Zesty Thai Cucumber Salad with Crunchy Peanuts
Indulge in this vibrant Thai-inspired cucumber salad that perfectly balances flavor and texture. The combination of crisp cucumbers, zesty rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from the sugar creates a delightful dressing that elevates the fresh vegetables. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and a kick from crushed red pepper flakes, this salad is an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish, bringing an exciting burst of flavor to your meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or a light side dish at any dinner table, this salad is a refreshing escape for your taste buds. Note that the prep time excludes one hour for draining the cucumbers for maximum crispness.
4
Servings
55
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
1.5 lbs (peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced (about 4 cups))
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons (for salting cucumbers)
Rice vinegar
1/2 cup (for the dressing)
Water
1/2 cup (for the dressing)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (for the dressing)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for the dressing)
Minced red onions
2 tablespoons (for the dressing)
Chopped dry roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cucumbers: slice them thinly and place them in a colander. Sprinkle the cucumbers generously with kosher salt and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated. Allow the cucumbers to drain for at least one hour to remove excess moisture.
2
After the cucumbers have drained, place them on several layers of paper towels, covering them with additional paper towels on top. Let them stand for another 5 minutes, pressing down gently on the towels occasionally to absorb any remaining moisture. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry with fresh paper towels.
3
In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid reduces to approximately 1/3 cup. Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in the minced red onions once cooled.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber slices and the cooled vinegar reduction. Toss together until the cucumbers are well coated with the dressing.
5
Finally, transfer the cucumber salad to a serving dish and generously sprinkle the chopped dry roasted peanuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
2.25g
Fat
8.25g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Thai Cucumber Salad with Crunchy Peanuts?
It is a vibrant Thai-inspired salad that balances crisp cucumbers with a zesty, sweet dressing and crunchy roasted peanuts.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include cucumbers, kosher salt, rice vinegar, water, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, minced red onions, and chopped dry roasted peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this cucumber salad?
Each serving contains approximately 55 calories.
Why is it important to salt the cucumbers before making the salad?
Salting the cucumbers and letting them drain for an hour helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the salad remains crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
How long should the cucumbers drain?
The cucumbers should drain in a colander for at least one hour.
How do you prepare the cucumbers for the salad?
Peel them, halve them lengthwise, and thinly slice them to produce about 4 cups.
What is the purpose of using paper towels on the cucumbers?
Paper towels are used to absorb any remaining moisture after the initial draining process for maximum crispness.
How do you make the dressing for this recipe?
Combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan, boil, and simmer until reduced to about 1/3 cup.
Is this Thai cucumber salad spicy?
It has a slight kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rice vinegar.
When should the red onions be added?
The minced red onions should be stirred into the vinegar reduction after it has cooled.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the fresh cucumbers and a tablespoon of chopped dry roasted peanuts used as a garnish.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 2.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 8.25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the salad?
Each serving provides about 1g of protein.
Can this salad be served with other dishes?
Yes, it is an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, its refreshing nature makes it a perfect side dish for summer events.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, serving immediately after tossing with peanuts ensures the freshest taste and texture.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sugar.
What is the total amount of cucumbers needed?
You will need 1.5 lbs of cucumbers.
How much kosher salt is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of kosher salt for the preparation process.
Do you need to rinse the cucumbers?
Yes, after the salting and drying process, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry again.
How long do you simmer the dressing?
Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it reduces to roughly 1/3 cup.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad is crisp and vibrant with a light, reduced syrup-like dressing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy due to its low calorie count and fresh vegetable base.
Can I substitute the peanuts?
While the recipe specifies peanuts for crunch, you could omit them or substitute with other nuts if there is an allergy.
What size mixing bowl is recommended?
A medium mixing bowl is suggested for combining the cucumber slices and the dressing.
What does the prep time exclude?
The prep time excludes the one hour required for draining the cucumbers.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The provided nutritional information does not specify the fiber content.