If you tend to scroll TikTok or Reels in search of recipe inspiration, you've probably stumbled upon a particularly delicious and crunchy phenomenon: crispy rice salad. This taste sensation has been taking over our feeds, and for good reason — by quickly toasting whatever cooked rice you have on hand, you can add incredible textural variety to an otherwise plain lunch.
And who better to teach us how to make this viral dish than rice whiz Rene Subash? Her cookbook, There’s Rice at Home, is a no-nonsense compendium of the best cross-cultural ways to prepare your favorite grain. And her crunchy rice salad with tahini and lemon is an easy way to revolutionize your salad routine.
To make this easy vegetarian recipe, you'll bake a couple of cups of cooked rice in the oven until brown and very crispy. Then mix the grains with fiber-rich edamame, sliced cucumber, creamy avocado, savory spring onions, and roasted peanuts. Mint adds a fresh flavor, while a simple dressing of tahini, lemon juice, and honey ensures each bite has sufficient tang. After trying this dish, you'll totally understand why your favorite creators can't stop posting about it.
Crispy Rice Salad with Tahini and Lemon
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130g) cooked rice of choice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- ½ cup (80g) shelled edamame
- ½ cucumber, finely sliced
- 1 avocado, flesh chopped
- 3 spring onions (scallions), chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp roasted peanuts
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (200°C fan/220°C/Gas mark 7) and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked rice, sesame oil and soy sauce. Spread the rice mixture over the prepared baking sheet and cook in the oven for 15–20 minutes until the rice is brown and very crispy.
- Combine the remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl and give them a good mix before adding the crispy rice. Stir and enjoy!
From There’s Rice at Home by Rene Subash (Quadrille, February 2026)
