I’ll Never Eat Another Salad Without THIS Again (I Get Why It’s Going So Viral)
Salads offer a brilliant way to load up on hearty greens and use up fridge and pantry staples. Whether it’s one doused with a creamy Caesar, a tangy balsamic, or a fragrant vinaigrette dressing — many will argue that one of the best parts of enjoying this dish is getting to savor the crunchy buttery croutons mixed in.
But recently, a new TikTok trend has gone viral, encouraging home cooks to ditch the croutons in favor of another delicious and crispy topping.
The trend in question involves taking day-old white rice, combining it with your choice of spices like chili crisp, curry paste, or Sriracha (you can also add aromatics like garlic, ginger, or makrut lime leaves), and then popping it in the oven or air fryer until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Despite this dish going viral on TikTok now, it has historic Southeast Asian roots. Nam khao is a Laotian staple celebrating crunchy rice with aromatic and fresh ingredients.
Home cooks looking for recipes on TikTok are obsessed with this salad upgrade. In the clip posted by @itsgnochgnoch, one person commented, “This is my dream come true salad.”
Here are a few reasons why this hack shines: This technique is an excellent option for people who can’t digest gluten found in croutons. It adds a crunchy and spicy flavor to an otherwise bland salad. Plus, you can customize this hack by substituting white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or buckwheat. Additionally, you can mix different spices, aromatics, or sauces into the rice that will complement your salad. The possibilities with nam khao or crispy rice salad are endless, providing a unique way to switch up your cooking routine and try something new.
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