Crispy Rice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the satisfying crunch of toasted rice with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. This popular Thai-inspired salad has gained immense popularity, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where it has become a viral sensation. You can find countless variations of this dish, from classic recipes to modern interpretations, such as the Kale Junkie’s version or the elegant creations featured on Sivan’s Kitchen and Sweetgreen.
Intrigued by the allure of Crispy Rice Salad? This article will guide you through the essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and creative recipe ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, you’ll discover how to effortlessly prepare this delicious and healthy dish at home. Get ready to experience the explosion of flavors and textures that make crispy rice salad a true crowd-pleaser!
Classic Recipes
Here are some classic recipes for crispy rice salad:
Traditional Laotian Crispy Rice Salad (Nam Khao)
Ingredients:
- Crispy rice balls
- fermented pork sausage (som moo)
- grated coconut
- Shallots
- Mint
- Cilantro
- lime juice
- fish sauce
Preparation: Deep-fry seasoned rice balls until crispy, mix with other ingredients, and serve wrapped in lettuce leaves.This With a preparation time of 20 minutes and cooking time of 40 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in about an hour. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost approximately $15 to prepare.
Crispy Rice Salad with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- fresh mint
- cilantro
- scallions
- edamame
- avocado
- lime juice
- fish sauce
Preparation: Bake the rice until crispy, then toss with vegetables and dressing. This Crispy Rice Salad with Vegetables recipe is a quick and easy dish to prepare. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes, you can enjoy this salad in just 45 minutes. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost approximately $20 to make.
Crispy Rice Salad with Halloumi
Ingredients:
- Crispy rice
- halloumi cheese
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- avocado
- lime juice
- fish sauce
- roasted peanuts
- fresh coriander
Preparation: Mix crispy rice with vegetables and halloumi, then dress with lime juice and fish sauce. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in just 45 minutes. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost approximately $15 to prepare.
Crispy Rice Salad with Chili Garlic Paste
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- chili garlic paste (sambal oelek)
- avocado oil
- Persian cucumbers
- Edamame
- green onions
- mint, cilantro
- lime juice
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
Preparation: Mix cooked rice with chili garlic paste and oil, bake until crispy, then toss with vegetables and dressing. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in just 45 minutes. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost approximately $15 to prepare.
These recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures, making crispy rice salad a versatile and delicious dish.
Modern Recipes
Here are some of the modern recipes you can also try:
Kale Junkie’s version
Kale Junkie’s version of Crispy Rice Salad is a fan favorite! Nicole Modic, the creator behind Kale Junkie, has shared several variations of this salad, but one of the most popular is the Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing.
Ingredients:
- Crispy rice
- Persian cucumbers
- Edamame
- green onions
- Mint
- Avocado
- salty peanuts
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- Tahini
- maple syrup
- garlic and seasonings
Preparation:
The rice is baked until crispy, then tossed with fresh vegetables and a thick, creamy lemon tahini dressing. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 25 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in just 40 minutes. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost between $15 – $20 to prepare.
Nicole has also shared other variations, such as the Crispy Rice Steak Salad with Thai-Inspired Dressing and the Crispy Rice Southwest Chicken Salad, each offering unique flavors and textures.
Creation of Sivan’s Kitchen
Sivan’s Kitchen offers a delicious and healthy version of Crispy Rice Salad. Here’s a summary of the recipe:
Ingredients:
- Crispy Rice: Cooked white rice, chili paste, vegetable oil.
- Vegetables: Persian cucumbers, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, scallions, edamame, avocado.
- Dressing: Soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, oil, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic.
- Extras: Roasted peanuts, crispy shallots.
Preparation:
- Mix cooked rice with chili paste and oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake until crispy.
- Chop all vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, oil, brown sugar, lime juice, and garlic.
- Combine crispy rice with vegetables, pour dressing over the salad, and toss to combine.
This version is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal, with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in just 45 minutes. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost between $12 – $18 to prepare.
Sweetgreen Style
Sweetgreen’s version of Crispy Rice Salad is a fan favorite for its fresh, vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. Here’s a summary of what makes it special:
Ingredients:
- Crispy Rice: Puffed rice cereal toasted with avocado oil, coconut aminos, and spices.
- Vegetables: Arugula, red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like cilantro.
- Protein: Option include blackened tofu.
- Dressing: Spicy cashew dressing made with cashew butter, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, ginger, garlic, cilantro, maple syrup, lime, and chili flakes.
Preparation:
- Toast puffed rice cereal with avocado oil, coconut aminos, and spices until crispy.
- Chop and prepare all vegetables.
- Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Combine crispy rice, vegetables, and protein in a bowl, then drizzle with the spicy cashew dressing.
This salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, making it a delicious and healthy meal option. With a preparation time of 20 minutes and cooking time of 25 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in just 45 minutes. It typically yields 4 servings and is estimated to cost between $18 – $25 to prepare.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
Refrigeration: Store any leftover crispy rice salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will last for up to 3 days.
Separation: If possible, store the crispy rice separately from the vegetables and dressing. This will help maintain the crispiness of the rice.
Reheating
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the crispy rice on a baking sheet and reheat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed and crispy.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the crispy rice and reheat, stirring occasionally, until warmed and crispy.
Vegetables and Dressing: Since the vegetables and dressing are best served cold, there’s no need to reheat them. Simply toss the reheated crispy rice with the cold vegetables and dressing before serving.
Dietary Information
Here’s a table of Dietary Information for each recipe, mentioning if it’s suitable for specific diets such as gluten-free, vegan, or keto:
| Recipe | Gluten-Free | Vegan | Keto |
| Kale Junkie’s Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing | Yes (Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free) | Yes | No |
| Sivan’s Kitchen’s Crispy Rice Salad | Yes (Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free) | Yes | No |
| Sweetgreen Style’s Crispy Rice Salad | Yes (Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free) | Can be made vegan | No |
| Traditional Laotian Crispy Rice Salad (Nam Khao) | Yes (Ensure fish sauce and seasonings are gluten-free) | No (Can be adapted) | No |
| Crispy Rice Salad with Vegetables | Yes (Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free) | Yes | No |
| Crispy Rice Salad with Halloumi | Yes (Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free) | No | No |
| Crispy Rice Salad with Chili Garlic Paste | Yes (Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free) | Yes | No |
This table provides a clear overview of the dietary suitability of each crispy rice salad recipe. Enjoy your cooking and dietary planning!
History of Crispy Rice Salad
Crispy rice salad, also known as Nam Khao or Naem Khao, has its origins in Laos. This dish is a popular Laotian appetizer that has also gained popularity in Northeastern Thailand (Isan) and other parts of the world.
Nam Khao is made by deep-frying seasoned rice balls until they become crispy. These crispy rice balls are then mixed with ingredients like fermented pork sausage (som moo), peanuts, grated coconut, scallions or shallots, mint, cilantro, lime juice, and fish sauce. The result is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the crunchiness of the rice contrasting beautifully with the soft and savory components.
The dish is traditionally eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs and dried chili peppers. It’s a staple at street stalls, restaurants, and celebratory events in Laos.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a general estimate based on typical ingredients used in the classic recipes:
| Recipe | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugars (g) | Sodium (mg) |
| Traditional Laotian Crispy Rice Salad | 300 | 10 | 7 | 40 | 3 | 6 | 400 |
| Crispy Rice Salad with Vegetables | 250 | 8 | 5 | 35 | 2 | 5 | 350 |
| Crispy Rice Salad with Halloumi | 400 | 15 | 12 | 50 | 5 | 8 | 500 |
| Crispy Rice Salad with Chili Garlic Paste | 320 | 11 | 8 | 42 | 3 | 7 | 420 |
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always check the recipe details for the most accurate information.
Here’s a table chart summarizing the nutrition facts for the crispy rice salads modern recipes from Kale Junkie, Sivan’s Kitchen, and Sweetgreen:
| Recipe | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugars (g) | Sodium (mg) |
| Kale Junkie Crispy Rice Salad | 320 | 12 | 8 | 45 | 5 | 8 | 500 |
| Sivan’s Kitchen Crispy Rice Salad | 280 | 10 | 6 | 40 | 4 | 7 | 450 |
| Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Salad | 640 | 29 | 28 | 69 | 9 | 9 | 1090 |
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always check the recipe details for the most accurate information.
TikTok Popularity
Crispy rice salad has indeed become quite popular on TikTok! Here are some of the most viewed recipes:
- Crispy Rice Salad Recipe by @saltNpiipa: This vegetarian Asian recipe features a mix of crispy rice, cabbage, red bell pepper, cucumber, edamame, avocado, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for summer meals.
- Crispy Rice Salad with Vegetables by @sivanskitchen: This recipe includes jasmine rice or rice pilaf, fresh mint, cilantro, scallions, edamame, avocado, and a delicious dressing. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal.
These recipes have garnered thousands of likes and comments, showing just how much people love crispy rice salad!
Cooking Techniques
Here are some additional cooking techniques you can use to elevate your crispy rice salad:
- Fermentation: Ferment vegetables like cabbage or carrots to add a tangy flavor and probiotic benefits. Adding homemade kimchi to your crispy rice salad for a spicy kick.
- Pickling: Pickle vegetables like red onions or cucumbers for added acidity and crunch. Quick pickled cucumbers can bring a fresh, zesty bite to your salad.
- Grilling: Grill proteins like tofu to add a smoky flavor. Grilled tofu marinated in an Asian-inspired sauce adds depth to the salad.
- Roasting: Roast vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower to enhance their natural sweetness. Roasted bell peppers can add a sweet and smoky element to your salad.
- Dry-Frying: Dry-fry the rice without oil in a non-stick pan to achieve an extra-crispy texture. Dry-fried rice is an alternative to baked or deep-fried rice for a crunchy base.
- Sous-Vide: Use a sous-vide machine to cook proteins perfectly at a controlled temperature.
- Infusing: Infuse oils with herbs or spices to add aromatic flavors. Infusing olive oil with garlic or chili can enhance the dressing.
These techniques can add new dimensions to your crispy rice salad, making it even more delicious and unique.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the world of crispy rice salad has been quite the culinary adventure! This dish’s versatility, combining the satisfying crunch of crispy rice with a myriad of fresh, flavorful ingredients, makes it a standout in any meal repertoire. Whether you’re inspired by traditional Laotian flavors or modern twists like those from Kale Junkie, Sivan’s Kitchen, and Sweetgreen, there’s a version out there for everyone to enjoy.
From unique cooking techniques like fermentation and grilling to classic preparation methods, crispy rice salad can be tailored to suit your tastes and preferences. So, why not give it a try and see which variation becomes your favorite? Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creations!
