Spicy Cucumber Salad With Peanuts

Try this Thai-inspired salad with chicken or fish. The sugar in the dressing balances the heat of the red pepper. From Cooking Light. (Prep time doesn't include 1 hour for cucumber to drain).

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 2  teaspoons kosher salt
• 1⁄2 cup rice vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2  tablespoons  minced red onions
• 1  tablespoon  chopped  dry roasted peanuts

Directions

1. Place the cucumber slices in a colander; sprinkle with salt. Toss well. Drain 1 hour.
2. Place cucumber slices on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes, pressing down occasionally. Rinse and pat dry.
3. Note: Salting the cucumber removes moisture so they'll be more crisp in the salad.
4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat; cool. Stir in onion.
5. Combine cucumbers and vinegar reduction in a medium bowl; toss well. Sprinkle with peanuts.