Crispy Rice Salad: The Viral TikTok Trend Made Healthy
The crispy rice salad is one of TikTok's biggest hits: day-old rice baked until crunchy, then tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. It's a clever way to use leftover rice and cut food waste.
Why it went viral
- Uses leftover rice instead of wasting it
- Crunchy and fresh at the same time
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Crispy Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked day-old rice (brown or white)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup cooked edamame
- Spring onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- Dressing: 2 tbsp soy sauce + juice of 1 lime + 1 tbsp sesame oil + 1 tsp honey
Method
- Heat the oven to 200°C. Spread the rice on a lined tray and drizzle with oil.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- Put the crispy rice in a bowl and add cucumber, carrot, edamame and spring onions.
- Pour the dressing over, toss, top with peanuts and serve immediately.
Tip
The drier the rice, the crispier it gets — leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight.
The origin of crispy rice salad
The original is a Lao dish called Nam Khao — fried crispy rice tossed with herbs, lime and peanuts. TikTok took the idea and turned it into a healthier oven-baked version, and it became one of the most-watched recipes on the platform.
Tips for perfectly crispy rice
- Use day-old rice — the drier it is, the crispier it gets
- Spread it in a thin, even layer so it doesn't clump
- Stir only once halfway through and let it finish
- Don't add the dressing until serving to keep the crunch
Approximate nutrition per serving
Figures are estimates and vary with rice type and toppings.
- Calories: ~340 kcal
- Protein: ~14 g
- Carbs: ~42 g
- Fibre: ~6 g
Frequently asked questions
What rice should I use?
Any kind works: white or brown basmati, or even sushi rice. Brown gives more fibre; white crisps up more.
Can I fry it instead of baking?
An air fryer is a better option: 15 minutes at 180°C with a light spray of oil.
Can I meal-prep this?
Crisp the rice and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Prep the vegetables and dressing separately and combine just before eating.
Is edamame halal?
Yes — edamame is green soybeans, 100% plant-based and halal. If you can't find it, use cooked chickpeas instead.
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⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.