Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 78 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Crispy Rice Salad featuring crunchy air-fried jasmine rice, fresh cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and a punchy, tangy dressing with lime, garlic, and chili crisp. This quick 30-minute recipe serves as a perfect light lunch or side dish that balances textures and bold Southeast Asian-inspired flavors.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/2-inch knob fresh ginger, or 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons avocado oil, or another neutral oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (3-4 small limes)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili crisp (more for spicier)

Crispy Rice

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons red curry paste
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)

Salad

  • 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced or minced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 bunch mint, roughly chopped or torn (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
  • Chili crisp to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: Combine ginger, garlic, fish sauce, avocado oil, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili crisp in a blender or food processor. Blitz until you get a smooth, punchy, and flavorful sauce.
  2. Make the Crispy Rice Mixture: In a bowl, mix the cooked jasmine rice with avocado oil and red curry paste. If the rice isn’t sticking when squeezed, add cornstarch and moisten your hands with water to help bind the rice into loose, squishy chunks.
  3. Air Fry the Rice: Transfer the rice chunks into a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 7-9 minutes or until the rice turns golden and crisp.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Break apart the crispy rice into bite-sized golden chunks. Toss the rice with half of the prepared dressing and your choice of sliced cucumber, shallot, cilantro, and mint.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish the salad by sprinkling chopped peanuts and extra chili crisp on top for added crunch and heat. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • If your cooked rice is pre-cooked or a few days old and fails to stick, the addition of cornstarch helps bind the rice for crisping.
  • The air fryer is recommended for the fastest and most convenient way to get crispy rice, but you can also crisp the rice in a skillet over medium heat if an air fryer is not available.
  • Adjust the amount of chili crisp in both the dressing and the garnish to suit your preferred heat level.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/crispy-rice-salad-with-cucumbers-and-herbs-recipe/