Step 2

Taste a seed — if they are bitter, scrape the seedy core out with a teaspoon and discard it. Then cut the quarters crossways into 1.5 cm pieces.

Step 3

Put the cucumber in a serving bowl and sprinkle the salt over it.

Step 4

Toss through the sesame oil, the seasoned rice vinegar, the torn basil leaves if you are using them, and the chili flakes.

Step 5

Scatter the toasted sesame seeds over and serve straight away, before the salt draws too much water out.