Introduction
Discover a delightful salad that combines the refreshing flavors of ginger, lime, and fresh herbs with the satisfying texture of crispy jasmine rice. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side to your favorite main course. The dressing, featuring fish sauce and chili crisp, adds a savory and spicy kick that elevates the salad experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Dressing:
1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger or a spoonful of ginger paste
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
1/4 cup lime juice (from 3-4 small limes)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon chili crisp (adjust for desired spiciness)
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 teaspoons red curry paste
2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 shallot, thinly sliced or minced (about 1/4 cup)
1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 bunch mint, roughly chopped or torn (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Additional chili crisp, to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
Combine the following ingredients in a blender or food processor: fresh ginger (or ginger paste), garlic clove, fish sauce, avocado oil, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili crisp. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Rice
In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice. Pour in 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and 2 teaspoons of red curry paste. Stir thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated. If the rice doesn’t clump together when squeezed, add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and mix again until fully integrated.
Crisp the Rice
Take the rice mixture and form it into loose clumps. Place these clumps into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the rice at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, or until the rice becomes golden and crispy.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, thinly sliced shallot, roughly chopped cilantro, torn or chopped mint, and chopped peanuts. Gently add the crispy rice chunks to the bowl.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle approximately half of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure they are mixed well. Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preferences.
Serve
If desired, garnish the salad with additional chili crisp for an extra kick. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness and textures.
Notes
Storage
The salad should ideally be eaten fresh for the best texture, especially the crispy rice. If you need to store leftovers, keep the components separate and combine them just before serving.
Rice Consistency
Adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on the moisture of the rice. If the rice is too wet, more cornstarch may be necessary for optimal crisping.
Spiciness Adjustment
Feel free to modify the amount of chili crisp based on your heat tolerance. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor and add more to enhance the spiciness gradually.
Possible Substitutions
Avocado oil can be replaced with another neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil. The fish sauce can be substituted with soy sauce for a vegetarian option, but note that the flavor will vary.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Dressing
Combine ginger, garlic, fish sauce, avocado oil, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili crisp in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Preparing the Rice
In a bowl, mix the cooked jasmine rice with avocado oil and red curry paste until the rice is evenly coated. If necessary, add cornstarch for better adhesion.
Crisping the Rice
Place the rice mixture in loose clumps in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes until the rice turns golden and crispy.
Assembling the Salad
Combine thinly sliced cucumber, shallot, chopped cilantro, mint, and peanuts in a large bowl. Add the crispy rice chunks and mix gently.
dressing the salad
Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently. Adjust the dressing to taste as desired.
FAQ
Can I substitute fish sauce in the dressing?
Yes, you can use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the salad spicier?
Increase the amount of chili crisp in the dressing or add fresh chili slices to the salad.
Is it necessary to air fry the rice?
While air frying gives the rice a crispy texture, you can skip this step if you prefer softer rice.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prepare the dressing and rice in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
What other herbs can I use in the salad?
Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or parsley for different flavors.
Conclusion
The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors in this salad creates a delightful and satisfying dish. The crispy rice adds an unexpected texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The dressing’s balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elevates every bite, making it a memorable dish that can be enjoyed again and again.
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