Spicy Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

Try this Thai-style salad with chicken or fish. The sugar in the dressing balances the sharpness of the red pepper. When salting cucumber slices, some of the moisture is removed, so they are especially crispy in a salad.
Flip the cucumber slices into a colander; sprinkle with salt. Mix well. Strain for 1 hour. Arrange cucumber slices on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand for 5 minutes, wringing out occasionally. Rinse and pat dry.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 to reduce the amount of vinegar; allow to cool. Add the onion. Combine cucumbers and vinegar dressing in a medium bowl; mix well. Sprinkle with peanuts.