Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

Crispy Rice Salad Recipe is a easy Laotian recipe that serves 4. 220 calories per serving. Recipe by Rajshri Food on YouTube.

Prep: 34 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $25.64 total, $6.41 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked Jasmine Rice (cooled completely and patted dry)
  • 3 tablespoons Neutral Oil (for flavoring oil)
  • 2 whole Red Chili (sliced and fried, then crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon Thai Red Curry Paste (store‑bought Thai red curry paste)
  • 3 leaves Kaffir Lime Leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 stalk Lemongrass (bruised and minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Galangal (fresh, grated)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Coconut (unsweetened, grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 medium Cucumber (sliced)
  • 1 small Red Onion (julienned)
  • 10 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves (hand torn)
  • 2 whole Fried Red Chilies (fried, then crushed)
  • 1 whole Lemon (zest and juice (use half the juice))
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Roasted Peanuts (peeled and crushed)
  • 10 whole Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup Red Cabbage (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup Spring Greens (roughly chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Bell Pepper (thinly sliced, any colour)
  • 4 large Lettuce Leaves (for plating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Flavored Oil

    Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red chili, red curry paste, chopped kaffir lime leaves, minced lemongrass, and grated galangal. Stir for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  2. Cook Rice (if not pre‑cooked)

    Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice, then steam or boil 2 cups water. Cook until fluffy, about 12‑15 minutes. Spread the rice on a tray to cool and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 200°C (steam) or stovetop boil

  3. Combine Rice with Flavored Oil

    Place the cooled rice in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot flavored oil over the rice, add grated fresh coconut and ½ tsp salt. Toss gently until every grain is coated.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Crisp the Rice in the Microwave

    Transfer the coated rice onto a microwave‑safe plate in an even layer. Microwave on high for 6 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is dry and lightly golden.

    Time: PT6M

  5. Prepare Salad Vegetables

    While the rice crisps, slice the cucumber, julienne the red onion, thinly slice red cabbage, bell pepper, and spring greens. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Tear mint leaves and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Dress the Salad

    In a separate bowl, combine the zest of one lemon, juice of half the lemon, dark soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add the fried red chilies, crushed peanuts, and toss with the sliced vegetables. Mix until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Assemble the Salad

    On a serving plate, line the bottom with lettuce leaves. Spoon the dressed vegetables over the lettuce, then top with the crispy rice. Garnish with extra crushed peanuts, fresh spring greens, and a couple of fried red chilies.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
220
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan

Allergens: Peanuts, Soy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

Recipe by Rajshri Food

A bright, crunchy summer salad featuring Lao‑style crispy rice tossed with fresh cucumber, red onion, mint, peanuts, and a zingy lemon‑soy dressing. The rice is flavored with red curry, kaffir lime, lemongrass, and galangal, then crisped in the microwave for a quick, satisfying crunch.

EasyLaotianServes 4

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

Source Video
30m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.64
Total cost
$6.41
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Flavoring the oil with authentic Lao aromatics (red curry paste, kaffir lime, lemongrass, galangal).
  • Ensuring the cooked rice is completely dry before adding the oil.
  • Microwaving the rice for the exact time to achieve crispness without burning.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – handle the skillet with oven mitts.
  • Use caution when handling sharp knives.
  • Microwave plates can become very hot; use a pot holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Crispy Rice Salad in Laotian cuisine?

A

Crispy Rice Salad, known locally as "Khao Niaw Ping," originates from Laos where rice is a staple. The dish was traditionally a street‑food snack, combining leftover rice with aromatic herbs and spices to create a refreshing, portable meal for hot summer days.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Crispy Rice Salad in Laos and neighboring Southeast Asian countries?

A

In northern Laos the salad often includes fermented fish sauce and shredded chicken, while in Thailand a similar version adds shrimp paste and palm sugar. Vietnamese variants may use rice vermicelli instead of whole rice grains, and Cambodian versions frequently incorporate kaffir lime zest and toasted coconut.

cultural
Q

How is Crispy Rice Salad traditionally served in Laos during summer festivals?

A

During Lao summer festivals the salad is served on banana leaves with a side of fresh herbs, lime wedges, and sometimes a small bowl of spicy dipping sauce. It is eaten with the hands, making it a communal, hands‑on dish that celebrates the season’s bounty.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Crispy Rice Salad traditionally associated with in Lao culture?

A

The salad is popular at village fairs, Buddhist temple gatherings, and family picnics in Laos. Its light, cooling nature makes it ideal for hot weather celebrations such as the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) and harvest festivals.

cultural
Q

What makes Crispy Rice Salad special or unique in Laotian cuisine?

A

The dish uniquely combines the comforting texture of rice with the bright, herbaceous flavors of mint, kaffir lime, and lemongrass. The quick microwave‑crisping technique preserves the rice’s crunch while keeping the preparation fast and accessible.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crispy Rice Salad at home?

A

Common errors include using wet rice (which prevents crisping), over‑cooking the flavored oil (which creates bitterness), and overdressing the vegetables (which makes them soggy). Follow the drying step carefully and add the dressing just before serving.

technical
Q

Why does this Crispy Rice Salad recipe use microwave crisping instead of deep‑frying?

A

Microwave crisping reduces oil usage, speeds up the process, and still yields a pleasantly crunchy texture. It also keeps the dish lighter and more suitable for a summer salad, whereas deep‑frying would add extra greasiness.

technical
Q

Can I make Crispy Rice Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the flavored rice and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the dressed vegetables separately and combine just before serving to maintain crunch.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the rice is properly crisped?

A

The rice should be dry, lightly golden, and emit a faint toasted aroma. Individual grains should separate easily and feel crunchy between the teeth, not soggy or burnt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rajshri Food specializes in Indian and South‑Asian home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for traditional dishes, quick everyday meals, and festive recipes with a focus on authentic flavors and easy techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food's approach to Southeast Asian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Rajshri Food blends Southeast Asian recipes with Indian cooking sensibilities, often highlighting ingredient substitutions and kitchen shortcuts that suit Indian home cooks, whereas many other channels stick strictly to regional techniques without such cross‑cultural adaptations.

channel

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