YT Recipe

Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad is a medium Thai Fusion recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty UK on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $4.75 total, $1.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked Rice (day‑old rice, loosened with a fork)
  • 1 tablespoon Red Curry Paste (Thai red curry paste)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for coating rice)
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (helps rice crisp in the air fryer)
  • 1 medium Cucumber (seeded and diced)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • ¼ cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint (chopped)
  • ¼ cup Roasted Peanuts (coarsely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (Thai fish sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon Honey (or agave for vegan)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • ¼ teaspoon Chili Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (to finish dressing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing

    In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, chili flakes and sesame oil until emulsified.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season the Rice

    Place the leftover rice in a mixing bowl. Add red curry paste, vegetable oil and cornstarch. Toss until each grain is evenly coated.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Air‑Fry the Rice

    Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Spread the coated rice in a single layer in the basket and air‑fry for 8‑10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 200°C

  4. Prep the Fresh Vegetables

    While the rice crisps, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro and mint.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine Salad Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl combine the crisped rice, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, mint and chopped peanuts.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Dress the Salad

    Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is lightly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve

    Transfer the salad to a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a side or a light main.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
12g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains peanuts, Contains soy, Contains fish sauce, Not vegan, Gluten may be present if regular soy sauce used

Allergens: Peanuts, Soy, Fish

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Crispy Rice Salad

Recipe by Tasty UK

A crunchy, chewy salad that turns leftover rice into a satisfying side or main dish. Tossed with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, peanuts and a bright lime‑curry dressing, then air‑fried for extra crunch.

MediumThai FusionServes 4

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

Source Video
20m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.75
Total cost
$1.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Coating the rice evenly with red curry paste, oil and cornstarch
  • • Air‑frying the rice without overcrowding to achieve crispness
  • • Emulsifying the dressing thoroughly before adding to the salad

Safety Warnings

  • • Use oven mitts when handling the hot air‑fryer basket
  • • Be careful when mincing garlic and ginger – keep fingers tucked away
  • • Do not over‑crowd the air‑fryer to avoid hot oil splatter

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of crispy rice salads in Thai cuisine?

A

Crispy rice (khao tod) is a traditional Thai street‑food snack where rice is deep‑fried until crunchy. Modern Thai chefs have adapted it into salads, combining the texture with fresh herbs and lime‑based dressings, reflecting Thailand’s love of contrast between hot, crunchy and cool, aromatic ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Thai rice salads across Thailand?

A

In central Thailand, rice salads often feature jasmine rice, lime, fish sauce and peanuts, while northern versions may include toasted rice powder and local herbs like dill. Southern styles add coconut milk and more chili, giving a richer, spicier profile.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional Thai crispy rice salad authentically served in Thailand?

A

It is typically served at room temperature on a banana leaf or small platter, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced chilies and a squeeze of lime, and eaten with a fork or spoon alongside grilled meats or as a standalone snack.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a crispy rice salad traditionally associated with in Thai culture?

A

Crispy rice salads are popular at informal gatherings, street‑food festivals and as a refreshing side during hot summer months. They are also served during family picnics and as a starter at wedding banquets for a light, palate‑cleansing bite.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with this crispy rice salad?

A

It pairs beautifully with grilled satay skewers, Thai basil chicken (pad kra pao), mango sticky rice for a sweet contrast, or a simple cucumber‑mint raita to balance the heat of the red curry dressing.

cultural
Q

What makes this crispy rice salad special or unique in Thai‑fusion cuisine?

A

The recipe combines the classic Thai flavor base of lime, fish sauce and red curry paste with the modern technique of air‑frying leftover rice, creating a healthier yet equally crunchy texture that highlights both tradition and innovation.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy rice salad?

A

Common errors include using fresh rice (which stays soggy), overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, and over‑mixing the salad which can crush the crisp rice. Follow the coating and air‑fry steps precisely for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use cornstarch on the rice before air‑frying instead of just oil?

A

Cornstarch creates a thin, dry coating that absorbs less oil and forms a light, crunchy crust when exposed to hot air, whereas oil alone can make the rice greasy and less crisp.

technical
Q

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

A

The dressing can be prepared up to a day ahead and kept refrigerated. Assemble the salad no more than an hour before serving; if stored longer, re‑crisp the rice in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tasty UK specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tasty UK specializes in quick, visually engaging recipe videos that adapt global dishes for home cooks, often featuring modern kitchen gadgets and easy‑to‑follow step‑by‑step instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tasty UK’s approach to Thai‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Tasty UK focuses on simplifying traditional Thai techniques—like using an air fryer for crisp rice—while maintaining authentic flavor profiles, whereas many other channels either stick to classic deep‑frying or heavily westernize the recipes.

channel
More like this:Thai Fusion RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Tasty UK

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