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Craving a refreshing yet flavorful dish? Look no further than the tantalizing Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad! In just 10 minutes, you can elevate ordinary cucumbers into an extraordinary culinary experience. Picture this: crisp cucumber rounds enveloped in a tantalizing sauce made of creamy peanut butter, spicy chili crisp, toasted sesame oil, and savory soy sauce, all brought together with a hint of fresh garlic and rice vinegar. Topped with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for an extra crunch, this salad is a true symphony of flavors and textures.
As the warm weather beckons for light and vibrant dishes, this Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad has quickly become my favorite go-to side dish. The marriage of cool cucumbers with a spicy umami kick from the chili crisp creates a delightful contrast that is both addictive and satisfying. With the added richness from the peanut butter, this salad strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and complexity. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to treat yourself to a healthy snack, this salad promises to be a delightful addition to your table.
Quick Benefits
- Contrasting textures: Cool cucumbers and spicy chili crisp create an addictively delicious combination
- Richness without heaviness: Creamy peanut butter adds depth and richness to the salad
- Quick and easy: Comes together in minutes but offers complex and flavorful results
- Make-ahead friendly: Sauce can be prepared in advance for quicker assembly and enhanced flavors
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe Recipe
- Balance of Flavors: The salad offers a perfect balance of heat from the chili crisp, tang from the vinegar, umami from the soy sauce, and richness from the peanut butter.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile: Whether as a side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is a great addition to any meal. It can also be paired with various dishes like grilled fish, chicken, or noodles.
- Complex Tastes: Despite its simplicity, the salad delivers complex flavors that will impress your taste buds. The creamy peanut butter, spicy chili crisp, and fresh garlic create a unique and delicious combination.
- Refreshing and Crunchy: The cool, crisp cucumbers combined with the spicy and nutty sauce offer a refreshing and crunchy texture that is satisfying and addictive.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance, allowing for quick assembly when ready to serve. This feature makes it a convenient option for meal prep or gatherings.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this salad! The creamy peanut butter adds richness without being heavy, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Potluck Perfect: This salad is a potluck favorite that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that stands out among other dishes.
- Asian-Inspired Delight: Reminiscent of dishes from Asian restaurants, this salad brings a taste of authentic flavors with a homemade touch. It’s a simple yet elevated take on classic cucumber salads.
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, natural peanut butter, and a reputable chili crisp brand ensures the best results. Thoughtful ingredient choices elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe
Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine vinegar, seasoned or unseasoned
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon flaky salt or kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) peanut butter, sweetened or unsweetened
Salad Components
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 pound (450 g) seedless cucumbers, sliced into ¼-½-inch thick rounds
Pro Tips for Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe
Pro Tip 1: For the best texture, slice the cucumbers right before serving to maintain their crispness. If preparing in advance, store the sliced cucumbers in a paper towel-lined container to absorb excess moisture and maintain their crunch.
Pro Tip 2: To enhance the flavor profile of the sauce, try to bring it to room temperature before mixing with the cucumbers. This helps the sauce coat the cucumbers evenly and ensures a more balanced taste experience.
Pro Tip 3: Experiment with different garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts to add an extra layer of texture and flavor to the salad. Toast the garnishes until fragrant for enhanced nuttiness and crunch.
How to Make Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Step 01
In a bowl, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until well blended, or shake in a lidded jar until combined.
Step 2: Step 02
In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers with prepared peanut sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts before serving.
Storage Tips
After preparing the Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad keeps well for 1-2 days, allowing the flavors to meld and develop further. However, it’s important not to dress the salad too far in advance to prevent the cucumbers from releasing excess water. To maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to assemble the salad just before serving, ensuring that the cucumbers stay crisp and fresh.
To store the components separately if making ahead, you can slice the cucumbers and store them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated, while any toasted garnishes, such as sesame seeds or peanuts, can be kept at room temperature. When ready to enjoy the salad, bring the sauce to room temperature before mixing to ensure an even coating over the cucumbers. By following these storage tips and assembling the salad with care, you can continue to savor the delightful flavors and textures of this Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
For the Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad, there are some ingredient substitutions you can make based on your preferences or what you have on hand. If you don’t have peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter or tahini for a different nutty flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a milder heat level, you can use a milder chili paste or omit the chili crisp altogether and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
When it comes to the cucumbers, if you can’t find seedless cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers and simply remove the seeds before slicing them. For the sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts topping, you can swap them with chopped cashews or almonds for a different nutty crunch. Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds to personalize the salad to your taste preferences while still maintaining its refreshing and flavorful essence.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad in individual cucumber cups. Hollow out small sections of Persian cucumbers to create edible vessels for the salad. Fill each cucumber cup with the dressed cucumber rounds and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a visually appealing and convenient way to enjoy this flavorful dish.
Another serving idea is to elevate the Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad by adding a refreshing twist. Serve the salad on a bed of chilled glass noodles or zucchini noodles for a satisfying and light meal. The combination of the cool, crunchy salad with the delicate noodles creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it a perfect summer lunch or dinner option.
FAQs for Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of seedless cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers in this recipe. However, seedless cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture and mild flavor, which work well with the sauce.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While the sauce can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much water. You can prep the components separately and combine them right before serving.
How long can I store the Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad?
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may release water over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for the optimal texture and flavor.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
If you prefer a milder or spicier version of the salad, you can adjust the amount of chili crisp or add a bit of honey to balance the heat. Taste the sauce before mixing it with the cucumbers and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad a try and discover the delightful fusion of flavors it offers. The cool crunch of cucumbers paired with the rich spiciness of the peanut chili crisp sauce is truly a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a healthy snack, this salad has you covered with its irresistible taste and texture.
Remember, don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe to suit your preferences. From adjusting the spiciness of the chili crisp to experimenting with different nutty toppings, feel free to make this dish your own. Embrace the simplicity and bold flavors of this Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad, and let it become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite, and savor the creativity that goes into each refreshing mouthful!
Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe
“Transform cucumbers with a spicy peanut chili crisp sauce for a refreshing and addictive salad perfect as a side dish or healthy snack.”
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time~ undefined
Total Time10 Minutes
CuisineAsian
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings
Ingredients
Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine vinegar, seasoned or unseasoned
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon flaky salt or kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) peanut butter, sweetened or unsweetened
Salad Components
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 pound (450 g) seedless cucumbers, sliced into ¼-½-inch thick rounds
Instructions
-
Step 01: In a bowl, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until well blended, or shake in a lidded jar until combined.
-
Step 02: In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers with prepared peanut sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts before serving.
