Description
Cucumbers in spicy peanut sauce is a refreshing dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a standalone salad. With its balance of coolness and spice, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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2 medium cucumbers
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the spicy peanut sauce:
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3 tablespoons peanut butter
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (more for extra heat)
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1–2 teaspoons honey (optional for sweetness)
Instructions
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Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons.
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(Optional) Lightly salt the cucumbers to draw out some water, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
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In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
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Stir until the sauce is smooth. Adjust heat and sweetness by adding more chili flakes or honey.
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Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and pour the spicy peanut sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.
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Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes or using a milder chili paste.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
For a vegan version, skip any animal-based add-ins like shrimp or chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if adding optional ingredients like sautéing)
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion