The internet is obsessed with crispy riceand so are we.
(The promise of dessert never hurt!)
That salad is a cinch to give a glow-up, though.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Wondering what are crispy rice salads?
and why is everyone talking aboutand making them?
What Is Crispy Rice?
Spurred on by thousands of posts onTikTok, the crispy rice salad wave continues to dominate social media.
This 2025 tidal wave of crispy rice recipe renditions isnt marking the invention of the concept.
Then, theyre showered over or tossed with salad fixings…but thats far from your only option.
(See Tips for Making Crispy Rice Salad Recipes below.)
Sweetgreenlaunched theirCrispy Rice Bowl back in 2020, which likely planted the seed for the FoodTok creativity to come.
But she admits she was inspired by others, too.
I started making crispy rice salads in September of 2023.
“I think what makes crispy rice salads stand out from other social media recipe trends is their versatility.
Line two 15x10-inch baking pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine the chilled rice, toasted sesame oil, 1 Tbsp.
red curry paste, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce; stir well to thoroughly coat the rice.
Transfer rice mixture to one prepared pan; spread in an even layer.
Place chicken thighs in the same bowl; add honey and the remaining 1 Tbsp.
each red curry paste and soy sauce; toss to coat evenly.
Place chicken in remaining prepared pan.
Place baking pans on separate oven racks.
Roast chicken until done (at least 175F), 30 minutes; cool slightly.
Roast rice, stirring every 10 minutes, until crisp, 40 minutes.
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
In large bowl combine crispy rice and the next six ingredients (through cilantro).
Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat.
Top with chicken and peanuts.
Serve immediately for crispiest rice.
2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
