Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to brighten up your meal, then you’re in the right place! This recipe for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the crisp freshness of cucumbers with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing that truly packs a punch. Whether you serve it as a light snack or a side dish at your next family gathering, it’s sure to become a hit!

What makes this recipe so special is its balance of flavors and textures. You have the crunchy cucumbers paired with the smoothness of peanut butter, plus just enough kick from sriracha to keep things exciting. Best of all, it comes together in just about 10 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip this salad up in just 10 minutes—perfect for those busy days.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy spicy peanut sauce brings a delightful zing to your palate.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy cucumbers and tasty dressing.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with any meal or enjoy it as a light snack on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this refreshing cucumber salad. You probably have most of these items on hand already!

Ingredients:
– 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

The beauty of Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

• Add some protein: Toss in grilled chicken or tofu cubes to make it more filling.
• Mix in some veggies: Try adding shredded carrots or bell peppers for an extra crunch.
• Switch up the nuts: Use cashews instead of peanuts for a different flavor profile.
• Make it zesty: Add lime juice or zest for an added citrus kick.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber Salad

Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and placing them in a large bowl. This step is crucial because the thinner slices soak up the dressing better while offering that delightful crunch. Sprinkle over chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and green onions. If you’re feeling adventurous and like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Dressing

In another bowl, whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, water, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until everything is smooth and creamy. The key here is to adjust the water based on how thick you want your dressing; it’s all about personal preference! A creamier dressing will cling beautifully to each cucumber slice.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour that delicious spicy peanut dressing over your cucumber salad. Gently toss everything together until all the cucumbers are coated evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To finish off this beautiful dish, garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Not only does this look appealing, but it also adds an extra crunch! Enjoy your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce as a refreshing side or snack anytime you need something satisfying yet light.

Pro Tips for Making Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Creating the perfect Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is all about attention to detail and a little creativity!

• Choose fresh cucumbers: Opt for English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them ideal for salads. Fresh cucumbers also ensure a crisp texture that enhances the overall dish.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re unsure about how much heat you like, start with less sriracha in the dressing. You can always add more later, but it’s harder to tone down spiciness once it’s mixed in!
• Make ahead of time: Prepare the spicy peanut dressing earlier in the day or even the night before. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your salad even tastier when it’s time to serve.
• Use different nuts or seeds: Feel free to switch up the peanuts with cashews or almonds if you prefer! Different nuts can bring unique flavors and textures to your salad.
• Serve chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, let your cucumber salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This makes it an even cooler treat on warm days.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

This vibrant cucumber salad is not just a side; it’s a showstopper that can elevate any meal! Here are some fun ways to present this dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor that complements the peanut sauce beautifully.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their servings, adding a zesty brightness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The soft, fragrant rice acts as a perfect backdrop for soaking up any leftover peanut sauce and balances out the spices of the salad.
• Grilled tofu skewers: Marinated grilled tofu skewers provide a hearty protein option that complements the creamy crunch of the cucumber salad while keeping everything plant-based.
• Vegetable spring rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls filled with crisp veggies and served with a light dipping sauce make for a delightful pairing that adds freshness to your meal.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with diced vegetables and herbs creates a nutritious contrast to this creamy dish, ensuring you have a well-rounded meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce will be both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing salad throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• If storing the dressing separately, it can last up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of cucumbers when thawed.
• However, if you have leftover spicy peanut dressing, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for later use.

Reheating

• This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
• Simply take it out of the fridge, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy!

FAQs

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

Can I customize the level of spiciness in Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if you like extra heat.

How long do Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce last in the fridge?

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as they sit!

Can I use any other vegetables in this salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or tofu, making it a great side dish for any meal. You could also enjoy it on its own as a light snack!

Is there a substitute for creamy peanut butter?

If you need an alternative, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work well as substitutes while still delivering that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce! It’s not just a refreshing salad; it’s full of vibrant flavors that come together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a quick snack during the week, I’m sure it will become a favorite. Happy cooking!