Resistant starch — the carb with no calories (kinda)

Resistant starch — the carb with no calories (kinda) is a easy International recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Adam Ragusea on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $1.33 total, $0.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Long Grain Basmati Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 1.5 cup Water (for cooking rice)
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (for dressing)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 cup Cucumber, diced (adds crunch (optional))
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (garnish (optional))

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice

    Place the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook the Rice

    Add the rinsed rice and 1.5 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Rest the Rice

    Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cool the Rice Rapidly

    Spread the cooked rice in a thin layer on a large plate or baking sheet. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  5. Prepare the Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Combine Rice and Dressing

    Transfer the cooled rice to a mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the rice and toss gently with a wooden spoon until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Add Optional Veggies and Garnish

    Fold in diced cucumber and chopped parsley if using. Mix just enough to distribute.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Serve or Store

    Serve immediately at cool room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Resistant starch — the carb with no calories (kinda)

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A simple cold rice salad that maximizes resistant starch (RS3) by cooking, cooling, and refrigerating long‑grain basmati rice. The dish is low‑glycemic, vegan, and perfect as a side or snack while showcasing the science behind resistant starch discussed on Adam Ragusea’s channel.

EasyInternationalServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
50m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.33
Total cost
$0.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooling the cooked rice quickly and refrigerating it to promote retrogradation (RS3 formation).
  • Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess surface starch.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water and steam from the boiling rice can cause burns – handle the saucepan with oven mitts.
  • Do not leave the cooling rice uncovered for more than 30 minutes in a warm kitchen to avoid bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cold rice salads in international cuisine?

A

Cold rice salads appear in many cultures—from Japanese sushi rice bowls to Mediterranean rice pilafs—often as a way to use leftover rice. They provide a refreshing side in warm climates and showcase how cooling rice can change texture and digestibility.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cold rice dishes in Asian cuisine?

A

In Japan, cold rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for sushi; in Korea, "bibimbap" uses chilled rice topped with vegetables. Both rely on cooled rice, but the seasoning profiles differ from the simple vinaigrette used here.

cultural
Q

How does the cold rice salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?

A

American cuisine often features grain‑based salads (e.g., quinoa or couscous salads) as potluck sides. This cold rice salad offers a familiar grain with a science‑backed twist—maximizing resistant starch—making it a health‑focused addition to that tradition.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for resistant starch formation versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The key ingredient is a starchy grain with high amylose, such as basmati or long‑grain rice. Substitutes like jasmine or short‑grain rice work but produce less RS3. Adding a small amount of healthy fat (olive oil) helps form starch‑lipid complexes (RS4) but is optional.

cultural
Q

What other low‑glycemic dishes pair well with this cold rice salad?

A

Pair it with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a bean‑based main like lentil stew. The combination balances protein, healthy fat, and the low‑glycemic benefits of the resistant‑starch rice.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cold rice salad for resistant starch?

A

Common errors include skipping the cooling step, reheating the rice too long, and using too much water during cooking, which reduces amylose crystallization. Follow the cooling and refrigeration steps exactly for maximum RS3.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a 30‑minute cooling period instead of simply refrigerating hot rice?

A

Rapid cooling at room temperature allows the rice grains to release steam and begin retrogradation. Immediate refrigeration can trap moisture, leading to a softer texture and less crystalline RS3 formation.

technical
Q

Can I make this cold rice salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, cook and cool the rice the day before, then keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the grains from becoming soggy. It stores well for up to three days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specializes in science‑based cooking explanations, recipe development, and food‑culture deep dives, often blending culinary technique with nutritional insight.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea's approach to explaining resistant starch differ from other cooking channels?

A

Adam Ragusea combines rigorous scientific references (e.g., Cambridge studies) with practical kitchen demonstrations, whereas many channels focus only on taste or visual appeal. His method emphasizes why a technique works, not just how.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Green Goddess Salad 🥗 Viral TikTok recipe by @bakedbymelissa
5

Green Goddess Salad 🥗 Viral TikTok recipe by @bakedbymelissa

A refreshing vegan salad inspired by a viral TikTok video, featuring shredded cabbage, crisp cucumber, chives, green onions, and a creamy spinach‑nut dressing flavored with lemon, garlic, and nutritional yeast. Perfect as a side dish or dip for chips.

25 minServes 4$7
American
Doctor Explains High Fiber Foods!
2

Doctor Explains High Fiber Foods!

A nutrient-dense salad packed with fiber-rich ingredients like cucumber, lettuce, avocado, raspberries, chia seeds, and nuts. Perfect for boosting daily fiber intake while enjoying fresh flavors and crisp textures.

25 minServes 2$7
American
The Most Important Fiber To Feed Your Gut
2

The Most Important Fiber To Feed Your Gut

A simple, nutrient‑dense salad that maximizes insoluble fiber from lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and celery. Perfect for supporting gut health while delivering fresh crunch and bright flavors.

25 minServes 2$4
American
Japanese Steakhouse Cucumber Salad Recipe
7

Japanese Steakhouse Cucumber Salad Recipe

A crisp, refreshing Japanese cucumber salad (sunomono) that balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Thinly sliced English cucumber is lightly salted to draw out excess moisture, then tossed in a quick rice‑vinegar dressing with low‑sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, it’s the perfect cool side for summer meals or hibachi dishes.

40 minServes 2$1
Japanese
Blue/Green Pickled Garlic
5

Blue/Green Pickled Garlic

A simple, two-ingredient Korean-inspired pickled garlic that turns a striking blue-green color after a few days of fermentation. Perfect as a banchan side dish or a natural remedy, this recipe requires only peeled garlic cloves and distilled white vinegar, sealed in a mason jar and left to develop its unique hue.

25 minServes 2$4
Korean
Pickled Garlic: Is It a Winner? Let’s Find Out!
5

Pickled Garlic: Is It a Winner? Let’s Find Out!

A fast and tangy pickled garlic recipe that delivers crisp, garlicky bites with a hint of spice. Perfect as a snack, cocktail garnish, or addition to salads and charcuterie boards. The brine is made with white vinegar, salt, olive oil, and aromatic spices, then the garlic is left to develop flavor for a week.

20 minServes 4$9
American
Why Restaurant Salads taste better than yours!
4

Why Restaurant Salads taste better than yours!

A quick and easy salad that mimics the flavorful, well-seasoned greens you get at restaurants. By lightly seasoning the lettuce with Applewood smoked salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional black pepper before adding any dressing, you unlock deeper flavor and a satisfying crunch.

15 minServes 4$18
American
How To Make Pickled Garlic 🧄. Easy Way To Eat Raw Garlic🧄
5

How To Make Pickled Garlic 🧄. Easy Way To Eat Raw Garlic🧄

A simple homemade pickled garlic recipe from WhaToCook Trini Recipes And More. The garlic is preserved in a quick brine of hot water, salt, sugar, and vinegar, then refrigerated for 5‑7 days. Perfect as a tangy snack or condiment.

15 minServes 4$5
Trinidadian