Cucumber Salad with Crispy Rice
Looking for a refreshing side dish with a satisfying crunch? This cucumber salad with crispy rice is light, zesty and full of texture. And it’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Minute® Butter & Sea Salt Rice Cups
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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Instructions
Step 1
Heat rice according to package directions.Step 2
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the rice to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to fry and get slightly crispy.Step 3
In a medium bowl, sprinkle cucumbers with salt and gently mix. Let sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze cucumbers dry with a paper towel.Step 4
In a medium bowl, mix vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. Add cucumbers and toss.Step 5
Divide rice between 2 bowls. Top with cucumber salad. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.Recipe Tip
Looking to spice it up? Just add chili paste.
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A Cool, Crisp Take on a Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Cucumber Salad with Crispy Rice isn’t just fast, it’s a flavor-packed, texture-loaded twist on a classic. The contrast of cool, marinated cucumbers with hot, crispy rice makes this a standout dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light meal, it delivers big on taste without a big time investment.
How Do You Make Cucumber Salad with Rice?
It starts with thin slices of English cucumber tossed in rice vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. Lightly salt and press to draw out moisture and give each bite a crisp, refreshing snap. Minute® Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups are precooked and crisp up quickly in a skillet with oil, forming a flavorful, crunchy base to complement the cucumber salad. Top it all off with sesame seeds, and you’ve got a cucumber dish that hits all the right notes: tangy, sweet, savory and satisfying.
A Crispy Rice Salad for Any Moment
This cucumber salad recipe is perfect for busy routines, lightning-quick lunches or spontaneous snacks. It’s easy to prep ahead and just as easy to customize. Add a spoonful of chili paste for heat, swap in fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil or toss in tofu or grilled shrimp for extra protein. However you spin it, this dish keeps its cool.
Why Minute Rice Works So Well
The rice is the unexpected star here. With Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups, there’s no waiting. Microwave, crisp and serve. The buttery flavor brings depth to the dish while the texture provides contrast to the tangy cucumbers. It’s proof that with the right base, even a simple salad can become something craveable.
Q: How do you make a cucumber salad more flavorful?
Use a mix of vinegar, sugar and soy sauce for balance, and let the cucumbers marinate for a few minutes before serving.
Q: Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the cucumber mixture and crispy rice separately. Combine them just before serving to preserve the texture.
