Description
This refreshing Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe combines crisp English cucumbers with a flavorful, creamy peanut sauce infused with soy, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. Topped with toasted peanuts and fresh parsley, it makes a delightful, crunchy salad perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumber
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced about 1/3 inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peanut Sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss well so that all slices are coated evenly. Transfer the cucumbers to a colander and let them sit for one hour to draw out excess water, ensuring a crisp and flavorful salad.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the cucumbers are draining, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried red chili flakes, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble the Salad: After the cucumbers have drained, transfer them back to a bowl. Add the toasted chopped peanuts and chopped parsley, then pour the prepared peanut sauce over. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated and the toppings are well distributed.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature and toss well, as the peanut sauce may settle at the bottom.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the peanuts in a dry skillet until golden before chopping.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the dried red chili flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or omit entirely.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated up to 8 hours. Toss before serving to redistribute the sauce.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for a healthier sauce.
- English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which work best for this recipe, but regular cucumbers can be used if peeled and seeded.
