Crispy Rice Peanut Sesame (Print Version)
Vibrant salad with crunchy fried rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy peanut-sesame dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Crispy Rice Base
01 - 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, 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
→ Salad Components & Garnishes
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)
# How to Make It:
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 golden crust, then toss and continue cooking until rice is golden and crisp throughout, approximately 10 minutes total. Remove from heat and let 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 a pourable consistency.
03 - In a large serving bowl, combine cooled crispy rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly without breaking the crispy rice.
04 - Divide dressed salad among serving bowls. Top each portion with chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and thinly sliced red chili if desired. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for additional seasoning.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The texture contrast alone will change how you think about salads forever
- It comes together faster than you can order delivery and tastes infinitely better
02 -
- Hot, freshly cooked rice will turn into a sad, gummy mess, so please use cold, day-old rice
- The dressing thickens as it sits, so add that water gradually and taste as you go
03 -
- Tamari instead of soy sauce makes this completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor
- Double the dressing and keep it in a jar for quick weeknight salads