Name: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 medium cucumbers – sliced thinly for better texture and sauce absorption. I like to leave some skin on for color and crunch.; ½ cup roasted peanuts – toast them lightly for added flavor and crunch.; 3 tablespoons peanut butter – creamy works best for a smooth sauce.; 2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds a salty depth to balance the sweetness.; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – gives a subtle tang to the sauce.; 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes or sriracha – adjust depending on your spice preference.; 1 garlic clove – minced for aromatic punch.; 1 teaspoon sugar or honey – balances out the spicy and salty notes.; 2 tablespoons water – to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.; Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or green onions – adds freshness and color.

Do Share Recipe

I recently tried making this Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe, and I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it is. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce is irresistible. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Every bite is packed with a mix of nutty, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. Honestly, this dish has quickly become one of my favorite refreshing snacks or side dishes. If you enjoy trying unique desserts after a spicy dish, you might also love the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe or the Yakgwa Korean Honey Cookies Recipe for a sweet finish.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this dish perfectly:

2 medium cucumbers – sliced thinly for better texture and sauce absorption. I like to leave some skin on for color and crunch.
½ cup roasted peanuts – toast them lightly for added flavor and crunch.
3 tablespoons peanut butter – creamy works best for a smooth sauce.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds a salty depth to balance the sweetness.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – gives a subtle tang to the sauce.
1-2 teaspoons chili flakes or sriracha – adjust depending on your spice preference.
1 garlic clove – minced for aromatic punch.
1 teaspoon sugar or honey – balances out the spicy and salty notes.
2 tablespoons water – to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or green onions – adds freshness and color.

Note: Serves 2-3 generously, depending on portion size.

Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste or dietary needs:

Use almond butter or cashew butter for a nut-free option.
Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce if you want a gluten-free version.
Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
Mix in shredded carrots or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
Reduce sugar or omit entirely for a sugar-free version.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Knife – for slicing cucumbers thinly.
Mixing bowl – to combine cucumbers and sauce evenly.
Small pan – to toast peanuts for added flavor.
Spoon or spatula – to stir the peanut sauce until smooth.
Serving dish – for presentation and easy serving.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and thinly slicing your cucumbers. I like to sprinkle a little salt and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water. This step keeps the sauce thick and prevents it from becoming watery.

Toast the Peanuts

While the cucumbers are resting, toast your peanuts lightly in a dry pan. I always watch them carefully to avoid burning. Toasting enhances their natural flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.

Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, water, and chili flakes. Stir until smooth. I often taste and adjust spice or sweetness at this stage to get the perfect balance.

Combine and Toss

Drain excess water from cucumbers, then add them to the bowl with the peanut sauce. Toss gently to coat every slice evenly. Make sure the sauce clings to the cucumbers without overpowering them.

Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or extra chopped peanuts for visual appeal and added flavor. Serve immediately at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make this even more delicious:

I always slice cucumbers thinly to help them soak in the sauce.
Draining cucumbers is key; otherwise, the sauce can get watery.
Toasting peanuts brings out a deeper flavor that peanut butter alone can’t achieve.
I sometimes add a tiny splash of sesame oil for a subtle nutty aroma.
If making ahead, I toss cucumbers with sauce just before serving to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

This dish is versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

Serve as a refreshing side with grilled meats or tofu.
Use it as a topping for rice bowls or noodle salads.
Plate in a shallow bowl and garnish with fresh herbs and extra peanuts for a colorful presentation.
Pair with chilled spring rolls or dumplings for a complete snack spread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick idea of what you’re getting in each serving:

Calories: 220 kcal – a light yet satisfying snack.
Protein: 7 g – thanks to peanuts and peanut butter.
Carbohydrates: 12 g – mostly from cucumbers and natural sugars.
Fat: 18 g – healthy fats from peanuts and peanut butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cucumbers stay crisp if the sauce is added just before serving.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cucumbers will become watery and lose texture.
Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; reheating is unnecessary and can ruin the crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish ticks all the boxes for a quick, tasty, and refreshing snack:

Easy to prepare – takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile – works as a side dish, salad, or snack.
Flavorful – balances nutty, salty, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Customizable – adjust spice, sweetness, or add extra veggies.
Healthy – light, low-carb, and packed with protein from peanuts.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is one of those recipes that’s simple yet impressive. Every bite delivers crunch, flavor, and freshness, making it perfect for any time of the year. I promise, once you try it, this will become a go-to in your kitchen for quick snacks or vibrant side dishes.

Ben Carraoli