Salad Recipes

Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 bowl Peanuts; 1 Cucumber; 1 section Carrot; 1 stalk Celery; 2 cloves Garlic; a little Oil; a few drops Shaoxing Wine; to taste Salt; to taste Soy Sauce; to taste Vinegar; as needed Cilantro

This crunchy peanut cucumber salad combines roasted peanuts, crisp cucumber, celery, and carrots with a tangy garlic-vinegar dressing. Light, refreshing, and full of texture, it makes a perfect Chinese-style appetizer or side dish.

Total: 20 Minutes

Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe finished dish

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Quick Recipe Summary

Cuisine: Chinese
Category: Salad Recipes
Method: Stir-fry
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Main Ingredient: bowl Peanuts

Introduction

This Peanut Cucumber Salad Recipe recipe is written for Chinese home cooking, with attention to timing, texture, and the small cues that make the method easier to follow. Read through the ingredient notes and cooking tips before you start so the steps feel familiar once the pan, steamer, or pot is hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 20 minutes, so it can fit into a busy cooking day.
Beginner-friendly enough for cooks who are still building confidence in the kitchen.
Gives the dish a clear tangy and savory flavor profile without making the method feel complicated.
Useful as a reference recipe because the steps explain both what to do and what to watch for.

Ingredients

1 bowl Peanuts
1 Cucumber
1 section Carrot
1 stalk Celery
2 cloves Garlic
a little Oil
a few drops Shaoxing Wine
to taste Salt
to taste Soy Sauce
to taste Vinegar
as needed Cilantro

Ingredient Notes

These notes explain the role of the main ingredients so the recipe is easier to adjust without losing its Chinese home-cooking character.

bowl Peanuts

This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.

Cucumber

This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.

section Carrot

Vegetables bring texture and freshness; cut them evenly so they cook or ferment at a similar pace.

stalk Celery

This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.

Garlic

Garlic gives the dish a savory base and becomes most fragrant when cooked briefly in oil or brine.

a little Oil

This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Soak the peanuts in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
Step 2
Heat a wok with a small amount of oil and stir-fry the peanuts until dry and fragrant.
Step 3
Add a few drops of Shaoxing wine. Once the peanut skins begin to crack, remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 4
Wash the cucumber, carrot, celery, and garlic.
Step 5
Dice the cucumber and carrot, slice the celery, and finely mince the garlic.
Step 6
Combine the vegetables and cooled peanuts in a large bowl. Season with salt, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Step 7
Add chopped cilantro and toss until evenly coated.
Step 8
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

Cooking Tips

Adding a few drops of Shaoxing wine while roasting the peanuts helps create a crisp texture.
Allow the peanuts to cool completely before mixing with the vegetables.
Use rice vinegar, black vinegar, or aromatic vinegar according to your preference.
For a spicy version, add chili oil or dried chili flakes.
Serve chilled for the best flavor and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it with steamed rice when you want a simple Chinese home-cooked meal.
Add a light soup or cold vegetable side if the stir-fry is salty, spicy, or saucy.
Keep rice or noodles ready before cooking because stir-fries are best served immediately.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

1 bowl Peanuts
1 Cucumber
1 section Carrot
1 stalk Celery
2 cloves Garlic
a little Oil
a few drops Shaoxing Wine
to taste Salt
to taste Soy Sauce
to taste Vinegar
as needed Cilantro

Method

Soak the peanuts in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
Heat a wok with a small amount of oil and stir-fry the peanuts until dry and fragrant.
Add a few drops of Shaoxing wine. Once the peanut skins begin to crack, remove from heat and let cool completely.
Wash the cucumber, carrot, celery, and garlic.
Dice the cucumber and carrot, slice the celery, and finely mince the garlic.
Combine the vegetables and cooled peanuts in a large bowl. Season with salt, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Add chopped cilantro and toss until evenly coated.
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.