Get ready for a flavor explosion because this Satay Crispy Rice Salad is about to steal the show! It’s got all the textures and flavors you love—crispy, golden rice, crunchy veggies, tender chicken (or tofu!), and a rich, nutty satay dressing that ties it all together. Every bite is a mix of sweet, savory, spicy, and crunchy goodness.

This isn’t just another salad—it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a show-stopping side dish, this one’s a total winner.

Why You’ll Love Satay Crispy Rice Salad

Name: Satay Crispy Rice Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled; – 1 tbsp vegetable oil; – 1/2 cup shredded carrots; – 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; – 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; – 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; – 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; – 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed; – 1/2 cup shredded cabbage; – 1 tbsp sesame seeds; **For the Satay Dressing:**; – 1/4 cup peanut butter; – 2 tbsp soy sauce; – 1 tbsp lime juice; – 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; – 1 tbsp sesame oil; – 1/2 tsp garlic powder; – 1/2 tsp ginger powder; – 2 tbsp water (to thin if needed)

Versatile: Works as a light main course or a side dish—perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy days.

Customizable: Swap the protein, add different veggies, or adjust the dressing to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: The crispy rice and peanut dressing make it a favorite for both kids and adults!

Ingredients

Ingredients in Satay Crispy Rice Salad

This salad is all about bold flavors and crunchy textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked Rice: The heart of this dish! Chilled rice crisps up beautifully in a hot pan.

Chicken or Tofu: Adds a protein boost—grilled, baked, or pan-seared works best.

Crunchy Veggies: Think shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced bell peppers for freshness.

Green Onions: A mild oniony kick to balance the flavors.

Fresh Cilantro & Mint: These herbs add brightness and a pop of freshness.

Crushed Peanuts: The perfect crunchy topping for extra texture.

Satay Dressing: A creamy blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and a touch of chili for heat.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Crisp the Rice: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Spread the cooked rice in an even layer and let it crisp up without stirring for a few minutes. Flip and crisp the other side. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Cook the Protein: If using chicken, grill or pan-fry until fully cooked, then slice thinly. If using tofu, pan-fry until golden and crispy.

Chop the Veggies: Thinly slice cucumbers, bell peppers, and green onions. Grate the carrots for a nice texture.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the crispy rice, chicken (or tofu), veggies, and fresh herbs together.

Add the Dressing: Drizzle the satay dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Satay Crispy Rice Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings:

With extra lime wedges for a zesty boost.
Alongside a bowl of soup for a hearty meal.
With extra peanut dressing on the side because you’ll want more!
Topped with a fried egg for extra richness.

Additional Tips

Use day-old rice for the best crispiness. Fresh rice tends to be too soft.
Make it vegan by using tofu and swapping honey for maple syrup.
Add a little crunch with toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots.
Spice it up with extra chili flakes or sriracha.
Make it ahead by prepping all ingredients separately and assembling just before serving.

FAQ’s

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Brown rice works great but won’t get as crispy as white rice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter both work well as a substitute.
What protein works best in this salad?
Chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas are great options.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The satay dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just stir before using.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it completely gluten-free.
How do I make the rice extra crispy?
Let it sit undisturbed in the pan for a few minutes before flipping—this helps create those golden crispy bits.
Can I serve this warm or cold?
Both work! It’s delicious freshly made or chilled for a refreshing twist.
What’s a good side dish for this salad?
Spring rolls, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad make great pairings.
Can I add fruit for a sweet contrast?
Yes! Mango or pineapple chunks add a delicious sweet balance to the peanut dressing.

Conclusion

This Satay Crispy Rice Salad is everything you need—crunchy, creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal, meal prep, or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Grab your ingredients, whip up this easy salad, and get ready for a flavor-packed bite!

Satay Crispy Rice Salad

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Author: ikram
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian, Thai-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Satay Crispy Rice Salad is a delicious combination of crunchy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut satay dressing. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and vibrant colors, making it a perfect side dish or light meal.

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the cooked rice and press it into an even layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy, then flip and crisp the other side. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, peanuts, cabbage, and sesame seeds.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add water if needed to reach a smooth consistency.

4. Break the crispy rice into bite-sized pieces and add it to the vegetable mixture.

5. Pour the satay dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

6. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness!