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This Satay Crispy Rice Salad is a delightful twist on the viral crispy rice salad, bringing in juicy satay chicken flavors and transforming them into a satisfying and crunchy salad. With crispy rice, fresh greens, and a creamy peanut dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving something light yet hearty or want to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked long-grain rice (or 2/3 cup uncooked rice)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (GF soy sauce or tamari)
2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped or shredded
1 cup podded edamame beans
3 scallions, finely sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
A handful of Thai basil, chopped
A handful of mint leaves, chopped
A handful of cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
1 red chili, finely sliced (optional)

For the Peanut Satay Dressing:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chili jam
1/2 cup water

Directions

Cook the Rice:
If using uncooked rice, cook it according to package instructions, fluff it with a fork, then spread it out on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to cool. If using leftover rice, you can skip this step.
Make the Crispy Rice:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the cooled rice with sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil. Spread it in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking and rotating halfway, until the rice is crispy and golden around the edges. Alternatively, you can cook the rice in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, stirring a few times.
Prepare the Satay Dressing:
In a bowl or jar, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, and sweet chili jam. Gradually add water while mixing until you get a smooth, creamy dressing.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, edamame, scallions, cucumber, sesame seeds, Thai basil, mint, cilantro, and most of the crushed peanuts. Add the crispy rice on top and pour about half of the dressing over it. Toss everything together to combine.
Serve:
Drizzle the remaining dressing on top, and sprinkle the rest of the peanuts. Garnish with finely sliced chili, if using. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 542 kcal
Sugar: 5.8g
Sodium: 1890.9mg
Fat: 26.3g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19.6g
Carbohydrates: 43.9g
- Fiber: 4.7g
Protein: 37.2g
Cholesterol: 49mg

The Appeal of Satay Chicken Flavors

Satay, a popular Southeast Asian dish, is known for its combination of savory grilled meat, often served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. The flavors of satay—salty, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy—are immediately recognizable and beloved by many. By incorporating these flavors into a salad, this recipe elevates the traditional salad experience, offering a more complex flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.

The peanut dressing, made with natural peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, and sweet chili jam, brings all the rich, bold flavors of satay to the dish in a creamy, smooth form. This dressing coats the crispy rice and vegetables, enhancing each bite with a savory depth and slight sweetness. The addition of chicken, which is seasoned to complement the peanut dressing, further intensifies the satay-inspired flavor, creating a satisfying and flavorful main component in the salad.

Crispy Rice: The Star of the Salad

One of the standout features of this salad is the crispy rice, which gives it its signature texture and crunch. Traditional crispy rice salads typically use rice that is either fried or baked until golden and crunchy, providing an exciting contrast to the tender ingredients in the salad. The crispy rice in this recipe is baked with sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil, infusing the rice with flavor while ensuring that it crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Crispy rice adds a fun and unique texture to the salad, offering a bite that’s crunchy on the outside but still slightly chewy on the inside. This contrast is particularly delightful when paired with the creamy peanut dressing, creating a dynamic textural experience that makes each bite satisfying. The golden, crunchy rice not only adds flavor but also makes the salad visually appealing, with its golden edges and irregular shapes providing a rustic, hearty element to the dish.

Chicken: The Protein-Packed Base

Chicken is the primary protein in this Satay Crispy Rice Salad, adding substance and heartiness to the dish. The chicken breasts are cooked, shredded, and combined with the other salad ingredients, ensuring that each bite includes a good amount of tender meat. The chicken is seasoned with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, allowing it to complement the peanut dressing without overpowering the other flavors in the salad.

The chicken provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy rice, offering a juicy and tender texture that balances out the crunchiness of the rice. It also helps make the salad more filling, turning it from a side dish into a complete meal. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking it fresh, the addition of chicken to this salad ensures it is not only flavorful but also provides the necessary protein for a balanced meal.

Fresh Greens and Vegetables: Adding Vibrancy

In addition to the crispy rice and chicken, this salad is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs that bring both color and freshness to the dish. Edamame beans add a subtle sweetness and crunch, while cucumber provides a refreshing, crisp texture. The scallions bring a mild onion flavor, and the herbs—Thai basil, mint, and cilantro—add brightness and an aromatic element that ties the whole dish together.

These fresh ingredients balance out the richness of the peanut dressing and crispy rice, providing a lightness to the dish that keeps it from feeling too heavy. The combination of vegetables and herbs not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal, with vibrant green colors and varied textures that make the salad feel lively and fresh.

The Peanut Satay Dressing: Creamy and Flavorful

A key component of this salad is the peanut satay dressing, which brings all the flavors of satay chicken into the dish in a smooth, creamy form. The dressing is made with natural peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, sweet chili jam, and a little bit of water to thin it out. This combination of ingredients creates a dressing that is savory, sweet, and slightly spicy, with the peanut butter providing a rich, creamy base that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

The dressing is drizzled over the salad, coating the crispy rice, chicken, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful layer. The creaminess of the peanut butter pairs beautifully with the crunchy rice, while the other ingredients like soy sauce and fish sauce add a savory depth to the dressing. The sweet chili jam provides a hint of sweetness and spice, bringing the flavors of satay to life in every bite.

Customizing the Salad

One of the great things about this Satay Crispy Rice Salad is its versatility. While the recipe already includes a delicious combination of ingredients, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. For instance, you can add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or avocado for extra texture and flavor. If you prefer a spicier salad, you can increase the amount of chili oil or add extra sliced red chili for heat.

For those who want to make the salad more filling, you could incorporate additional proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef. The fresh herbs and vegetables can also be swapped or adjusted based on what’s in season or available in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or make a few tweaks, this salad is adaptable to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Satay Crispy Rice Salad is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings. It can be served as a light main course or as a side dish alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. If you’re hosting a gathering, this salad would be a great option for a party platter, as its vibrant colors and flavors make it an eye-catching and crowd-pleasing choice.

Because it’s a one-bowl meal, Satay Crispy Rice Salad is also ideal for meal prepping. The crispy rice and satay dressing can be made in advance, and the salad can be assembled just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh. For a more substantial meal, serve it with additional sides like a tangy cucumber salad or some roasted vegetables to complement the flavors of the dish.

Conclusion: A Fresh and Flavorful Salad

Satay Crispy Rice Salad is a delightful and creative take on the classic crispy rice salad, infusing it with the bold flavors of satay chicken. The combination of crispy rice, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing makes this salad a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light yet hearty meal, a unique appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing salad for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its balance of textures and flavors—crunchy rice, juicy chicken, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs—Satay Crispy Rice Salad is a true winner. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice, making it a practical yet delicious option for busy weeknights or meal prep. So, whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or at a special event, this salad will quickly become a favorite for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant dishes with a punch of flavor.