a refreshing twist.
• Change up the nuts: If you prefer another type of nut, try cashews or almonds instead of peanuts!
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of sriracha if you want more heat in your dressing.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber Salad

First things first, let’s get that cucumber salad ready! Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a large bowl. Then sprinkle over the chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and green onions. If you love a bit of heat, don’t forget to add that pinch of red pepper flakes! This step adds great texture and flavor.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Dressing

Now onto the star of the show—the spicy peanut dressing! In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, water, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust the water as needed to reach your desired consistency. This dressing is where all that rich flavor comes from!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Pour that luscious spicy peanut dressing over your cucumber salad. Toss everything together gently so that each cucumber slice gets coated with that incredible sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finally, let’s make it look beautiful! Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions before serving. This not only adds color but also enhances the taste with those finishing touches.

And there you have it—delicious Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce ready to be enjoyed! It’s such a joy to share this recipe with you; I hope you love making it as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Creating the perfect Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you nail this delicious dish.

• Choose the right cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal for this salad because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them less bitter and more enjoyable to eat.

• Adjust spiciness to your taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less sriracha and add more gradually until it reaches your desired heat level. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish according to their spice preference.

• Chill your cucumbers: For an even fresher taste, chill your sliced cucumbers in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving. This adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy peanut sauce beautifully.

• Make dressing in advance: You can prepare the spicy peanut dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings such as shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. They enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of your salad!

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Presenting your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce can elevate the dining experience, making it not just tasty but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to serve this refreshing salad.

Garnishes

• Extra sesame seeds: Sprinkling additional sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the dish’s nutty flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro or mint can provide a burst of freshness and color, balancing out the richness of the peanut sauce.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that complements the spicy peanut sauce perfectly.

• Grilled Veggies: Assorted grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant bring smoky flavors that pair well with the coolness of the cucumber salad.

• Rice Paper Rolls: These fresh rolls filled with veggies and vermicelli noodles create a fun, interactive meal when dipped into extra peanut sauce!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce will be a hit at any gathering or casual meal at home. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• If the dressing separates, simply give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing as cucumbers have high water content and can become mushy when thawed.
• Instead, prepare the dressing separately and store it in the freezer for future use.

Reheating

• No reheating is necessary; this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• If you prefer a warm dish, consider serving the spicy peanut sauce over steamed vegetables or grain instead.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce:

Can I make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce without peanuts?

Absolutely! You can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as an alternative to peanut butter. Just adjust the sweetness and seasoning to taste.

How long can I store Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

You can store this salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor!

What can I serve with Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, tofu, or as part of a vibrant veggie platter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce! It’s a delightful combination of crunch and creaminess that will surely brighten your meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or a light snack, I encourage you to give it a try! Happy cooking!