Crispy Rice Salad Peanut Sesame (Printable)
Crunchy fried rice meets fresh vegetables in a creamy peanut-sesame dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, preferably day-old and chilled
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Peanut Sesame Dressing
04 - 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
05 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
10 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
12 - 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin dressing
→ Salad Components
13 - 1 cup shredded carrots
14 - 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
15 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
16 - 1/2 cup chopped scallions
17 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
18 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
19 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
20 - 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chilled rice and salt, spreading in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until bottom forms a crust, then toss and continue cooking until golden and crisp, approximately 10 minutes total. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, grated garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. Gradually add water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until dressing reaches pourable consistency.
03 - In a large serving bowl, combine cooled crispy rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, purple cabbage, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with half the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Divide salad among serving bowls. Top each portion with chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced red chili if desired. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for additional seasoning.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between warm, crackling rice and cool, crisp vegetables creates something truly magical in every bite.
- That peanut sesame dressing is the kind of sauce you will want to put on everything, not just salad.
02 -
- Do not crowd the pan when frying the rice or it will steam instead of crisp up beautifully.
- The dressing will thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of water before serving leftovers.
03 -
- Taste the dressing before adding salt, as soy sauce brings plenty of salinity on its own.
- Grate garlic and ginger directly into the dressing for the most intense flavor distribution.