Name: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 firm, fresh cucumbers (preferably English cucumbers); 3 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or chunky); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste); 1 clove garlic, freshly minced; 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Optional: 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts; Optional: Fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions, chopped for garnish

Fresh and crisp cucumbers meet a spicy peanut sauce in this easy, refreshing dish perfect for a light, flavor-packed bite. Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce combines cool, crunchy vegetables with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing that excites your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant appetizer or a quick snack, this dish brings simplicity and bold flavors together effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Flavor Explosion: Cool cucumbers perfectly balance the rich, spicy peanut sauce for a refreshing bite.
Quick & Easy to Prepare: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Healthy & Light: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, ideal for a guilt-free snack or starter.
Versatile Dish: Adaptable for different diets, whether you want it vegan, gluten-free, or packed with extra heat.
Beautiful Presentation: Vibrant colors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each contributing to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From crisp fresh cucumbers to the creamy and spicy peanut sauce, every component plays a star role.

Fresh cucumbers: Use firm, cool cucumbers for crispness and a refreshing crunch.
Peanut butter: Creamy or chunky, it forms the rich and nutty base of the sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Brings tang and brightness to balance the richness.
Sriracha or chili paste: Provides heat and spicy kick to enliven the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic sharpness.
Honey: A little sweetness to mellow the spice and enhance flavor complexity.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Crushed peanuts (optional): For extra crunch and texture.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions: To brighten and garnish.

Variations

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is wonderfully adaptable. Whether you want to switch it up for dietary preferences or explore new flavor profiles, these variations make it easy to tweak to your liking.

Vegan-friendly: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a plant-based sweetness.
Extra spicy: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne for those who love a fiery punch.
Crunch boost: Toss in shredded carrots or toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
Peanut-free alternative: Use almond butter or tahini for a nut-free but equally creamy sauce.
Cold noodle salad: Mix cucumbers and sauce with chilled rice noodles for a heartier version.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Easy Refreshing Appetizer

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly or into fun bite-sized sticks depending on your presentation preference. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better sauce absorption.

Step 2: Whisk the Spicy Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk together until smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended to balance spicy, sweet, tangy, and nutty notes.

Step 3: Toss Cucumbers with Sauce

Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cucumber slices and toss gently to coat evenly, ensuring each piece is beautifully dressed without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crushed peanuts and fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or scallions on top for a final layer of flavor and texture. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Choose English cucumbers: They have fewer seeds and thinner skin for a sweeter crunch.
Adjust sauce consistency: Add a splash of warm water if the peanut sauce feels too thick for easy tossing.
Prep cucumbers in advance: Slice cucumbers and keep them refrigerated to enhance crunch before mixing.
Balance your flavors: Taste and tweak the sweetness, saltiness, or spice levels to suit your palate perfectly.
Serve fresh: This dish tastes best when served right after dressing to maintain cucumber crispness.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds delightful crunch while fresh cilantro or chopped scallions brighten the dish and add a pop of green color. Thinly sliced red chili or a sprinkle of sesame seeds also enhance appearance and flavor layers.

Side Dishes

This appetizer pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steamed rice, or a simple noodle bowl. It’s also a fantastic complement to Asian-inspired mains like satay or stir-fried vegetables to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in small bowls or on individual spoons for parties or as part of a tapas spread. You can also layer cucumbers and peanut sauce in clear glasses for an elegant, visual appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cucumbers in spicy peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within one day to maintain freshness, as cucumbers can become watery over time.

Freezing

Because of the delicate nature of fresh cucumbers and the creamy peanut sauce, freezing is not recommended as it can compromise texture and flavor negatively.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and may reduce the refreshing quality of the cucumbers.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Yes! Though English or Persian cucumbers work best for their sweetness and fewer seeds, any firm cucumber will work. Just adjust slicing thickness to maintain crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, provided you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.

How spicy is the dish?

Spice level depends on how much sriracha or chili paste you add. Start small and increase to your preferred heat level for the perfect balance.

Can I substitute peanut butter with other nut butters?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well in terms of texture and flavor. Just note the taste will vary slightly but still delicious.

How long can I prep this in advance?

Prepare the sauce earlier in the day and keep refrigerated, but mix with cucumbers just before serving to avoid sogginess and keep cucumbers crisp.

Final Thoughts

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a fantastic recipe that brings together freshness and bold flavors in a wonderfully simple dish. Whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining friends, this appetizer is sure to add a delicious, crunchy, and spicy twist to your table. Give it a try and watch how this easy recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan option possible, Gluten-free option possible

Print Recipe

Description

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a fresh and crisp appetizer combining cool, crunchy cucumbers with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy peanut dressing. This easy-to-make dish delivers bold flavors in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a light snack, vibrant appetizer, or a healthy starter that suits various dietary preferences.

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly or cut into bite-sized sticks based on your presentation preference. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce adhere better.
Whisk the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk together until smooth, creamy, and well-blended, balancing the spicy, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Toss Cucumbers with Sauce: Pour the prepared spicy peanut sauce over the cucumber slices and toss gently to coat each piece evenly, ensuring they are fully dressed without becoming soggy.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crushed peanuts and fresh herbs such as chopped cilantro or scallions on top for added texture and brightness. Serve immediately to maintain the cucumbers’ crisp freshness.

Notes

Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and thinner skin, giving a sweeter crunch.
If the peanut sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm water to reach desired consistency for easier tossing.
Slicing cucumbers in advance and refrigerating them can enhance their crunch before mixing with sauce.
Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice levels in the sauce to suit your personal taste.
Serve the dish fresh right after dressing to preserve cucumber crispness and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Asian-inspired