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Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
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★★★★★

4.7 from 24 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful cucumber salad tossed in a zesty, spicy peanut sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines crisp cucumbers with a creamy, tangy dressing featuring peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and a kick of chili flakes, garnished with toasted peanuts and fresh parsley. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, and great for warm weather meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 large English cucumbers, sliced (about 1/3-inch thick)

Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Other

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cucumbers: Slice the English cucumbers into approximately 1/3-inch thick rounds. Place the slices in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss well to evenly coat. Transfer the salted cucumbers to a colander and let them drain for one hour to release excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture in the salad.
  2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a tangy and spicy dressing.
  3. Combine Ingredients: After the cucumbers have drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the toasted chopped peanuts and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cucumbers and gently toss everything together until all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Serve: Serve the salad immediately at room temperature to enjoy the freshest flavors. If preparing in advance, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature again and toss to refresh the texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of dried chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter according to your texture preference.
  • Toasted peanuts add a nice crunch—toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Serve as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of an Asian-inspired meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cucumber salad, spicy peanut sauce, Asian salad, vegetarian side dish, easy appetizer, healthy salad

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/cucumbers-in-spicy-peanut-sauce/