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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a refreshing and bold dish that combines crisp cucumber slices with a creamy, savory peanut dressing enhanced by a touch of heat. The salad features toasted peanuts for crunch and a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. Perfect as a light snack, appetizer, or side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare, uses fresh, plant-based ingredients, and delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers

  • 2 large English cucumbers, sliced (about 1/3-inch thick)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Peanut Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Additional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Salt and Drain the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss well to coat evenly. Transfer the cucumbers to a colander and let them drain for one hour to remove excess moisture, which helps keep the dressing thick and the cucumbers crisp.
  2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried red chili flakes, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Ingredients: After the cucumbers have drained, transfer them into a large bowl. Add the toasted chopped peanuts, fresh parsley, and the prepared peanut sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the sauce and the peanuts are distributed throughout.
  4. Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 8 hours. Before serving from the fridge, bring it back to room temperature and toss again to redistribute the sauce.

Notes

  • Salting and draining the cucumbers is crucial to remove excess water and prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
  • The toasted peanuts add crunch and depth of flavor; you can substitute with cashews or sunflower seeds if allergic to peanuts.
  • For more heat, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of Sriracha.
  • To make a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours; store cucumbers and sauce separately for extended freshness.
  • Optional additions include fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to boost freshness.
  • The recipe is vegan if you substitute honey with agave or maple syrup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Keywords: cucumbers, spicy peanut sauce, peanut butter salad, Asian salad, summer side dish, healthy snack, vegan option, easy recipe

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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/cucumbers-in-spicy-peanut-sauce-recipe/