Zesty Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe for Summer Fun

Fresh garden cucumbers dance delightfully in a spicy peanut sauce that promises an unexpected flavor adventure.

Crisp vegetables meet bold Asian-inspired seasonings for a vibrant side dish.

Crunchy and cool cucumber slices get bathed in a nutty, fiery coating that awakens taste buds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between smooth peanut richness and zesty chili heat.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe breaks through mundane salad expectations with its dynamic profile.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every refreshing, spice-infused morsel of this incredible cucumber creation.

Reasons to Crave Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Whips up in just 15 minutes, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute appetizers without complex cooking techniques.
• Adjust sriracha quantity to suit personal spice preferences, making it friendly for kids and heat-loving adults alike.
• Combines crisp cucumbers with protein-rich peanut sauce, offering a refreshing and satisfying low-calorie option that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Requires zero cooking, minimal ingredients, and simple mixing, ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results with minimal effort.

What Goes Into Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Cucumbers: Crisp, watery vegetable that provides a cool base for the spicy sauce, look for firm and dark green cucumbers without blemishes.

• Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce: Rich, creamy base that creates a savory and nutty flavor profile, choose natural peanut butter for best taste.

• Rice Vinegar, Honey: Adds tangy brightness and subtle sweetness to balance the sauce, opt for raw honey for deeper flavor.

• Sriracha, Garlic, Ginger: Provides heat, depth, and complex flavors, use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum punch.

• Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Cilantro or Green Onions: Adds nutty aroma, texture, and fresh herbal notes, toasted sesame seeds provide extra crunch.

• Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency for smooth, pourable texture.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Juicy Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into delicate thin rounds or crisp spears. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cucumber slices and let them rest for 10 minutes. This technique helps remove extra moisture and intensifies flavor. After resting, gently pat the cucumber slices dry using a clean paper towel.

Step 2: Craft the Zesty Peanut Sauce

• Creamy peanut butter
• Tangy soy sauce
• Bright rice vinegar
• Sweet honey
• Fiery sriracha
• Aromatic sesame oil
• Minced fresh garlic
• Grated fresh ginger

Slowly add water while whisking until the sauce reaches a silky, pourable consistency. The sauce should have a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Decorate

Drizzle the vibrant peanut sauce generously over the prepared cucumber slices. Gently toss to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. Sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. Finish by scattering chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Smart Tips for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Salt Sweating Technique: Drawing out excess moisture from cucumbers prevents a watery sauce and helps the peanut dressing cling better to the vegetable slices.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust the water gradually when mixing the peanut sauce to achieve your preferred thickness, ensuring a smooth and perfectly coatable texture.
• Spice Level Customization: Modify the sriracha amount to match your heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish according to their preferred spiciness.
• Flavor Boost Tip: Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunch to the cucumber dish.
• Alternative Veggie Options: Experiment with different crisp vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini as substitutes for cucumbers while maintaining the delicious peanut sauce profile.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Store leftover cucumbers and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy cucumbers.
• Place containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparing to prevent bacterial growth and preserve food safety.
• Gently warm peanut sauce in microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring midway; avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.
• Pour warmed sauce over fresh cucumber slices just before eating to restore the original fresh and crisp quality of the dish.

Pairing Ideas for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Opt for a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the spicy, nutty sauce and cool cucumber, creating a harmonious flavor contrast.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or tofu to transform the light cucumber appetizer into a satisfying, protein-packed meal that complements the peanut sauce's richness.
• Pair with a cold green tea or light Japanese beer to enhance the dish's Asian-inspired flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy sriracha kick.
• Accompany with jasmine or brown rice mixed with fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to add depth and soak up the delicious peanut sauce.

Ways to Customize Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this spicy cucumber dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets while maintaining the sauce's delicious flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for those with nut allergies, keeping the creamy texture and rich taste of the original sauce.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure all ingredients are plant-based, creating a completely vegan-friendly version of the spicy cucumber recipe.

FAQs About Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• What makes the cucumber sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha, creating a complex and exciting taste profile that transforms simple cucumbers into a vibrant dish.

• Can I use a different type of cucumber?

Yes, you can use English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or regular garden cucumbers. Just ensure they are fresh and slice them evenly for the best texture and presentation.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

• How spicy is the sauce?

The spice level depends on the amount of sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to suit your personal heat tolerance, making it as mild or hot as you prefer.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crisp cucumber slices dance with bold Thai-inspired spicy peanut sauce, creating a zesty harmony of cool crunch and nutty heat. Refreshing yet intense, this quick side dish promises a delightful culinary escape you’ll savor with every tantalizing bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced or cut into spears

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 12 tablespoons (¾ cup) water (to thin, as needed)

Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare cucumber slices by creating thin, uniform rounds or elongated spears, ensuring consistent texture and appearance.
2. Apply a light dusting of salt over cucumber pieces and allow them to rest for approximately 10 minutes, enabling excess moisture to be extracted.
3. Using clean paper towels, carefully blot and remove all released liquid from cucumber surfaces, creating a crisp and dry foundation.
4. Craft a vibrant peanut sauce by combining creamy peanut butter with umami-rich soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, golden honey, fiery sriracha, aromatic sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger.
5. Gradually introduce small amounts of water while whisking, achieving a silky, pourable consistency that will elegantly coat the cucumber slices.
6. Delicately pour the peanut sauce over prepared cucumber pieces, gently folding to ensure every slice is thoroughly and evenly coated.
7. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped fresh cilantro or green onions as a final garnish.

Notes

• Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery sauce, using a clean kitchen towel or pressing gently with paper towels for maximum moisture removal.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting sriracha amount, starting with a small quantity and increasing gradually for personal spice tolerance.
• Consider using alternative nut butters like almond or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies, maintaining similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding protein like shredded chicken, tofu, or edamame for a more substantial meal without compromising the refreshing cucumber base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg