Description
A quick, small-batch side dish or light meal that uses leftover rice and panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy, savory salad in under 20 minutes with zero leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old or chilled)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado or light olive oil)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 large egg (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, sesame oil, crushed peanuts, or chopped kimchi
Instructions
- Prep the rice: Break up any clumps in the cooked rice. In a small mixing bowl, drizzle soy sauce over the rice and toss gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Fry the rice: Heat neutral oil in an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and press down slightly. Let sit for 2 minutes to build a crust, then stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the crispy rice. Toss for 1-2 minutes until the panko is golden and fragrant.
- Cook the egg: Push rice to one side or remove to a plate. Fry the egg in the same pan sunny-side up or over-easy until the white is set and yolk is runny. Season with salt.
- Assemble: Scatter sliced green onions over the rice. Spoon rice into a bowl, top with the fried egg, and drizzle with any remaining pan oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use day-old or chilled rice to ensure crispiness; fresh rice is too wet. Do not skip the drying step if cooking rice fresh. Add panko at the end to prevent burning. This dish is best eaten immediately as it loses crunch quickly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: crispy rice salad, no leftovers, quick dinner, small batch cooking, fried rice alternative, 20 minute meals, panko rice, easy side dish