Crunchy Rice Salad

Category: Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

Crispy rice mixed with Thai-inspired peanut sauce. Done in 40 mins. Tastes best fresh.
A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:57:24 GMT
Asian-Style Crunchy Rice Salad Pin
Asian-Style Crunchy Rice Salad | chefmiarecipes.com

This fusion dish turns cold leftover rice into golden crunchy morsels mixed with soft chicken, herbs, and a creamy homemade peanut sauce.

Must-Have Ingredients:

  • Day-old rice: Gets you the best crunch
  • Natural peanut butter: Foundation for sauce
  • Fish sauce: Gives deep savory kick
  • Fresh herbs: Adds brightness
  • Sesame oil: Brings nutty flavor
  • Quality soy sauce: Flavors the rice
Thai-Style Crispy Rice Salad Recipe Pin
Thai-Style Crispy Rice Salad Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

Crisp the Rice
Lay it flat on cookie sheet
Mix with oils and soy sauce
Cook at 400°F
Turn it over halfway
Make Peanut Sauce
Mix peanut butter with lime juice
Slowly add fish sauce
Make it thinner with water
Taste and fix flavors
Prepare Components
Pull apart chicken
Chop up fresh herbs
Brown the peanuts
Thaw frozen edamame
Layer and Serve
Mix everything while rice is hot
Toss in protein and veggies
Pour sauce over top
Sprinkle with crushed peanuts

The magic happens when your rice gets super crispy - spread it out thin and don't cut corners.

Keeping It Fresh:

Store everything apart. You can crisp up rice again in the oven.

Tasty Companions:

Offer extra lime wedges and some spicy chili oil alongside.

Pro Tricks:

  • Don't use cold peanut butter
  • Brown your nuts for extra taste
  • Build textures with care
  • Always make more sauce than you think
Easy Thai-Style Crispy Rice Salad Recipe Pin
Easy Thai-Style Crispy Rice Salad Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

I've spent many years trying different methods and found that getting the rice just right and carefully arranging all parts makes this mixed-up dish amazing.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why chill the rice first?
It’s the secret to getting that perfect crunch while baking.
→ Can I prepare it early?
Don’t mix it yet! Keep everything separate, then throw it together before you eat.
→ What’s a vegetarian version?
Swap out the chicken for tofu or even some extra edamame.
→ Is there a rice alternative?
Sure! Quinoa or brown rice can do the trick.
→ What about a peanut allergy?
Use sunflower seed butter and crushed sunflower seeds instead.

Crispy Rice Bowl

Fresh salad featuring crunchy rice, vibrant veggies, and a luscious peanut satay sauce.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Weeknight Elegance

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Recipe Cuisine: Asian

Recipe Yield: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Categories: Dairy-Free Option

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Base Layer

01 Steamed long-grain rice
02 Chili-infused oil
03 Soy sauce
04 Sesame oil

→ Salad Mix-Ins

05 Cooked chicken breast, diced
06 Thinly sliced scallions
07 Toasted sesame seeds
08 Crispy edamame beans
09 Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
10 Crushed roasted peanuts
11 Chopped cucumber
12 Optional red chili slices

→ Satay Sauce

13 Soy sauce
14 Chunky peanut butter
15 Water
16 Sweet chili jam
17 Fish sauce
18 Sesame oil

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Chill cooked rice on a tray lined with parchment for about 10 minutes in the fridge

Step 02

Coat rice with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes

Step 03

Whisk peanut butter together with sauces, and add water until smooth

Step 04

Mix together the rice, dressing, veggies, chicken, herbs, and peanuts

Extra Information

  1. Enjoy right away so it stays crunchy
  2. Leftover sauce stores well in the fridge
  3. Swap any vegetables to fit your taste

Essential Tools

  • Tray for baking
  • Parchment paper for lining
  • A large bowl for mixing

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Peanuts included
  • Soy ingredients used
  • Has fish sauce