Description

Craving something crispy, savory, and light all at once? This Garlic Shrimp Salad with Crispy Rice & Sesame Dressing is your new go-to dish for quick lunches, easy dinners, or healthy meal prep. Juicy garlic shrimp meet crunchy golden rice, tossed with fresh greens and coated in a creamy, nutty sesame dressing. It’s a flavor-packed meal with restaurant-quality texture — and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those hunting for quick dinner ideas, easy lunch recipes, or a protein-rich, gluten-free meal that actually satisfies.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons neutral oil (for cooking)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon chili flakes

1 cup finely chopped kale

1 small red onion (thinly sliced)

2 green onions (sliced)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Salt (to taste)

Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside the dressing.

2. Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add a bit of neutral oil. Spread the day-old rice in an even layer and let it crisp for 4–5 minutes without stirring. Flip to crisp more sides. Add soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil. Remove and set aside.

3. In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

4. In a large bowl, toss the crispy rice with chopped kale, red onion, and some green onions.

5. Divide the rice and greens into bowls. Top with garlic shrimp.

6. Drizzle with sesame dressing.

7. Garnish with more green onions, chili flakes, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always use cold, day-old rice for the crispiest texture.

Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly. Watch closely.

The dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-seared
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: easy dinner, garlic shrimp, crispy rice, healthy bowl, sesame dressing, quick meals