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.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cucumber, spicy peanut sauce, appetizer, vegan, gluten-free, quick snack, easy recipe, healthy