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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce – Cool, Creamy, and Crave-Worthy

Meet your new favorite side dish: Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. This chilled cucumber salad is cool and crisp, coated in a creamy, spicy, tangy peanut sauce that’s seriously addictive. It’s a perfect contrast of refreshing crunch and bold, nutty flavor, making it an ideal side for anything from grilled chicken to noodles or rice bowls. This recipe brings together the coolness of cucumbers, the richness of peanut butter, and the zesty heat of chili sauce, with a touch of sweetness and tang from rice vinegar and soy sauce. Think of it as a Thai or Vietnamese-inspired twist on your everyday salad. Ready in just 10 minutes, no cooking required, and completely vegan, it’s a win for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever your tastebuds need a wake-up call. Love Southeast Asian flavor profiles? You’ll also enjoy Thai Cucumber Salad or Vietnamese Noodle Bowls.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cucumbers:
  • 4 –5 Persian cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili crisp or chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 garlic clove minced or grated
  • 1 –2 tablespoons warm water to thin the sauce as needed
Garnish:
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts crushed
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • Chopped cilantro or scallions optional
🌶️ Adjust chili level depending on your spice preference — make it bold or keep it mild!

Equipment

  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small whisk or fork – for mixing the sauce
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Garlic press or microplane (optional)
  • Serving plate or bowl

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
  1. Wash and dry cucumbers.
  2. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  3. Place in a large mixing bowl or colander.
✅ For extra crunch: salt the cucumbers with ¼ tsp salt, let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
    Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
    1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
    2. Peanut butter
    3. Soy sauce
    4. Rice vinegar
    5. Sesame oil
    6. Chili garlic sauce
    7. Maple syrup
    8. Garlic
    9. Add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water slowly until the sauce becomes smooth and pourable.
    Step 3: Toss and Combine
    1. Pour the peanut sauce over the cucumbers.
    2. Toss gently to coat all slices evenly.
    3. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate.
    Step 4: Garnish and Serve
    1. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and chopped herbs (if using).
    2. Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

    Notes

    🔁 Variations
    1. Thai-Inspired
    Add a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice.
    2. Crunchy Slaw Version
    Add shredded cabbage, carrots, or red bell pepper for a slaw-style mix.
    3. Noodle Bowl Add-On
    Serve over cold soba noodles or rice noodles for a full meal.
    4. Sweet & Spicy
    Increase maple syrup or honey for a sweeter kick.
    5. Nut-Free Version
    Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of peanut butter.
    🧊 Storage & Reheating
    Refrigerator:
    Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
    Best enjoyed within the first 24 hours when cucumbers are crisp.
    Freezer:
    Not recommended. Cucumbers and peanut sauce don't freeze well.
    Reheating:
    None needed — serve chilled or at room temperature.
    🥶 If the sauce thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of water or rice vinegar to loosen it.
    ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
    Yes — it adds texture! Just stir well so the sauce blends evenly.
    2. Is this dish spicy?
    It has a kick from the chili crisp or sauce, but you can easily adjust or omit for a milder version.
    3. Can I use different cucumbers?
    Absolutely — English cucumbers work great. Just avoid standard waxy cucumbers unless peeled and seeded.
    4. Is it gluten-free?
    Yes, if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
    5. What pairs well with this dish?
    It’s amazing with:
    Grilled chicken or tofu
    Rice or noodle bowls
    Dumplings or bao buns
    6. Can I prep this ahead of time?
    Yes — but dress just before serving to maintain crunch.
    7. What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
    Try lime juice or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
    8. Is it vegan?
    Yes — use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based version.
    9. How do I make it less spicy?
    Use less chili oil or sauce, and balance with a little extra sugar or lime juice.
    10. Can I make a bigger batch?
    Absolutely! Just double or triple the sauce ingredients and keep proportions the same.
    ✅ Conclusion
    This Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce dish is the perfect mashup of refreshing crunch and bold, spicy-sweet flavor. It’s the side salad that steals the show — creamy, tangy, nutty, and incredibly satisfying.
    Make it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again — as a snack, a side, or even a topping for bowls and wraps. It’s a flavor explosion with minimal effort.
    Looking for more spicy-sweet combos?
    Thai Peanut Noodles
    Spicy Mango Slaw
    Korean Cucumber Salad