If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and with an irresistible crunch, you absolutely must try this Quick Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe. It’s a vibrant combination of crispy jasmine rice and crisp vegetables, all kissed by a creamy, tangy peanut sesame dressing that brings a beautiful harmony of textures and bold flavors. This dish is a perfect light meal or a show-stopping side that feels both wholesome and exciting, making it a fast favorite for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Quick Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the nutty sesame oil that crisps up the rice, to the fresh crunch of vegetables, and the luscious peanut sesame dressing that unites everything effortlessly.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Use day-old rice for the best crispy texture when frying.
- Sesame oil: Adds a rich, toasty flavor essential to the dish’s character.
- Peanut butter or tahini: Creates the creamy base for the dressing with earthy depth.
- Shredded cabbage: Adds a refreshing crunch for contrast.
- Sliced cucumber: Brings cool, crisp notes to balance the robust dressing.
- Red bell pepper: Offers color and a sweet, mild bite.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and texture variety.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Delivers umami flavor and seasoning.
- Lime juice: Infuses brightness and a tangy punch.
- Chili crisp: Provides gentle heat and crunch layers within the dressing and rice.
- Rice vinegar: Contributes a mild acidity that balances richness.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to mellow flavors.
- Grated ginger: Gives a warm, zesty lift to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Simple essentials to enhance all the flavors.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Perfect for garnish and extra nutty aroma.
How to Make Quick Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Rice
Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add your day-old jasmine rice, drizzle with sesame oil, then stir in soy sauce and a bit of chili crisp. Gently stir the mixture so the rice heats through and develops a slight crispness on the edges. This frying step transforms simple rice into the star texture of the salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Peanut Sesame Dressing
While the rice is crisping, whisk together sesame oil, peanut butter or tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, chili crisp, freshly grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until the dressing is silky smooth and packed with complex, harmonious flavors that will tie the entire salad together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In another large bowl, toss the crispy rice with shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, carrot, and any additional fresh veggies you love. Pour the luscious peanut sesame dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in that irresistible sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering toasted sesame seeds across the top of your salad to add the final nutty crunch. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between crisp rice and fresh vegetables coated in the creamy, tangy dressing.
How to Serve Quick Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime right before serving amps up the zing, inviting brightness to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost, or alongside a simple miso soup to keep the meal light and balanced. A crisp, cold beer or jasmine tea also complements the flavors beautifully on warmer days.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the salad in individual lettuce cups or crispy fried wonton bowls for a playful finger-food experience. You can also layer it in a mason jar with dressing on the bottom for easy, portable lunches that keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the rice crisp, add any extra toasted sesame seeds or delicate veggies when you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as it will impact the texture of both the rice and vegetables. However, you could freeze leftover cooked rice separately if desired, then prepare the salad fresh when needed.
Reheating
If you have leftover crispy rice, gently reheat it in a pan with a small amount of sesame oil to bring back its crisp texture. Toss it fresh with chilled vegetables and dressing for a salad that tastes just like day one.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
While jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and texture, you can use other long-grain rice varieties. Just ensure you use day-old, chilled rice to achieve the crispy effect.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
Absolutely! Tahini works wonderfully as a substitute to keep the nutty creaminess, making this dish suitable for those with peanut allergies.
How spicy is the chili crisp?
Chili crisp offers a moderate heat with added crunch and flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste or omit if you prefer no spice.
Can I prepare the salad completely in advance?
While you can prep ingredients ahead, it’s best to combine the salad and dressing just before serving to keep the textures fresh and vibrant.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Just make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want it gluten-free, and verify that your chili crisp does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe is a shining example of how quick and simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that’s bursting with texture, flavor, and personality — perfect for any occasion when you want to impress or simply enjoy a satisfying, vibrant meal. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to salad.
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Quick Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful crispy rice salad featuring day-old jasmine rice pan-fried to a perfect crisp and tossed with fresh vegetables and a rich peanut sesame dressing. This light yet satisfying dish combines crunchy textures with a tangy, spicy, and nutty dressing, perfect for a refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Rice and Dressing
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or tahini
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tsp chili crisp (divided as 1 tbsp and 2 tsp)
- 1/2 inch piece ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Crispy Rice: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the day-old jasmine rice, 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of chili crisp. Stir gently and cook until the rice is heated through and develops a slightly crispy texture, about 10-12 minutes.
- Make Peanut Sesame Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, peanut butter or tahini, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, 2 teaspoons chili crisp, grated ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the crispy rice with shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, julienned carrot, sugar snap peas, and sliced green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the rice is still warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old rice to ensure crispiness during frying.
- You can substitute peanut butter with tahini to make the dressing nut-free.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp based on your preferred spice level.
- This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Add more fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for extra freshness if desired.
