Description
A refreshing and flavorful Spicy Peanut Cucumber recipe featuring crisp cucumbers filled with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. This no-cook dish is perfect as a light appetizer or snack, combining Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger for a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1-2 green onions, finely sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice each one lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating channels in each half to hold the peanut sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger until smooth and well combined. Adjust the chilies to your preferred spice level.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and tweak the balance of sweetness, tang, or spiciness to your liking for the perfect flavor.
- Fill Cucumbers: Generously spoon the spicy peanut sauce into the seeded channels of the cucumber halves, spreading it evenly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the filled cucumbers to add freshness and crunch.
- Optional Garnishes: For extra texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the cucumbers immediately for a crisp bite or chill them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce amount to make the dish milder or spicier according to preference.
- Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey.
- Chilling enhances flavor but serving immediately preserves crisp texture.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and cilantro add extra dimension but can be omitted.
- Perfect as a light snack, appetizer, or side dish in warm weather.
