Crispy Rice Salad: 1 Viral Recipe

Okay, so you’ve probably seen it all over TikTok lately, right? That amazing crispy rice salad! Seriously, if you’re looking for a salad that’s not just… a salad, but an actual *event* in your mouth, then this is it. It’s all about that incredible crunch from the toasted rice, mixed with super fresh herbs and a dressing that just sings. When I first tried making this crispy rice salad, it instantly reminded me of why I started this whole Pure Cooking Joy thing. It’s simple, uses stuff you probably have, but tastes like you ordered it from some fancy restaurant. It proves that really satisfying food doesn’t need to be complicated at all. For me, it’s about finding that pure joy in creating something delicious, and this recipe totally delivers on that. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and honestly, you’ll want to share every last bite!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Rice Salad

Seriously, this salad is a game-changer. If you’re looking for all the reasons you’ll be making this over and over, here they are:

• It’s a total viral sensation – get ready for the compliments!
• That unbelievable crunch from the toasted rice? Pure magic.
• Packed with fresh herbs and vibrant veggies for seriously good flavor.
• It’s your new best friend for meal prep – just toss and go!
• Super customizable; load it up with your favorite protein.
• So easy to whip up, you’ll be shocked at how good it is.

Ingredients for Your Crispy Rice Salad

Alright, let’s get down to biz! Having the right stuff makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing crispy rice salad. Don’t worry, most of this is probably already in your kitchen!

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 cups cooked day-old rice (seriously, chilled rice is key for crispiness!)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (just for toasting it up)

For the Salad Goodies:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (so bright!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (adds such a lovely freshness)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (both the white and green parts are great here)
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled (gives a nice pop of green and protein)
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (for that little bit of sweet crunch)
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber (keeps it super refreshing)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for extra nutty flavor and texture)
• Optional protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu (makes it a full meal!)

And for that Killer Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for that perfect tangy zip)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (yes, more sesame oil, it’s important!)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (this is where the magic starts)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (just a little punch)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (to balance everything out)
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (if you like a little kick!)

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How to Prepare Your Viral Rice Salad

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this crispy rice salad is honestly way simpler than you think. It’s all about a few key steps, and before you know it, you’ll have this incredible, crunchy bowl of goodness ready to go. Trust me, it’s so rewarding when you nail that perfect texture. Just follow along, and we’ll get you there!

Crisping the Rice for Your Crispy Rice Salad

First things first, we need to get that rice perfectly crispy. Grab your cooked, day-old rice – seriously, cold rice works WAY better for this. Spread it out on a baking sheet, drizzle it with that lovely sesame oil, and give it a good toss so every grain is coated. Then, pop it into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). You’re looking for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and has that irresistible crunch. Let it cool just a bit after it comes out.

Crafting the Ginger Sesame Dressing

While your rice is getting its crisp on, let’s whip up that killer dressing. It’s super easy – just grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, that other tablespoon of sesame oil, your grated fresh ginger (don’t be shy!), minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, and if you’re feeling a little spicy, that sriracha. Whisk it all up until it’s good and combined. That ginger and sesame flavor combo is just *chef’s kiss*.

Assembling Your TikTok Crunchy Salad

Okay, the moment of truth! Grab a big bowl. Toss in your nicely cooled crispy rice, all those fresh chopped herbs like cilantro and mint, the green onions, edamame, red bell pepper, and cucumber. If you’re adding any protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, throw that in now too. Drizzle that amazing dressing all over everything. Now, the key is to toss it *gently*. You don’t want to mush all that beautiful crunch. Just enough to coat everything perfectly. Sprinkle on those toasted sesame seeds for the final flair, and you’re done!

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Tips for the Perfect Crispy Rice Salad

So, you want that truly *perfect* crispy rice experience? I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference. First off, for that amazing crunch, you absolutely HAVE to use day-old, refrigerated rice. Seriously, fresh-cooked rice just turns mushy. Make sure you’ve got your components prepped ahead of time so you can just toss it all together – trust me, it’s a lifesaver for busy evenings! And don’t forget to keep that zesty ginger sesame dressing separate until you’re ready to eat so everything stays nice and crunchy. Load it up with your favorite protein too; it really makes it a meal!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Edamame Rice Salad

This crispy rice salad is a meal-prepper’s dream, but you just have to be smart about it! The absolute key to keeping that crunch is storing your components separately. Keep the crispy rice in one airtight container, and all the chopped veggies and herbs in another. The dressing? That goes in its own little jar. Then, right before you’re ready to dive in, just combine everything, give it a gentle toss, and you’ve got that incredible texture!

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Variations for Your Ginger Sesame Rice Salad

Now, while this recipe is pretty darn amazing as-is, you know I love to play around in the kitchen! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are tons of ways to make this crispy rice salad your own. Want a different flavor profile? Try swapping the mint and cilantro for some fresh basil or even a bit of parsley. Feeling like more veggies? Roasted sweet potatoes or some crisp snap peas are fantastic additions. And for proteins, besides chicken or shrimp, I’ve thrown in some shredded pork or spicy glazed tofu, and they’re all delicious! It’s all about making it your perfect bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Rice Salad

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Nutritional Estimates for This Crispy Rice Salad

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting. Since we’re all customizing this amazing crispy rice salad with our own favorite add-ins, your nutritional counts might vary a little. But for one serving, you’re looking at about 350 calories, around 15g of fat (mostly healthy stuff!), 10g of protein, and 45g of carbs. It’s seriously satisfying!

Share Your Crispy Rice Salad Creations

I just love seeing what you all come up with! When you make this crispy rice salad, please share your creations with me. Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest, or just drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out. I can’t wait to see your delicious bowls!

Crispy Rice Salad

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A viral TikTok sensation, this crispy rice salad features toasted rice, fresh herbs, and a zesty ginger-sesame dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite protein.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked day-old rice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Optional protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• For the dressing:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and toss to coat.
2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly.
3. While the rice is baking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, and sriracha (if using).
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled crispy rice, cilantro, mint, green onions, edamame, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
5. Add your optional protein if desired.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

• For the best crispy texture, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated.
• You can make the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time for easy meal prep. Store them separately and combine just before serving to maintain crunch.
• Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg