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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
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This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is a fast, fresh, and flavorful dish, combining crisp cucumbers with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce to create a refreshing and satisfying snack, side, or light meal. Ready in under 15 minutes, it balances crunch, creaminess, heat, and tang perfectly, making it a versatile and healthy indulgence that can easily be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh cucumbers (English or Persian, crunchy varieties) – about 2 medium-sized
  • Peanut butter (creamy, natural) – 3 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh garlic (minced) – 1 clove
  • Chili paste or chili flakes – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Honey or maple syrup – 1 teaspoon
  • Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
  • Water – 2-3 tablespoons (to thin sauce)

Optional Garnishes and Add-Ins

  • Fresh cilantro (chopped) – 1 tablespoon
  • Green onions (sliced) – 1 tablespoon
  • Toasted peanuts or sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and optionally peel the cucumbers. Slice them thinly into rounds or cut into bite-sized sticks depending on your preference.
  2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, freshly minced garlic, chili paste, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and a splash of water. Adjust the water amount to create a smooth, creamy, and easy-to-drizzle consistency.
  3. Combine and Toss: Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cucumber slices. Gently toss everything together to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  4. Garnish and Chill: Top with optional chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted peanuts for extra freshness and texture. Let the dish chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Choose English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and a crisper bite.
  • Taste and adjust the soy sauce and honey/maple syrup to balance sweet, salty, and spicy flavors perfectly.
  • Chilling the salad before serving enhances flavor melding and gives a refreshing pop.
  • Use fresh garlic rather than powdered for a brighter sauce flavor.
  • Start with a small amount of chili paste and adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; cucumbers may soften but remain tasty.
  • Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers become mushy and the sauce texture may separate.
  • Best served cold or at room temperature; stir gently if the sauce thickens when chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, spicy peanut sauce, quick snack, healthy appetizer, vegan peanut sauce, gluten free snack, crunchy cucumber, easy side dish

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/cucumbers-in-spicy-peanut-sauce/