Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a refreshing and flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of cool, crisp cucumbers with a rich, spicy peanut sauce. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the freshness of cucumbers with the deep, savory flavor of peanuts, creating a tantalizing dish that is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking for a quick and healthy dish to prepare for dinner, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

The creamy and spicy peanut sauce gives the cucumbers a rich coating, while the cucumber’s natural crunch adds an irresistible texture. This dish is versatile, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is not only easy to prepare but also light and healthy, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a refreshing dish with bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Refreshing and Crunchy: The cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, making this dish both light and satisfying. Their natural coolness balances perfectly with the heat of the spicy peanut sauce.
• Rich, Creamy Peanut Sauce: The spicy peanut sauce is the star of the dish. Made with creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and a variety of spices, it’s rich and flavorful with a nice balance of heat and sweetness.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare for any occasion.
• Versatile: This dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or even as a refreshing summer starter.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with the goodness of fresh cucumbers and peanuts, this dish is a great option for those looking for something nutritious yet satisfying. It’s also vegetarian, gluten-free, and full of healthy fats from the peanuts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 200-250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 7-8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lime juice (for extra tanginess)

Special Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require specialized equipment, having the following tools will make the process even easier:

1. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the cucumbers thinly. This ensures they are easy to eat and absorb the peanut sauce well.
2. Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl will be needed to combine the peanut sauce ingredients. Choose one that allows for easy whisking.
3. Whisk: A small whisk will help you combine the ingredients for the peanut sauce smoothly, making it creamy and well-blended.
4. Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements for the sauce ingredients ensure the right balance of flavors.
5. Grater: If you’re adding ginger, a microplane grater or fine grater will work best for getting finely grated ginger.
6. Serving Plate or Bowl: A plate or shallow bowl is ideal for serving the cucumbers in the sauce, making it easier to enjoy and garnish the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and peeling the cucumbers. Depending on your preference, you can either leave the skin on for extra texture or peel it off for a smoother appearance. Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices. Place the cucumber slices in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.

2. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha), and water. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well-combined. If you like your peanut sauce thinner, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and have a good balance of salty, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.

If you’re using ginger for extra flavor, add it to the peanut sauce and whisk until fully incorporated. You can also squeeze in some fresh lime juice at this point to give the sauce an extra tangy kick.

3. Combine the Cucumbers and Peanut Sauce

Once the peanut sauce is ready, pour it over the cucumber slices. Toss the cucumbers gently in the sauce to coat them evenly. Be sure each slice is well-covered with the creamy, spicy sauce. You can use tongs or two spoons to toss them if you prefer.

4. Garnish the Dish

Transfer the cucumbers to a serving plate or bowl. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture. The sesame seeds add a subtle crunch, while the cilantro gives the dish a fresh, herbal note.

If desired, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the top for an added zing. For more heat, you can drizzle a little extra chili sauce on top or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce can be served immediately as a snack or side dish, or you can let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day if you have leftovers.

Serve it alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic appetizer to serve at parties or gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Adjust the Spice: The level of spice in the sauce can be easily adjusted by adding more or less chili garlic sauce or Sriracha. If you prefer a milder version, start with just 1 teaspoon and gradually add more to suit your taste.
• Make it Creamier: If you want an extra creamy sauce, you can add a little bit of coconut milk or Greek yogurt. This will give the peanut sauce a smooth, rich texture while adding a slight tanginess.
• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: For additional texture, consider using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth. The pieces of peanuts will add a pleasant crunch that complements the fresh cucumbers.
• Customize the Garnish: In addition to sesame seeds and cilantro, you can also garnish with chopped peanuts for more crunch, or add a few thin slices of red chili for an extra burst of color and heat.
• Chill the Dish: If you want a cooler, more refreshing dish, let the cucumbers sit in the peanut sauce for 15-20 minutes before serving. The flavors will develop further, and the cucumbers will absorb the sauce more.

Variations of Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Carrot and Cucumber Salad: Add thinly sliced carrots to the cucumber slices for extra crunch and color. The sweet taste of the carrots pairs wonderfully with the spicy peanut sauce.
• Add Protein: For a more substantial dish, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the cucumber and peanut sauce mixture. This will turn the dish into a complete meal.
• Sweet and Sour Peanut Sauce: For a more tangy flavor, increase the amount of rice vinegar and reduce the honey. This variation will give the dish a delicious sweet and sour profile that complements the peanut sauce beautifully.
• Vegan Version: Make this dish vegan-friendly by using tamari instead of soy sauce, maple syrup instead of honey, and skipping the optional fish sauce. This will ensure the dish remains plant-based but still full of flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will continue to release moisture as they sit, so the dish may become a bit watery over time. To prevent this, you can store the cucumber slices and peanut sauce separately and combine them just before serving.

If storing leftovers, make sure to keep the dish in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. To refresh it, give the mixture a gentle toss before serving, and add an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds or cilantro if desired.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Pair this vibrant and flavorful dish with a variety of complementary sides to complete your meal:

• Grilled Meats: Serve with grilled chicken, beef, or pork for a flavorful and balanced meal.
• Rice or Noodles: Serve the cucumbers with steamed rice or rice noodles to create a complete meal. The peanut sauce complements both dishes beautifully.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: Pair with a simple salad of mixed greens, shredded cabbage, and a light sesame dressing for a refreshing and light accompaniment.
• Spring Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, vegetables, and herbs for a fun and healthy combination.

Print

Conclusion

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a vibrant, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. With its crisp cucumber slices and creamy, spicy peanut sauce, this recipe is the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness. Whether you’re preparing it as an appetizer, side dish, or light snack, this dish will bring bold flavors and textures to your table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both healthy and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this tantalizing combination of cucumbers and spicy peanut sauce, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!