Description
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce – Refreshing cucumbers topped with a flavorful and spicy peanut sauce. Quick, easy, and perfect for summer!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 pound/450g), thinly sliced
- ½ cup (120g) creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened works best)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly. For an attractive presentation, partially peel the cucumbers in alternating strips using a vegetable peeler, creating a striped pattern. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. If using regular cucumbers rather than English, halve them lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before slicing.
- Step 2: Place the cucumber slices in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. While waiting, you can prepare your peanut sauce.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk vigorously until smooth and well-blended. If the sauce seems too thick, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. The perfect sauce for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
- Step 4: Pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt. Transfer them to a large bowl. Pour about three-quarters of the peanut sauce over the cucumbers and gently toss until each slice is evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling over the top when serving.
- Step 5: Transfer your dressed cucumbers to a serving platter or individual bowls. Drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce, then sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and sliced green onions for a beautiful finish. For an extra pop of color and flavor, you might also add a few sesame seeds or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately for maximum crispness, or refrigerate for up to an hour if you prefer it chilled.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 295 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 593mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg