I make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce when I need a quick side dish. I often have cucumbers and peanut butter on hand. This dish came up when I had a few spare cucumbers and no time to cook. I mixed what I had and it worked well. It is fresh, a little spicy, and very easy to make.

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I like this recipe because it fills a small need fast. I use it for a quick lunch or a side for dinner. It took a few tries to get the sauce right. Now I make it the same way each time. It helps when I need a cool dish with bold taste. I also use it when I bring a simple salad to a friend’s house.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a simple salad. It uses fresh cucumbers and a thick peanut sauce. The sauce is salty, a bit sweet, and has a spicy kick. People often make it in warm weather. They also make it as a quick side for rice or noodles. You can make it in ten minutes. It needs no oven. It works for a snack, a light lunch, or a side at dinner. If you like sauces that mix sweet and spicy, try a related sauce like this orange chicken idea for another meal: orange chicken sauce recipe.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is fast. It takes little time and few tools. You only need a bowl and a whisk. The flavors are bright and clean. The peanut gives body and the chili paste gives heat. The cucumber gives a cool and crisp bite. You can adjust the heat and the sweet to your taste. It is a good match for busy days or packed lunches. You can make it ahead and let the flavors meld. If you like strong sauces, you may enjoy trying a bold chili sauce for other dishes such as this bold dragon sauce for meat or veg.

How to make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

First you make the sauce so it is smooth and ready. Then you cut the cucumbers thin so the sauce clings to them. Mix the sauce well so the peanut butter loosens and the flavors blend. Toss the cucumber pieces in the sauce and let them sit for a few minutes. The sauce will coat and soften the cucumber surface a bit. Serve chilled for the best crunch. If you like a small sweet finish, add a touch more honey at the end. For a small treat later, you might also enjoy a peanut-based dessert like chocolate peanut butter cookies.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 garlic clove, minced
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish

Use firm cucumbers for a good crunch. Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you watch salt. Rice vinegar gives a mild tang that pairs well with peanut. The honey or maple syrup balances the spice. A small garlic clove adds a little bite without being strong. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and the herbs add color. You can cut cucumbers in rounds or spears depending on how you want to eat them.

Directions

Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or spears.
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chili paste, and minced garlic until smooth.
Toss the cucumber slices in the peanut sauce until evenly coated.
Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or green onions. Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or light lunch.

Step 1 makes the cucumbers easy to eat. Thin slices soak up some sauce while staying crisp. Step 2 is key. Whisk long enough so the peanut butter becomes smooth. A small splash of warm water can help loosen it. Step 3 ensures each piece gets sauce. Use tongs or your hands to toss gently. Step 4 helps the sauce move into the cucumber skin and cools the dish. Step 5 is about presentation and extra flavor. Add sesame seeds for texture and herbs for a fresh note. Serve right away or after a short rest.

How to serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Serve this salad cold. It goes well with plain rice. It also pairs with grilled chicken. You can add it to a bowl with cooked noodles for a light meal. Place it on a plate next to steamed vegetables for a full side. It works as a snack on its own. For a small party, put it in a shared bowl with tongs. Let guests add more chili if they want extra heat. You can also use it as a crunchy topping on sandwiches or wraps. Keep servings small so the cucumbers stay crisp.

How to store Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Store the salad in the fridge in a sealed container. Use a glass or plastic box with a lid. It will keep fresh for about 2 days. After that the cucumbers may get soft and watery. Do not freeze the salad. Freezing will ruin the cucumber texture and the sauce. If you plan to keep it longer, store sauce and cucumbers separately. Keep the sauce in a jar for up to one week. Mix them only when you are ready to eat. Always use a clean spoon to avoid adding moisture or bacteria.

Tips to make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Pick fresh cucumbers that feel firm. If they feel soft, do not use them. Dry the cucumbers well after washing. Too much water will thin the sauce. Warm the peanut butter a little to make it easier to mix. Add water a teaspoon at a time until the sauce reaches the right thickness. Taste as you go. Add more chili paste if you want more heat. Add more honey if it is too salty. Use a sharp knife or a slicer to make even pieces. Chill the salad before serving.

Variation

You can change the nut butter. Try almond or cashew butter for a milder taste. Swap maple syrup for honey for a different sweet note. Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a brighter tang. Add thinly sliced carrot or bell pepper for more crunch and color. For a richer dish, add toasted peanuts on top. If you want less heat, skip the chili paste and use a pinch of black pepper. If you need a vegan version, use maple syrup and check your soy sauce. These swaps keep the dish fresh while using what you have.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other cucumbers?
A: Yes. Persian or English cucumbers work well. They have fewer seeds.

Q: Is the sauce gluten free?
A: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten free.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Keep the sauce in the fridge for up to one week in a sealed jar.

Q: How do I reduce the heat?
A: Use less chili paste or sriracha. Add more honey or peanut butter to balance.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes. Add cooked chicken or tofu to make it a fuller meal.

Conclusion

For another take on this idea, see a similar recipe at Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce – Lord Byron’s Kitchen. For more tips on spicy peanut cucumber salads, check this guide at Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe | The Kitchn. If you want a version with chili crisp, this recipe can give more ideas: Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad – Familystyle Food.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce