Quick Crispy Rice Salad (Printable Version)

Golden crispy rice and crunchy vegetables tossed in a bold peanut-sesame dressing for vibrant flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crispy Rice

01 - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old
02 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
04 - 1 tablespoon chili crisp

→ Peanut Sesame Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons sesame oil
06 - 2 tablespoons peanut butter or tahini
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
08 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
10 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
11 - 2 teaspoons chili crisp
12 - ½ inch piece fresh ginger, grated
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Fresh Vegetables

14 - 3 cups shredded cabbage, mixed green and red
15 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
16 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
17 - 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
18 - ½ cup sugar snap peas, chopped
19 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Garnish

20 - Toasted sesame seeds

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F or set air fryer to 400°F. Line baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine day-old jasmine rice with 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, and 1 tablespoon chili crisp. Mix until evenly coated.
03 - Spread rice mixture into thin, even layer on prepared baking sheet, leaving some clusters for extra crunch. Bake in air fryer for 16-18 minutes or in oven for 40 minutes until golden and crispy. Cool completely, then break into bite-sized clumps.
04 - While rice cooks, whisk together 3 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons peanut butter or tahini, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chili crisp, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, sliced bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped sugar snap peas, and sliced green onions.
06 - Add crispy rice clusters to vegetable mixture and drizzle with peanut sesame dressing. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
07 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Incredible Texture: The contrast between air-fried crispy rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables is unmatched.
  • Bold Nutty Flavor: A homemade peanut-sesame dressing provides a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
  • Simple and Fast: Using day-old rice makes this a quick, efficient, and healthy meal option.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling: Letting the rice cool for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up and stay crunchy longer.
  • Veggies: Other crunchy vegetables like radishes, jicama, or shredded Brussels sprouts can be swapped in based on what you have on hand.
  • Dressing: Whisk the dressing thoroughly until the peanut butter is fully emulsified for a smooth, creamy texture.
Go Back