From here.
Rinse and dry
About 2 pounds thin skinned cucumbers
Cut in half lengthwise, and then into 4" long pieces. Place pieces cut-side down and place a chinese vegetable knife atop it and smash down lightly to break the skin, separate the seeds, and slightly crush the cucumber. Remove seeds, and cut remaining pieces diagonally into bite-sized bits. Place them in a strainer over a bowl with
A big pinch salt
A big pinch sugar
Let drain somewhere between 15 min and 4 hours, weighted down with a bag of ice or just something heavy. Retain the drained liquid to make a martini.
In a small bowl, combine
1 t kosher salt
2t granulated sugar
1 1/2 T rice vinegar
3/4 t crushed szechuan peppercorns
and stir until sugar and salt dissolve (heat 30 sec in microwave to help with this). Stir in
2t sesame oil
2t soy sauce
Chill.
When ready to serve, shake cukes to drain off remaining liquid and transfer to serving bowl. Drizzle with
1T peanut oil
and toss. Add the dressing,
red pepper flakes to taste
minced or pressed garlic, to taste, up to 2 cloves
Serve, garnish with
small handful chopped cilantro
1-2t sesame seeds