1. In a medium bowl, place 4 to 6 Kirby cucumbers (about 1 pound) and 1 large carrot (all halved lengthwise and cut 1/2 inch thick on the diagonal). In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rice vinegar, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons coarse salt, one 2-inch piece ginger (peeled and thinly sliced), 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and 2 garlic cloves (peeled and smashed). Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Pour over cucumbers and carrot.