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Crispy Rice Salad Recipe: 1 Stunning Crunch, Big Flavor

crispy rice salad with cucumber slices, mint leaves, peanuts, and chili crisp on a white plate
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Crispy rice salad is a vibrant dish packed with golden jasmine rice clusters, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a punchy, zesty dressing made with lime, fish sauce, and chili crisp. It’s bold, light, and ridiculously addictive—a perfect meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2-inch knob fresh ginger or 1 tsp ginger paste

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1/4 cup fish sauce

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp avocado oil

  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 3–4 limes)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1/2 tbsp chili crisp

For the Crispy Rice Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred)

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil

  • 2 tsp red curry paste

  • 2 tsp cornstarch (optional)

  • 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced

  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced or minced

  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped

  • 1 bunch mint, torn or chopped

  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

  • Extra chili crisp, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: Add ginger, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, avocado oil, brown sugar, and chili crisp to a blender. Blitz until smooth.

  2. Prepare the rice: In a bowl, mix rice with avocado oil and red curry paste.

  3. Help rice bind (optional): If rice doesn’t clump when squeezed, mix in cornstarch and a splash of water with wet hands.

  4. Crisp the rice: Form loose chunks and place in an air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp.

  5. Cool the rice: Let crispy rice cool slightly, then break into bite-size clusters.

  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cucumber, shallot, cilantro, mint, and peanuts.

  7. Add the rice: Toss in the crispy rice chunks.

  8. Dress and serve: Pour in half the dressing, toss gently, and drizzle with more dressing and chili crisp as desired.

Notes

  • Day-old rice works best for maximum crispiness.

  • Store components separately to keep textures fresh.

  • Add mango, tofu, or grilled shrimp for fun variations.

  • Adjust chili crisp to your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.recipesloop.com/crispy-rice-salad/