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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare cucumber slices by creating thin, uniform rounds or elongated spears, ensuring consistent texture and appearance.
- Apply a light dusting of salt over cucumber pieces and allow them to rest for approximately 10 minutes, enabling excess moisture to be extracted.
- Using clean paper towels, carefully blot and remove all released liquid from cucumber surfaces, creating a crisp and dry foundation.
- 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.
- Gradually introduce small amounts of water while whisking, achieving a silky, pourable consistency that will elegantly coat the cucumber slices.
- Delicately pour the peanut sauce over prepared cucumber pieces, gently folding to ensure every slice is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- 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