Crispy Rice

Quick Summary: This recipe creates a vibrant salad by combining pan-fried crispy rice with fresh vegetables and a savory soy-lime dressing.

Source: Izy Hossack

>> servings: 2
Cook the @USA easy cook rice{200%g} according to the directions on the package. Once cooked, drain to make sure there’s no water left. Spread the rice out on a #baking tray{} and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Leave overnight (or for at least ~{1%hour}) in the #fridge{} to dry out.
 
The next day, pour enough @vegetable oil{} into a large #frying pan{} to cover the base of it generously. Heat over a medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dropping a grain of rice into the oil, if it starts to bubble it is ready.
 
Turn the heat down to medium-low then take a handful of rice and add it to the oil. Stand back as the oil will bubble up and may spit. Once the rice has reached a golden colour, remove from the oil with a #slotted spoon{} to a #plate{} lined with some #paper kitchen towel{}. Repeat this two more times so you have about 3 handfuls of crispy rice.
 
Remove the pan from the heat and decant most of the oil into a #heatproof container{}, leaving some oil in the pan.
 
Return the pan to the heat. Add the finely grated @fresh ginger{1%tablespoon} and cook over a medium-low heat for ~{1%minute}. Add the @cabbage{1/2%head} and cook for ~{4-5%minutes}, stirring often, until softened slightly. Add the remaining cooled rice, the roughly chopped @spring onions{2%}, and grated @large carrot{1%} and stir together in the pan on the heat.
 
In a #jug{}, mix all of the dressing ingredients together: @dark soy sauce{2%tablespoons}, @vegan 'fish' sauce{1%tablespoon}, @lime juice{1%tablespoon}, @agave syrup{1%tablespoon}, and crushed @garlic cloves{2%}. Pour over the rice and vegetables in the pan and stir to coat.
 
Tip the contents of the pan out onto a #serving dish{}. Top with the crispy rice, roughly chopped @fresh coriander{a large handful}, roughly chopped @fresh mint leaves{a handful}, and thinly sliced @red onion{1/2%}. Eat warm.