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Crispy Rice Salad

That first bite of crispy rice hitting fresh greens with a tangy, savory dressing is pure magic—it's the textural contrast that makes you keep coming back for more.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side salad
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup jasmine rice uncooked
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce
  • 1 large cucumber sliced or julienned
  • 2 carrots shredded or julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 8 oz grilled chicken shrimp, or tofu (optional)
Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer or colander
  • Whisk or fork for blending dressing
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small jar with lid for dressing (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the jasmine rice and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until just tender.
  2. Drain the rice through a fine-mesh strainer and spread on a plate to cool completely, at least 5 minutes.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cooled rice in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Stir the rice and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove from heat, season the crispy rice with salt and white pepper, and spread on a plate or paper towel to cool completely.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Slice the cucumber, shred the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and shred the red cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Chop the cilantro, mint, and slice the green onions just before assembling to preserve freshness.
  9. Divide the mixed salad greens evenly among four serving bowls.
  10. Top each bowl of greens with the prepared vegetables and optional protein.
  11. Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy rice, chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, and green onions over each salad.
  12. Drizzle the dressing over the salads or serve it on the side for diners to add as desired.

Notes

Keep the crispy rice and dressing separate until serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.