Crispy Rice Peanut Sesame Salad (Printable)
Crunchy fried rice meets fresh vegetables in a creamy peanut-sesame dressing for a vibrant Asian-inspired dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crispy 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
→ Toppings
18 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
19 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
20 - 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
# Directions:
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 golden brown forms on the bottom. Toss rice and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until rice is crispy throughout. 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 whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time, 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 dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Divide salad among serving bowls. Top each portion with chopped peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh chili slices if desired. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for additional seasoning.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture contrast between crispy rice and fresh vegetables is absolutely addictive
- That peanut sesame dressing makes everything taste better than takeout
- You can prep everything ahead and assemble in minutes
02 -
- Hot rice will steam instead of crisp. Use cold rice or spread it on a baking sheet to chill first.
- The dressing thickens in the fridge. Thin with water and whisk well before serving.
03 -
- Squeeze the shredded vegetables in a clean towel to remove excess moisture
- Toasted nuts and seeds make a huge difference. Do not skip that step.