Zesty Satay Crispy Rice Salad Recipe: A Fun Fusion Delight

Crisp and vibrant flavors dance across your plate with this tantalizing satay crispy rice salad.

Street food inspiration meets gourmet creativity in every delectable bite.

The combination of textures creates a symphony of crunch and zest.

Tender marinated proteins mingle with golden-brown rice fragments that crackle with each forkful.

Fragrant herbs and spices weave through the dish, delivering an explosion of Southeast Asian-inspired goodness.

Each serving promises a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to be delighted by this irresistible fusion of bold flavors and stunning textures.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 322 kcal

Servings: 5

Satay Crispy Rice Salad Ingredients

• Rice: Provides crispy texture and hearty foundation, choose medium-grain or jasmine rice for best results, rinse thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Oil: Creates golden crispiness for rice, use neutral oils like vegetable or canola for even heat distribution.

• Cabbage: Adds crunch and light sweetness, select fresh, vibrant green cabbage with crisp leaves.
• Carrots: Brings sweet, earthy flavor and bright color, choose firm, bright orange carrots.
• Cucumber: Offers cool, refreshing element, pick firm cucumbers without soft spots.
• Scallions: Provides sharp, oniony brightness, select bright green stalks with white bottoms.
• Cilantro: Introduces fresh, herbal notes, choose vivid green leaves without wilting.

• Peanut Butter: Creates rich, creamy base for dressing, use natural, unsweetened variety.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, choose low-sodium for better control.
• Lime Juice: Brings tangy brightness, use fresh-squeezed for maximum flavor.
• Honey: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness, select raw honey for deeper taste.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty depth, use toasted sesame oil for intense flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic punch, use fresh minced for strongest impact.
• Ginger: Introduces spicy, warming element, select firm, smooth ginger root.
• Water: Helps adjust dressing consistency, use warm water for easier blending.

• Peanuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, choose.

Tools to Make Satay Rice Salad

• Large nonstick or cast iron skillet: Perfect for creating that golden, crispy rice base with even heat distribution.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for tossing together fresh salad ingredients quickly and easily.
• Whisk: Great for blending the satay dressing until smooth and well-combined.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Help you accurately measure ingredients for balanced flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable preparation and garnishing.

Instructions for Crispy Satay Salad

• Craft Crispy Golden Rice

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread rice evenly and let it sizzle undisturbed until the bottom turns a gorgeous golden color. Season with a tiny pinch of salt, then gently toss and cook for a few more minutes until perfectly crisp. Set aside and let it cool slightly.

• Build Vibrant Veggie Base

Chop fresh cabbage, carrots, cucumber, scallions, and cilantro into a colorful medley. Toss the vegetables together in a large bowl, creating a crisp and refreshing foundation for your salad.

• Whip Up Dreamy Satay Sauce

In a bowl, blend peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until smooth, adding warm water gradually to create a silky, pourable dressing that will make your taste buds dance.

• Layer and Dress Your Masterpiece

Spread the golden crispy rice on a serving platter. Crown it with the vibrant vegetable mix, then generously drizzle the satay sauce over everything. Sprinkle with crunchy chopped peanuts for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

• Savor Immediately

Enjoy your salad while the rice remains warm and delightfully crisp, capturing the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Tips to Improve Satay Salad Flavor

• Crispy Rice Perfection: Use day-old rice for best results, as slightly dried rice creates the ultimate crunch when pan-fried.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the entire dish gluten-free friendly.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this salad into a more substantial main course meal.
• Spice Level Control: Drizzle sriracha or add red pepper flakes for extra heat, or keep it mild by reducing or omitting spicy elements.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Replace honey with maple syrup and use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of traditional peanut butter to create a fully plant-based version of the salad.

How to Serve Satay Rice Salad

• Peanut Crunch Paradise: Sprinkle extra chopped roasted peanuts for added texture and nutty flavor that complements the crispy rice perfectly.
• Asian Street Food Vibes: Serve with small lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus over the salad for a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu strips to transform this salad into a complete and satisfying meal that delivers extra protein and substance.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Drizzle some sriracha or chili oil over the top for those who enjoy a spicy element, creating a delicious heat that dances with the satay dressing's rich flavors.

Plan & Store Satay Crispy Rice Salad

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers, keeping crispy rice and salad mix separate to maintain crunchiness.
• Quick Refrigeration Trick: Store dressing and salad components in sealed containers for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Rice Reheat Magic: Warm crispy rice in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to restore original crispiness, avoiding soggy textures.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and mix dressing in advance, storing separately in refrigerated containers for convenient meal assembly within 24 hours.

Crunchy Satay Crispy Rice Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Thai Satay Crispy Rice Salad blends grilled chicken skewers with crunchy rice and tangy herbs. Zesty flavors and textural contrasts invite diners to explore a delightful culinary journey across Southeast Asian cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 mL / 16 fl oz) jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
• 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) carrots, shredded
• ⅓ cup (80 mL / 2.7 fl oz) peanut butter, creamy
• 2 tbsps (30 mL / 1 fl oz) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) scallions, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) cilantro, fresh, chopped
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 mL / 0.76 fl oz) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 mL / 0.5 fl oz) lime juice
• 1 tbsp (15 mL / 0.5 fl oz) honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsps (30 mL / 1 fl oz) peanuts, roasted, chopped
• 1 tsp (5 mL / 0.17 fl oz) sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL / 0.08 fl oz) ginger, grated
• 2–4 tbsps (30-60 mL /

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Heat oil in a spacious nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Spread rice evenly, allowing it to develop a golden, crunchy base without moving for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle salt, gently toss, and cook for 2-3 minutes until achieving maximum crispiness.
2. Vegetable Assembly: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Toss ingredients to create a harmonious texture and color blend.
3. Satay Dressing Creation: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger together. Gradually incorporate warm water, stirring until the mixture reaches a silky, pourable consistency.
4. Salad Composition: Spread crispy rice across a serving platter. Top with vegetable medley, generously drizzle satay dressing, and garnish with roasted peanuts and optional complementary toppings.
5. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately to preserve the rice’s signature crunch and warmth, creating a sensory experience that highlights contrasting textures and bold flavors.

Notes

• Achieve Rice Crispiness: Select day-old rice for optimal texture, ensuring grains are dry and separated to prevent mushiness during crisping process.
• Dressing Balance Technique: Adjust satay sauce consistency by adding water gradually, tasting repeatedly to maintain perfect sweet-savory-tangy profile without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Vegetable Freshness Hack: Slice vegetables just before serving to preserve crunch and prevent wilting, maintaining vibrant colors and crisp texture throughout the salad.
• Dietary Modification Option: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, and use gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate various dietary restrictions while preserving authentic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 322
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg