Name: Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp for a Crunchy Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (Use leftover rice for convenience.); 1 lb shrimp (Peeled and deveined.); 1 cup Cucumber; 1 cup Red Onion; 1 cup Red Bell Pepper; 1 cup Green Onions; 1 cup Fresh Parsley; ½ cup Kewpie Mayo (Can use regular mayo or Greek yogurt.); 4 tsp Honey (Agave syrup works well for a vegan alternative.); 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (Tamari is a gluten-free option.); 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar is a substitute.); 4 tbsp White Sesame Seeds (Tahini can be used for a creamier option.); 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free.); 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (Olive oil can be an alternative.); 1 tbsp Chili Oil (optional) (Omit for a milder salad.); 6 cloves Garlic (Minced.); 3 tbsp Lemon Juice (Lime juice is a substitute.); ½ tsp Salt; ½ tsp Black Pepper; ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Can be omitted.)

As I took my first bite, the delightful crunch of the crispy rice paired with the succulent garlic shrimp transported me to a sunny patio, where flavors danced like a summer breeze. This Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp and Nutty Sesame Dressing is a true game-changer for anyone who thinks salads lack excitement. Not only is this dish incredibly quick to prepare, but it’s also a showstopper that will impress your dinner guests or family. With fresh, vibrant vegetables and a creamy, nutty dressing, it strikes the perfect balance between satisfying and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Ready to create a salad that makes you forget about fast food entirely? Let’s dive into the delightful world of crispy rice!

Why is this salad so irresistible?

Packed with flavor: This Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp bursts with savory goodness, thanks to the delicious combination of sautéed shrimp and fresh veggies.

Quick and easy: Perfect for busy nights, this recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner.

Endless customization: With options to swap proteins or add different seasonal vegetables, you can make this salad reflect your tastes every time.

Crispy texture: The baked rice adds a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish, ensuring you’ll enjoy every bite. Pair it with a refreshing drink and maybe even some Garlic Butter Shrimp on the side, and you have a meal that is sure to impress!

Crispy Rice Salad Ingredients

• Discover the vibrant elements for a delicious salad!

For the Salad Base
Crispy Rice – 2 cups cooked rice; provides a delightful crunch, perfect for this refreshing salad. Use leftover rice for convenience!
Shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined; serves as the main protein, adding savory seafood flavor. Substitute with chicken or tofu for variety.
Vegetables (Cucumber, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Onions, Fresh Parsley) – Adds freshness and crunch; feel free to substitute with seasonal veggies.
For the Dressing
Kewpie Mayo – ½ cup; creamy base for dressing with a unique flavor. Substitute with regular mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Honey – 4 tsp; adds sweetness to the dressing. Agave syrup works well for a vegan alternative!
Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp; deepens the flavor of the dressing; tamari is a great gluten-free option.
Rice Vinegar – 2 tbsp; provides acidity and brightness in the dressing. Apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute.
White Sesame Seeds – 4 tbsp; gives texture and nuttiness to the dressing; tahini can be used for a creamier option.
Seasonings
Light Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp; enhances the savory depth; use tamari for a gluten-free choice.
Sesame Oil – 1 tbsp; imparts richness with a toasted flavor; olive oil can be an alternative for a different profile.
Chili Oil (optional) – 1 tbsp; adds heat and complexity; omit for a milder salad.
Garlic – 6 cloves, minced; essential for flavoring the shrimp; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
Lemon Juice – 3 tbsp; brightens and balances the dish; lime juice is a great alternative.
Salt – ½ tsp; enhances overall flavor; adjust to suit your taste.
Black Pepper – ½ tsp; adds mild heat; freshly ground gives the best flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes – ½ tsp; adds a kick; can be omitted for a milder flavor.

These carefully chosen ingredients create a memorable Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp that will have everyone coming back for seconds, all while keeping your meals exciting and delicious!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness on the rice. While the oven warms up, gather your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring that your crispy rice doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Rice
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked rice with 1 tablespoon each of light soy sauce and sesame oil, along with chili oil if you’re feeling adventurous. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, flattening it out. Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally for a rich golden color and crisp edges, giving your Crispy Rice Salad the ideal texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic Shrimp
While the rice is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Then toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Make the Nutty Dressing
For the dressing, place 4 tablespoons of white sesame seeds in a food processor and grind them until they resemble a sandy texture. In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds with ½ cup of Kewpie mayo, 4 teaspoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy, creating a luscious nutty dressing for your Crispy Rice Salad.

Step 5: Chop the Fresh Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, slice up a refreshing mix of vegetables: cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh parsley. Aim for a colorful rainbow of veggies that will add flavor, crunch, and nutrition to your Crispy Rice Salad. Stir them all together gently, letting the vibrant colors shine.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad
Once the crispy rice is perfectly toasted and the shrimp is sautéed, it’s time to bring everything together. Begin by layering the colorful vegetable mixture in a large serving bowl, then top with the garlic shrimp and the crispy rice. Drizzle the nutty dressing generously over it all, and toss gently to combine, ensuring every component is coated in delicious flavor before serving.

Helpful Tricks for Crispy Rice Salad

Cool Before Mixing: Let the cooked rice cool completely before adding sauces. This ensures better adhesion and avoids mushiness in your crispy rice salad.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Pay close attention when sautéing shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so aim for firm and pink without excess cooking time.
Mind the Sesame Seeds: When grinding sesame seeds for the dressing, stop when they reach a sandy texture. Grinding too long can turn them into a paste, affecting the salad’s creamy consistency.
Customize with Veggies: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite vegetables. Seasonal swaps can add freshness and personal flair to your crispy rice salad!
Toss Gently: When combining the salad, toss slowly to avoid breaking the crispy rice. This helps maintain its delightful crunch while ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, delightful dish on busy weeknights! You can prepare the crispy rice up to 24 hours in advance by baking it and storing it in an airtight container at room temperature; just remember to recrisp it in the oven before serving. The garlic shrimp can also be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just warmth them gently to avoid overcooking. The vegetables can be chopped in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together with the nutty dressing for a meal that’s just as delightful as when freshly made!

Storage Tips for Crispy Rice Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the ingredients fresh and the flavors intact.
Recrisping: If you want to enjoy the crispy rice texture again, briefly reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore its delightful crunch!
Separate Storage: For optimal freshness, consider storing the crispy rice, garlic shrimp, and vegetables separately. This prevents sogginess and maintains the integrity of each component.
Freezer: While freezing is possible, it’s best for the rice only; store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The fresh veggies should be enjoyed fresh for the best experience in your crispy rice salad!

Crispy Rice Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with this recipe—it’s all about customizing flavors and making it your own!

Protein Exchange: Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a hearty twist. Each option brings a unique flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
Nutty Alternatives: Replace white sesame seeds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for different flavor profiles. These swaps add delightful crunch and nutritional benefits, making the salad even more exciting.
Oil Swap: Use olive oil instead of sesame oil for a lighter, different flavor. The switch can change the salad’s personality without compromising on taste.
Vegetable Variety: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or snap peas for a fresh update. The crunch of these veggies brings new life to your dish!
Creamy Dressing Idea: Try tahini in place of Kewpie mayo for a creamy dressing that’s vegan-friendly. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with all the crispiness.
Sweetness Swap: Agave syrup works wonderfully in place of honey to keep the dressing vegan and still delightful. Your guests will love this thoughtful touch!
Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for an exciting kick. If your taste leans toward heat, this variation is sure to impress.
Fresh Herbs: Incorporate mint or cilantro alongside parsley for an aromatic twist. This aromatic addition can elevate the flavor profile to a whole new level.

As you create your unique version of this Crispy Rice Salad, don’t hesitate to explore and combine different options! If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy pairing it with delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp or a warm bowl of Chicken Ramen Garlic for a full meal experience.

What to Serve with Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp

Elevate your dining experience by thoughtfully pairing this delightful salad with complementing flavors and textures.

Garlic Bread: The buttery, crispy goodness of garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment, adding that satisfying crunch and aroma to your meal.
Crispy Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried veggies offer a savory, crunchy contrast, harmonizing beautifully with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad.
Chilled Cucumber Soup: This refreshing chilled soup cools the palate and pairs wonderfully with the crispy textures and rich shrimp.
Mango or Citrus Salad: The bright and sweet flavors of a mango or citrus salad balance the savory elements, adding a burst of freshness to your plate.
Sesame Edamame: Nutty and slightly sweet, these vibrant green bites enhance the dish’s flavor profile while offering a crunchy, protein-packed side.
Ginger-Lemon Iced Tea: A zesty iced tea makes a refreshing drink pairing, complementing the garlic shrimp without overpowering the salad.
Peach Sorbet: End your meal on a sweet note with a scoop of peach sorbet. Its fruity sweetness offers a refreshing contrast to the savory salad while cleansing your palate.
Light White Wine: A chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs excellently, enhancing the overall experience with its crisp acidity and fruity notes.

These thoughtful additions enhance your Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp, making for a delightful meal everyone will love!

Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right rice for crispy rice?
Absolutely! For the best results, use medium or long-grain rice, as they provide a nice texture when baked. I often recommend using day-old, cooled rice from the refrigerator. It helps the rice become crispier, ensuring a delightful crunch in your salad.

How should I store leftover crispy rice salad?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s important to keep the components separate if possible—especially the crispy rice! This helps prevent sogginess. When ready to serve again, you can briefly reheat the rice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crunch.

Can I freeze crispy rice salad?
Yes, but with a caveat! You can freeze the crispy rice on its own for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Just make sure to cool it completely first. However, I recommend avoiding freezing the shrimp and vegetables, as they won’t have the same texture once thawed. Thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What should I do if the crispy rice turns out soft?
Very! If your crispy rice isn’t as crunchy as you’d like, check that it baked long enough to achieve a golden color. You could also try pressing it down more firmly on the baking sheet before cooking. If it’s already made and you want to enjoy it again, pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, opt for tamari in place of regular soy sauce. If there are shellfish allergies, shrimp can be easily swapped for chicken or tofu. This versatility ensures everyone can enjoy a flavorful plate of Crispy Rice Salad with Garlic Shrimp without any concerns.