Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a refreshing and exciting dish that combines the crunch of fresh cucumbers with the creamy richness of a spicy peanut dressing. This delightful recipe captures the essence of Asian flavors, providing a satisfying balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a side dish for your family dinner, or a light meal that screams summertime, this recipe is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can impress your guests or simply indulge in this vibrant dish at home. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide and make this tasty treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal ingredients, which makes it easy to whip up on a busy day. The preparation is quick, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Additionally, the vibrant flavors in this dish make it an absolute crowd-pleaser at gatherings, picnics, or even quiet family dinners. The creamy peanut sauce blends beautifully with refreshing cucumbers, creating a delightful contrast that leaves you coming back for more. This recipe is not only satisfying; it’s also versatile enough to complement various dishes or stand alone as a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 English cucumbers: These crunchy, juicy veggies provide the perfect base for our salad, offering a refreshing bite.
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup peanuts: Lightly salted and chopped small, these nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds: Add a lovely toasty note and a little visual appeal (plus extra for garnish).
- 2-3 tablespoons green onion: Chopped green onions contribute a mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: Optional, but for those who crave a bit of heat, these add the perfect spice kick.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: This is the heart of our dressing, delivering rich and creamy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
- 1.5 – 2 tablespoons water: Helps achieve the desired consistency for the dressing—adjust as needed.
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce: For a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds a zesty punch and a hint of warmth to the dressing.
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar: This ingredient brings in a light tartness that brightens up the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: To finish off the dressing with a hint of nuttiness and aromatic essence.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cucumber Salad
Begin by thinly slicing the cucumbers; aim for uniform slices for even coating. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Next, sprinkle the chopped peanuts and white sesame seeds generously over the cucumbers. If you enjoy a bit more spice, now is the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra zing.
2. Make the Spicy Peanut Dressing
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth. Gradually add the water to thin it out, and continue mixing it into the peanut butter. Next, stir in the low sodium soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth and pourable dressing.
3. Assemble the Salad
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the spicy peanut dressing over the cucumber salad and gently toss the mixture. Make sure that all the cucumber slices are evenly coated with the delicious dressing.
4. Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the salad. You can serve it immediately for a refreshing crunch, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad.
- If you want a creamier dressing, increase the peanut butter quantity slightly.
- For a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
- Feel free to add other vegetables for extra texture, such as carrots or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce can stand alone as a light salad, but they also make a fantastic side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, complementing Asian-inspired dishes beautifully. Consider serving this dish alongside rice bowls or stir-fries for a wholesome meal. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week, this dish is versatile and accommodating to many occasions.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is approximately 250 calories. It offers a good balance of macronutrients, including healthy fats from the peanut butter and peanuts, fiber from the cucumbers, and some protein as well. This dish is an excellent way to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor or excitement.
Storing Tips & Variations
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To revitalize the salad, simply give it a gentle toss before serving. For variations, you can swap in different types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, or mix in shredded cabbage for added texture. Another delicious twist is to add tiny shrimp or chicken pieces for a heartier salad.
Conclusion
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is an irresistible recipe that brings together crunchy freshness and savory richness in every bite. Don’t miss the chance to impress your family or friends with this easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and feel free to share your experience in the comments below!
FAQs
1. Can I prepare Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the peanut dressing and cut the cucumbers a few hours ahead, keeping them stored separately. Just combine them right before serving to maintain freshness.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes you use. You can easily adjust these ingredients to fit your heat preference.
3. Can I use different types of cucumbers?
While English cucumbers work best for their crunch and mild flavor, any cucumber variety can be used. Just be aware that some may have a stronger taste or different texture.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
5. How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses maple syrup and does not contain animal products. Enjoy it as a plant-based delight!
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
A refreshing dish combining crunchy cucumbers with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing, perfect for appetizers or light meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1.5 English cucumbers
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup peanuts, lightly salted and chopped
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
- 2–3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1.5 – 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber salad by thinly slicing cucumbers and mixing them with peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Make the spicy peanut dressing by whisking together peanut butter and maple syrup, then adding water, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Combine the cucumber salad and dressing, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions, serve fresh or let chill for 30 minutes.
Notes
For extra flavor, try toasting sesame seeds before adding to salad. Adjust sriracha for spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
