This 5-Minute Creamy Peanut Butter Garlic Cucumber Salad Will Change Your LIFE! 🥜

This 5-Minute Creamy Peanut Butter Garlic Cucumber Salad Will Change Your LIFE! 🥜 is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 110 calories per serving. Recipe by Aaron and Claire on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 12 min

Cost: $2.88 total, $0.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Cucumber (trim ends and cut into bite‑sized pieces or sticks)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (smash and finely chop)
  • 3 tablespoons Peanut Butter (creamy, unsweetened preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Korean Chili Pepper Flakes (Kuchukaru Korean chili pepper flakes or chili oil)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 0.5 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (freshly ground)
  • to taste Salt (optional, add after tossing)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced, optional garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons Greek Yogurt (optional, adds extra creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Oil (optional drizzle for heat)

Instructions

  1. Cut cucumbers

    Trim the ends off the cucumbers and cut them into bite‑sized pieces, sticks, or smash them as you prefer.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prepare garlic

    Smash the two garlic cloves with the flat side of the knife, then finely chop.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Make dressing

    In a small bowl combine peanut butter, Korean chili pepper flakes, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and the minced garlic. Whisk until smooth; add a splash of water if too thick.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Grind sesame seeds

    Place toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and grind with the pestle until they become a coarse powder.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Toss salad

    Transfer the cucumber pieces to a large bowl, pour the dressing over, add the ground sesame seeds, and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Add optional garnish

    If using, sprinkle sliced green onions, drizzle chili oil, or stir in Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Mix gently.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Serve

    Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while crisp.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
110
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
36 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free (use tamari if soy sauce contains wheat), Vegan if Greek yogurt is omitted

Allergens: Peanuts, Sesame

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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This 5-Minute Creamy Peanut Butter Garlic Cucumber Salad Will Change Your LIFE! 🥜

Recipe by Aaron and Claire

A quick, refreshing summer cucumber salad tossed in a creamy, savory peanut butter dressing with toasted sesame seeds. Ready in minutes, this Korean‑inspired side dish is perfect for hot days and can be customized with green onions, Greek yogurt, or chili oil.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.88
Total cost
$0.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Make dressing until smooth (Step 3)
  • Grind toasted sesame seeds for maximum flavor (Step 4)

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully to avoid cuts.
  • People with peanut or sesame allergies should avoid this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad in Korean cuisine?

A

While cucumber salads are common in Korean banchan, the addition of creamy peanut butter reflects modern fusion trends that blend traditional Korean flavors like sesame and chili with Western ingredients, creating a popular summer side dish.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber salads in Korean cuisine?

A

Classic Korean cucumber banchan (oi-muchim) uses gochugaru, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. Some regions add fermented shrimp or fish sauce, while others keep it simple with just salt and sesame seeds. The peanut‑butter version is a contemporary twist.

cultural
Q

How is Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad traditionally served in Korean households?

A

It is typically served as a cold banchan alongside rice and main dishes, eaten with a spoon or chopsticks. The salad is meant to be refreshing and to balance richer, heavier Korean entrees.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad associated with in Korean culture?

A

Cucumber salads are common at family meals, summer barbecues (gogi-gui), and festive gatherings because they are quick, cooling, and pair well with grilled meats.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Korean cucumber salads versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and garlic. Acceptable substitutes are red pepper flakes for gochugaru, tamari for soy sauce, and regular sesame oil if toasted oil is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad?

A

It pairs beautifully with Korean BBQ meats like bulgogi or galbi, grilled fish, bibimbap, and hearty stews such as kimchi jjigae, providing a crisp contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the cucumbers, which makes them soggy; using too much sugar, which masks the savory flavors; and skipping the fresh grinding of sesame seeds, which reduces the nutty aroma.

technical
Q

Why does this Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad recipe use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil?

A

Toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter and enhances the overall umami profile, whereas regular sesame oil is milder and would not provide the same richness.

technical
Q

Can I make Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and grind the sesame seeds a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Add the cucumbers just before serving to retain crunch, and store the assembled salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Aaron and Claire specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Aaron and Claire focuses on simple, approachable home‑cooking recipes, especially quick meals and seasonal dishes that require minimal equipment and ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Aaron and Claire's approach to Korean‑inspired cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Aaron and Claire blend Korean flavors with Western twists, emphasizing fast, no‑cook preparations and ingredient flexibility, whereas many traditional Korean channels stick to classic techniques and longer fermentation processes.

channel

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