Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

If you’re looking for a refreshing side dish that brings a little zing to your meal, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is one of my all-time favorites. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews. The crisp cucumbers paired with that creamy, spicy peanut dressing create a delightful balance of flavors that you won’t be able to resist.

What makes this recipe special is how quick and easy it is to whip up. In just 10 minutes, you can have a delicious salad ready to impress your friends and family. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic days.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the crunch of cucumbers and the creamy dressing—it’s a hit at any table!
• Versatile serving options: Whether it’s a side dish for dinner or a light snack, it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter with the spice from sriracha makes each bite exciting.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the spicy peanut dressing in advance and store it in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? It uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find! Here’s what you need to create this delightful cucumber salad:

For the Salad

• 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)

For the Dressing

• 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

This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand. Here are a few fun variations:

• Add some protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Try different nuts: Swap peanuts for cashews or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Change up the veggies: Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for an extra crunch and color.
• Make it sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more maple syrup to taste.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Salad

Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and placing them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, white sesame seeds, and fresh green onions. If you’re like me and enjoy some heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes! This step is all about layering those textures and flavors right from the start.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, water, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust the water amount according to how thick or thin you’d like your dressing. A smooth dressing ensures every cucumber slice gets coated beautifully!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Pour that velvety spicy peanut dressing over your cucumber salad. Gently toss everything together until all those vibrant cucumbers are well-coated with the dressing. It’s important not to over-mix; you want to keep that lovely crunch intact!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle additional sesame seeds and green onions over the top as a lovely garnish. This final touch adds not only beauty but also an extra layer of flavor!

Now you’re ready to dig into this refreshing dish! Enjoy your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce as part of a meal or as a delightful snack anytime.

Pro Tips for Making Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Creating the perfect cucumber salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you nail it!

• Choose the right cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal for this recipe as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them less bitter and more enjoyable in salads.

• Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less sriracha and gradually add more to your dressing until you reach your desired level of heat. This way, you can customize the flavor to suit your taste.

• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors as they meld together. Plus, it’s extra refreshing when served cold!

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as shredded carrots or chopped cilantro for added texture and flavor. These ingredients can elevate the dish even further.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh green onions and crunchy peanuts make a world of difference in terms of flavor and texture. Whenever possible, opt for fresh over stale or pre-packaged ingredients.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

This cucumber salad is not only delicious but also beautifully vibrant. Here are some ideas on how to present this dish for maximum appeal!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Adding fresh cilantro or mint can provide a burst of freshness that complements the creamy peanut dressing.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime right before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a zesty kick.
• Extra sesame seeds: Sprinkling additional sesame seeds on top gives an attractive finish while enhancing crunch.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this refreshing cucumber dish, adding protein and texture.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy peanut sauce. The warmth from grilled veggies balances out the coolness of the cucumber salad.

• Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with crisp vegetables and herbs serve as a fun, hand-held option that complements the spicy peanut sauce beautifully.

• Spicy Tofu Skewers: Marinated tofu skewers grilled until crispy can provide a hearty addition to your meal while echoing those delightful Asian-inspired flavors.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce will be an absolute hit at any gathering! Enjoy crafting this deliciously refreshing dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and have a delicious, refreshing salad ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• If the dressing separates, simply give it a good shake or stir before serving again.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the water content in cucumbers. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
• If you’ve made extra dressing, you can store it in the fridge for up to one week.

Reheating

• This salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it.
• Simply toss it with any leftover dressing if it seems dry after sitting in the fridge.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce that may help you make the most of this tasty recipe!

Can I make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce without peanuts?

Yes! You can substitute peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely if allergies are a concern. The salad will still be delicious!

How do I adjust the spice level in Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

To make this salad milder, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more sriracha to taste!

Can I use other vegetables besides cucumbers?

Absolutely! This spicy peanut sauce pairs well with bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini. Feel free to get creative with your veggies!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this recipe as I am to share it with you! The balance of cool cucumbers and spicy peanut sauce creates a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or a light snack, I truly believe you’ll love making this recipe. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!