If you’re craving a refreshing side dish with a kick, Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce hits all the right notes. This vibrant, easy-to-make recipe combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with a creamy, garlicky, and spicy peanut dressing that brings bold flavor to every bite.
It’s the perfect appetizer, salad, or side dish — whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner, picnic, or potluck. Best of all, it uses pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it ideal for those hot days when you want something fresh and flavorful without turning on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh + flavorful: The crisp cucumbers pair beautifully with the creamy, nutty, slightly spicy sauce.
- Simple ingredients: All you need is a handful of pantry items, plus fresh cucumbers and herbs.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep this ahead of time (just don’t let it sit too long, or the cucumbers will release too much water).
- Versatile: Works as a salad, side dish, or topping for grain bowls and wraps.
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced about ⅓ inch thick
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Salt and drain the cucumbers
Place the sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss to combine, then transfer to a colander. Let them drain for about 1 hour to remove excess water. This helps keep the sauce thick and prevents it from getting watery. - Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. - Toast the peanuts
In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the chopped peanuts until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside. - Assemble the dish
After the cucumbers have drained, pat them dry with a paper towel if needed. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the peanut sauce, toasted peanuts, and chopped parsley or cilantro. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. - Serve or chill
Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill briefly before serving. If storing for later, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Stir before serving, as the sauce may settle at the bottom.
Tips & Variations
- Use English cucumbers for best results — they’re less watery and have thinner skin.
- Peeling optional: If you prefer a softer texture or have trouble digesting skins, you can peel the cucumbers.
- Add-ins: Shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers add crunch and color.
- Swap the herbs: Cilantro works beautifully in place of parsley.
- Adjust the heat: Use more or less red chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a light, balanced meal.
- Use it as a topping for rice bowls or lettuce wraps.
- Bring it to picnics or BBQs as a standout summer side.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 81 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Final Thoughts
This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe proves that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. With its satisfying crunch, creamy texture, and spicy finish, it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Refreshing yet bold, it’s a go-to for warm weather meals or any time your taste buds need a little wake-up call.