Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. This recipe combines crisp English cucumbers with a rich, savory peanut sauce that includes peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. The cucumbers are sliced thin and lightly salted, which enhances their natural flavor, and then tossed in the spicy peanut sauce for an irresistible snack or side dish. Whether served as an appetizer or a side to your favorite meal, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers bold flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. The toasted peanuts on top add a satisfying crunch, while the fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves light, healthy meals with a touch of heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This dish is incredibly simple and quick to make, requiring only a few minutes of prep time. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights or as a last-minute side for gatherings.

2. A Unique Combination of Flavors

The combination of crunchy cucumbers with the rich, spicy peanut sauce creates a unique balance of heat, sweetness, and savory notes, making it an unforgettable dish.

3. Healthy and Light

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water content, making them a refreshing and healthy base for this dish. The peanut sauce adds protein and healthy fats, making it satisfying without being overly heavy.

4. Versatile Serving Options

This dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It pairs well with a variety of main courses, especially grilled meats or Asian-inspired dishes.

5. Customizable to Taste

You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chili flakes and experiment with different types of peanuts or garnishes to make the dish your own.

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Ingredients

• 2 large English cucumbers sliced about 1/3rd inch thick
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Variations

• Add Protein: To make this dish more filling, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Use Almond Butter: If you prefer a nut-free option or just want to try a different flavor, substitute peanut butter with almond butter.
• Cucumber Alternatives: Try using zucchini or another mild vegetable as a base if you want a change from cucumbers.
• More Heat: For those who enjoy extra spice, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the peanut sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by slicing the cucumbers into 1/3-inch thick rounds. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 2: Toast the Peanuts

Toast the chopped peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic, red chili flakes, and ground black pepper until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Toss the Cucumbers

After the cucumbers have rested, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Add them to the peanut sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the coated cucumbers to a serving dish and sprinkle with the toasted peanuts and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers and letting them rest helps draw out excess water, making them crispier and better able to absorb the sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly chopped parsley will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of honey.
• Make It Spicy or Mild: Adjust the red chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
• Chill Before Serving: This dish tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for an hour, as it allows the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce can be served as a refreshing appetizer, a side dish to grilled meats, or even as a light snack. It pairs perfectly with dishes like grilled chicken, beef skewers, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad. If you’re serving it at a party, consider putting it in small bowls for individual servings or as a dip with crispy vegetable chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may soften slightly as they sit, but they will still taste delicious.

Freezing

It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as cucumbers do not freeze well and will lose their crisp texture once thawed.

Reheating

This dish is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge and serve.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits.

2. How can I adjust the spice level?

You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to make it as spicy or mild as you like. For even more heat, try adding a splash of hot sauce.

3. Can I use a different nut for the topping?

Yes, you can use cashews, almonds, or even sunflower seeds as a topping instead of peanuts.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari or ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free, this dish can be made gluten-free.

5. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, but keep in mind that regular soy sauce will make the dish saltier, so you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the cucumbers.

6. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan, but make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based option.

7. Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

8. How do I keep the cucumbers crunchy?

Salting the cucumbers and letting them rest will help draw out excess moisture and keep them crisp.

9. Can I make this dish without peanuts?

Yes, you can skip the peanuts entirely or use a different type of nut or seed for crunch.

10. Can I serve this dish warm?

This dish is best served chilled, but it can be enjoyed at room temperature if preferred.

Conclusion

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a deliciously simple and flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness. With fresh cucumbers, a savory peanut sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted peanuts, this recipe is sure to impress at any gathering or as a light snack. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, this dish is a healthy, refreshing option that will quickly become a favorite. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.

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