Vegan Crispy Rice Salad (Nam Khao)

Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Servings: 4

Ingredients

Crispy Rice

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled for at least 30 minutes
• 2 tbsp Red curry paste
• 2 tbsp vegan fish sauce
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 small red onion, very fine diced
• White pepper
• Oil for frying

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vegan fish sauce
• 5 tbsp caster sugar, or to taste2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 chilli, optional
• 1 clove Garlic, minced

Salad Bits

• ½ red onion
• 2 stalks spring onion
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh Coriander
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh Mint
• 1/4 cup crushed roasted Peanuts
• 1/4 cup crispy shallots
• Chilli
• Gem Lettuce leaves to serve

Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Rice:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked jasmine rice (cooled for 30 minutes), red curry paste, vegan fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and finely diced red onion. Mix until the rice is evenly coated. Add a pinch of white pepper for extra flavor.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vegan fish sauce, caster sugar, fresh lime juice, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Add chili for heat, if desired. Set aside.

Fry the Rice Mixture:

Heat enough oil in a saucepan to fry the rice mixture. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry small portions of the rice mixture in balls or clumps for about 3–6 minutes until golden and crispy. Once cooked, drain the crispy rice on paper towels to remove excess oil. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Assemble the Salad:

Once the crispy rice has cooled, chop it into smaller pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped rice with chopped fresh coriander, mint, spring onions, red onion, crushed roasted peanuts, crispy shallots, and chili (optional). Toss the ingredients gently to combine.

Dress & Serve:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, but be sure to taste and adjust as needed (you may not need all the dressing). Serve the salad in gem lettuce cups for a crunchy wrap. Garnish with extra crispy shallots, crushed peanuts, and fresh chili. Enjoy your Vegan Nam Khao, a flavorful and crispy rice salad!