If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that comes together in minutes, look no further than Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. This dish perfectly balances cool, crisp cucumber slices with a creamy, nutty, and boldly spiced peanut dressing, finished with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts. Each bite is irresistible and refreshing, making it my go-to for impressing guests or adding excitement to a weekday dinner.

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how the ingredient list for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is short, yet every component delivers a unique contribution—whether it’s crunch, color, zest, or heat. Here’s how each ingredient earns its spot in this irresistible salad.

English cucumbers: Their sweet, seedless crunch stands up beautifully to the bold peanut sauce.
Salt: Essential for drawing excess moisture from the cucumbers and sharpening their flavor.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth and keeps the dish from being too salty.
Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens everything up.
Peanut butter: The hero of the dressing, delivering body, creaminess, and nutty richness.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to harmonize the spicy and tangy notes.
Garlic (minced): Invites a pungent punch and irresistible aroma to the sauce.
Dried red chili flakes: Bring the perfect level of heat without overpowering the cucumbers’ freshness.
Ground black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and provides a subtle earthiness.
Toasted peanuts (chopped): Double down on peanut flavor and give every bite a lovely crunch.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Lifts the entire dish with a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Salt and Drain the Cucumbers

Start by slicing your English cucumbers into coins or thin half-moons—whatever you prefer for maximum surface area and crunch. Toss them generously with salt, then pop them into a colander set over a bowl or the sink. Letting the cucumbers drain for an hour draws out extra moisture, which helps the peanut sauce cling instead of slipping right off. This easy step transforms the texture and ensures every bite is extra crisp.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Spicy Peanut Sauce

While your cucumbers are draining, grab a small bowl and whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, creamy peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and ground black pepper. The secret here is to keep whisking until the sauce is completely smooth and glossy—the peanut butter should be well-incorporated and not clumpy. The aroma right away is addictive!

Step 3: Pat Dry and Assemble

Once the cucumbers have drained, give them a good pat with paper towels to remove any lingering moisture. Transfer them to a serving bowl, sprinkle with your chopped toasted peanuts and fresh parsley. This is when the color and texture really pop, making Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce as stunning as it is tasty.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour that beautiful spicy peanut sauce over your prepared cucumbers, peanuts, and parsley. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat each slice with that creamy, savory, sweet, and spicy goodness. Serve right away at room temperature to enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and flavors the dish is known for!

How to Serve Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of extra chopped peanuts adds more crunch (and looks gorgeous), while a flourish of fresh parsley or even cilantro gives an herbal lift. For a bit of heat and wow-factor, I love to add a light dusting of extra chili flakes or even a few sesame seeds if you have them on hand.

Side Dishes

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is a versatile side, shining next to grilled chicken, seared tofu, or simple jasmine rice. It’s also delicious served as part of a refreshing summer lunch spread alongside Vietnamese spring rolls, sesame noodles, or dumplings—anything that welcomes that nutty kick.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is endlessly playful: try serving it on little lettuce leaves as crunchy peanut wraps, pile it on top of avocado toast, or spoon it over soba noodles for an unexpected salad upgrade. For parties, I love portioning individual servings into small glasses as a pretty savory appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld nicely overnight, and while the cucumbers may soften a bit, they still taste incredible—just a little more marinated!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dish. The cucumbers will lose much of their crisp texture and the sauce can separate after thawing. Enjoying this salad freshly tossed or straight from the fridge is always your best bet.

Reheating

No reheating required—this dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to revive leftovers, simply toss the cucumbers with a dash more vinegar or a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley to bring back that just-made vibrancy.

FAQs

Are there substitutions for peanut butter if I have allergies?

Absolutely! Try sunflower seed butter, tahini, or almond butter—they all create a deliciously creamy sauce, though the flavor will change slightly. Always check your other ingredients and labels to avoid allergens.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but I recommend peeling them and scooping out most of the seeds for best texture. English cucumbers stay crisp and have a milder flavor, but use what’s available.

How spicy is this dish?

While the chili flakes offer a gentle kick, the overall heat level is easy to adjust. Feel free to reduce or increase the chili flakes, or add a dash of Sriracha if you like things extra fiery!

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the cucumbers and peanut sauce one day ahead, and keep them separate until just before serving for the crunchiest results. Mixing everything together too early will soften the cucumbers more than some people prefer.

What proteins pair best with Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Anything grilled is fantastic—chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even steak. Try pairing it with a simple main to let the flavors in this salad truly shine. It’s also fantastic as a topping for grain bowls or tucked into wraps.

Final Thoughts

I’m always delighted by how something as simple as Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce can absolutely steal the show. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll bring a burst of fresh flavor to your table—just don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite!