asian style pickled cucumbers

6 kirby cucumbers or mini seedless cucumbers
1 1/2 tbsp. salt
2 cups water
3 scallions
1 dried chili (halved and seeded)
2 tbsp. sesame oil
3 tbsp. sake
2 tbsp. sugar
4 tbsp. cider vinegar
3 tbsp. soy sauce

cut the cucumbers into 2" pieces. score on the bias 2/3's the way down every 1/8". mix the salt into the 2 cups of water and soak the cucumbers for 1 hour. drain the salt water, and set cucumbers aside. cut the scallions on the bias, and mix in with the chili and sesame oil. in a small pan add in the sake, sugar, and 4tbsp. of water and bring to a boil. remove from heat and add in vinegar and soy sauce. mix together with the sesame oil mixture, and pour over the cucumbers. chill and serve.

enjoy :)

justin