When the summer heat hits and you just want something super simple, flavorful, and, well, *refreshing*, this is my absolute go-to! I remember first whipping up this Refreshing Cucumbers In Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe for a potluck years ago, and it was an instant hit. It’s that perfect balance of cool, crisp cucumber with a punchy, slightly spicy peanut dressing that just makes your taste buds sing. Seriously, it comes together in minutes with no cooking involved, making it my secret weapon for easy entertaining or just a quick side for any meal. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cucumbers In Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! Seriously, if you’re looking for something that’s:

Incredibly quick to make: We’re talking 15 minutes, tops. Perfect for when you’re short on time.
No-cook magic: Absolutely zero need to turn on the oven or stove! Your kitchen stays nice and cool.
bursting with flavor: The spicy peanut sauce is ridiculously good and transforms simple cucumbers into something addictive.
super versatile: It goes with pretty much anything, making it your new favorite go-to side dish.
a guaranteed hit: Folks always rave about this one at get-togethers!
healthy and satisfying: It’s a lighter option that’s still super flavorful and filling.

2024-03-05 21:39:59 Ingredients for Refreshing Cucumbers In Spicy Peanut Sauce

Alright, gathering your ingredients is the first step to cucumber heaven! You really don’t need much, which is part of why I love it so much. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

Two nice big cucumbers – you want them nice and fresh! We’re going to slice them up super thin.
A quarter cup of creamy peanut butter – make sure it’s the smooth kind for the easiest sauce.
Two tablespoons of soy sauce are a must for that savory depth.
One tablespoon of rice vinegar to give it a little tang.
A tablespoon of sesame oil for that gorgeous nutty aroma.
One teaspoon of honey or maple syrup – just a touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
Half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This is where the magic spicy kick comes from, but feel free to add more or less depending on how much you love a little heat!
One clove of garlic, minced nice and fine.
Two tablespoons of water – you might need a tiny bit more to get the sauce just right.
And for the finishing touch, some optional garnishes like chopped peanuts, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or some fresh cilantro if you have it on hand!

How to Make Refreshing Cucumbers In Spicy Peanut Sauce

Honestly, making this dish is almost as easy as eating it! It’s my go-to when I want something super quick and delicious without any fuss. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bright, flavorful side dish in no time.

Preparing the Cucumbers

First things first, grab those lovely cucumbers. Give them a good wash, and then slice them up nice and thin. I like to use a mandoline if I have one, just to make sure they’re all pretty uniform, but a sharp knife works perfectly too! Pop those pretty slices into your serving bowl.

Crafting the Spicy Peanut Sauce

Now for the fun part – the sauce! In a separate little bowl, toss in your creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup if you prefer!), that minced garlic, and those red pepper flakes. Whisk it all up until it’s beautifully smooth. You might need to coax it a bit, especially if your peanut butter is on the thicker side. Once it looks good and combined, start whisking in the water, a tablespoon at a time. You want it pourable but not watered down, kind of like a thick salad dressing. Keep adding water until it’s just how you like it. If you’re brave, you can add a little splash of my homemade chili garlic sauce here for an extra layer of flavor and heat!

Combining and Serving

Okay, pour that glorious, spicy peanut sauce right over those cucumbers in the bowl. Now, gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every single cucumber slice gets coated in that deliciousness. Be gentle so you don’t mash them up! If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add those optional garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch, some sesame seeds for extra nuttiness, or a bit of fresh cilantro for a bright, herby finish. I usually serve this right away while it’s super crisp and cool, but honestly, it’s pretty darn tasty chilled too!

Tips for Perfectly Refreshing Cucumbers In Spicy Peanut Sauce

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let me tell you, a few little tricks can take these cucumbers from good to absolutely *spectacular*. Trust me, I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and these tips are what make it consistently amazing. First off, try to pick the freshest cucumbers you can find – they make all the difference in that crisp, refreshing bite. If you can find English or Persian cucumbers, those are usually a bit sweeter and have fewer seeds, which is lovely. And about slicing them super thin? It’s not just for looks! It really helps them get coated perfectly in that yummy sauce and means you get that lovely texture in every single mouthful.

If you’re curious about variations, you could totally try out adding some thinly sliced red onion for a bit of a bite, or maybe some shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. And don’t be afraid to play with the sauce! If you find you love a tangier dressing, just add a tiny bit more rice vinegar. Craving more heat? Go ahead and double those red pepper flakes – I sometimes do! For those who need gluten-free options, using tamari instead of soy sauce is a total game-changer. It still gives you that salty depth without any gluten. If you want even more cucumber goodness, check out my fresh pickled cucumber salad or my fun pineapple cucumber salad recipes too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat a bit more about the ingredients, because sometimes you need a little flexibility in the kitchen, right? First up, peanut butter! I usually reach for the regular creamy stuff, but if you like, you could totally use natural peanut butter. Just give it a really good stir before you use it because that oil tends to separate. If you have chunky peanut butter on hand, that works too; it’ll just add a little extra texture, which can be pretty nice!

Now, soy sauce is key for that savory flavor. If you’re going for a gluten-free route, tamari is an excellent swap. It has a similar deep, salty taste. For the chili flakes, red ones give a nice warmth, but if you only have green ones, go for it! Just adjust the amount until it tastes right to you. And lastly, if you can’t find rice vinegar, a little dash of apple cider vinegar or even regular white vinegar can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions for Refreshing Cucumbers In Spicy Peanut Sauce

This cucumber dish is so versatile, it practically goes with everything! It’s perfect alongside spicy grilled chicken or tofu satay for a full flavor explosion. I also love it with simple steamed rice and maybe some stir-fried veggies. It makes a fantastic side for summer BBQs, potlucks, or even just a quick weeknight dinner when you want something light but exciting. Honestly, any time you need a cool, flavorful side, this is your answer! You can find even more great ideas in my sides and sauces section!

Storage and Reheating

This really is best enjoyed fresh, right after you toss it together. But if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about two days. Honestly, I don’t really reheat this at all; it’s meant to be cool and crisp! If the cucumbers sit in the dressing for too long, they can get a little soft, so just try to eat them up within that two-day window.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for this recipe is an estimate, as things can slightly change depending on the exact brands you use and how thick you make your sauce. But generally, one serving of these refreshing cucumbers with spicy peanut sauce has about 180 calories, 14g of fat (mostly good stuff!), 6g of protein, and 10g of carbs. Sodium can be around 450mg, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your intake!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Got questions about my favorite quick cucumber dish? I’ve got you covered!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can totally make this a few hours ahead of time! It tastes best if it sits for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld. Just keep it chilled in the fridge. After about two days, though, the cucumbers can get a little soft, so it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe.

How spicy is this cucumber salad?

On its own, with the listed amount of red pepper flakes, it’s got a nice little kick – flavorful but not fiery. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch or leave them out entirely. If you love it hot, feel free to add more! It’s totally adjustable to your liking.

What can I serve with this refreshing cucumber salad?

Oh, this goes with just about anything! It’s fantastic with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. I also love it alongside rice dishes, stir-fries, or even as part of a bigger spread with other appetizers. It’s a bright, cooling contrast to richer flavors.

Can I use different types of cucumbers?

Absolutely! While English or Persian cucumbers are my faves because they’re less seedy and have thinner skins, regular garden cucumbers work too. Just make sure to slice them thinly and maybe give them a quick pat dry after slicing. The main thing is getting that nice, crisp texture.

Refreshing Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and refreshing cucumber salad with a spicy peanut dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons water (or more, to reach desired consistency)
Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

Instructions

Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a serving bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until smooth.
Gradually whisk in the water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers.
Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly.
Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired.
Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

For a thicker dressing, use less water. For a thinner dressing, use more water.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 180
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber salad, peanut sauce, spicy, refreshing, side dish, no cook, vegetarian