Craving a quick, nutritious, and incredibly delicious meal that takes less than 40 minutes to prepare? Look no further than this mouthwatering Rice Salad with Edamame! Packed with vibrant colors, bold Asian-inspired flavors, and a perfect balance of textures, this recipe is about to become your new go-to lunch or side dish. Whether you're a busy professional, health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves exciting culinary adventures, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions. For best results, use medium-grain or short-grain rice and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Spread rice on a flat tray to help it cool and prevent clumping.
- Prepare the edamame by boiling in salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender. If using frozen edamame, follow package instructions for quick preparation. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Dice bell peppers into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size. For added color, consider using a mix of red and yellow bell peppers.
- Finely chop green onions, using both white and green parts for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a light, tangy dressing. Ensure ingredients are well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rice, edamame, diced bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the rice mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rice Temperature Matters: Always use completely cooled rice to prevent clumping and ensure each grain remains separate and perfectly coated with dressing.
- Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Choose crisp, colorful bell peppers and fresh green onions to maximize flavor and visual appeal.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or tofu, or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after marinating in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure all flavors are well combined before adding to the salad.
- Temperature Flexibility: Enjoy this salad chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warm - it's delicious in any form!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
