Name: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488088H29M58S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers, sliced about 1/3 inch thick; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted; 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; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, crunchy cucumbers with a rich and spicy peanut flavor.
Easy to prepare in under 15 minutes (plus draining time).
Vegan-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor.
Perfect for hot days, potlucks, or as a healthy snack.
Can be made ahead for quick serving later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large English cucumbers, sliced about 1/3 inch thick
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
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
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Transfer to a colander and let drain for 1 hour.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic, dried red chili flakes, and black pepper until smooth.
After cucumbers have drained, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the toasted peanuts, chopped parsley, and prepared peanut sauce. Toss until well coated.
Serve immediately at room temperature for best flavor.

Servings and timing

Yield: 10 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Drain time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of lime juice for extra tang.
Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or mint for a different flavor.
Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Add thinly sliced red bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
Bring to room temperature and toss before serving, as the peanut sauce may settle at the bottom.
Best enjoyed fresh; not recommended for long-term storage due to cucumber water content.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, but English cucumbers are preferred for their fewer seeds and crisp texture.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, it is vegan if you replace honey with maple syrup.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 8 hours in advance. Refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, increase or decrease the dried red chili flakes to your desired level of heat.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly chunkier. Toasted peanuts help maintain crunch.

How should I toast the peanuts?

Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.

Can I omit peanuts for a nut-free version?

Yes, you can replace them with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Can this be served cold?

Yes, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

Can I add other vegetables?

Thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or radishes work well for extra color and crunch.

How long can this salad sit out?

It’s best served immediately; avoid leaving it out longer than 2 hours due to cucumber moisture.

Conclusion

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer, snacks, or as a side dish. With its easy prep, nutty peanut sauce, and optional spicy kick, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and satisfying.