1 large or 2 medium cucumbers
1/2 tsp salt
3 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp sugar
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp Chinese black vinegar
2 tsp chili crisp
2 tsp chili oil
pinch ground Sichuan peppercorn (optional)
- Cut ends of cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise, and smash each half by pressing down with the side of a large knife. (Larger cucumbers will split again lengthwise, into quarters.)
- Cut diagonally into slices, then place in a strainer evenly sprinkled with 1/2 tsp salt. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and stir.
- Squeeze the cucumbers well, discarding the excess salt water, then add cucumbers to the bowl and combine with the sauce.