Asian Rice Salad
A vibrant and refreshing grain salad packed with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a savory sesame-ginger dressing.
Ingredients
- •1.5 cups jasmine rice, rinsed (300g)
- •2.5 cups water (600ml)
- •1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- •1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- •1 cup edamame beans, shelled and cooked
- •3 green onions, thinly sliced
- •0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- •0.5 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- •0.25 cup roasted cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped
- •3 tablespoons soy sauce
- •2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- •2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- •1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- 1
Combine the jasmine rice and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- 3
Remove from heat, let it steam covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and maple syrup to create the dressing.
- 5
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled rice, diced red bell pepper, shredded purple cabbage, cooked edamame, and green onions.
- 6
Add the chopped cilantro and mint leaves to the bowl.
- 7
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- 8
Garnish with the chopped roasted cashews or peanuts just before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain variation.
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance, but keep the dressing and nuts separate until just before serving to maintain the crunch.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished salad is a colorful mix of fluffy grains and crisp vegetables, smelling fragrant with sesame and ginger, and offering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and nutty flavors.