Nam Khao (Lao Crispy Rice Salad)
Crunchy, tangy Nam Khao rice salad packed with fresh herbs, lime, peanuts, and irresistible bold Southeast Asian flavours.
Equipment
- Rice cooker
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the crispy rice
- 1½ cups cooked steamed white rice cooled
- 1½ –2 tbsp curry paste
- 1 tbsp cooking oil for mixing
- Oil for frying
For the salad mix
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
- 1 spring onion sliced
- 3 tbsp roasted peanuts lightly crushed
For the dressing
- Juice of 1–2 limes
- 1 fresh red chilli thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce or light soy sauce for vegan option
- ½ –1 tsp sugar adjust to taste
- 1½ tbsp kerisik toasted desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Place the cooled cooked rice in a bowl. Add the curry paste and 1 tbsp cooking oil, then mix thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated. Lightly shape the rice into small balls.
- Air-fry for 10 minutes at 180 C or until golden brown (adjust according to your own airfryer)
- In a small bowl, combine lime juice, chopped chillies, kerisik, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan version), and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust — the flavour should be tangy, savoury, and lightly sweet.
- Place the crispy rice pieces in a mixing bowl. Add sliced shallots, coriander leaves, spring onion and roasted peanuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine without crushing the rice too much.
Notes
Nam Khao (Crispy Rice Salad)
1. What is Nam Khao?
Nam Khao is a Lao crispy rice salad made from fried rice clusters tossed with herbs, lime juice, chillies, and a savoury dressing. 2. What does Nam Khao taste like?
It has a balance of crunchy, chewy textures with flavours that are tangy, savoury, slightly spicy, and lightly sweet. 3. Can I make Nam Khao without fish sauce?
Yes. You can substitute fish sauce with light soy sauce to create a fully vegan version while keeping the savoury flavour. 4. What type of rice is best for Nam Khao?
Cooked white rice works well because it crisps nicely when fried and holds its shape when broken into chunks. 5. Can Nam Khao be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the crispy rice in advance, but toss the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchy texture. 6. How do you make the rice crispy for Nam Khao?
Mix cooked rice with seasoning, shape into balls loosely, and air-fry until golden brown. 7. Is Nam Khao spicy?
It can be mildly or strongly spicy depending on how much curry/chilly paste and fresh chillies you add. 8. What herbs are commonly used in Nam Khao?
Fresh coriander leaves, spring onions, and sometimes mint are commonly added for fragrance and freshness. 9. How is Nam Khao traditionally eaten?
It is often eaten as a salad or scooped into lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps. It pairs well with grilled meats, fresh vegetables, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light main dish.
Nam Khao is a Lao crispy rice salad made from fried rice clusters tossed with herbs, lime juice, chillies, and a savoury dressing. 2. What does Nam Khao taste like?
It has a balance of crunchy, chewy textures with flavours that are tangy, savoury, slightly spicy, and lightly sweet. 3. Can I make Nam Khao without fish sauce?
Yes. You can substitute fish sauce with light soy sauce to create a fully vegan version while keeping the savoury flavour. 4. What type of rice is best for Nam Khao?
Cooked white rice works well because it crisps nicely when fried and holds its shape when broken into chunks. 5. Can Nam Khao be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the crispy rice in advance, but toss the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchy texture. 6. How do you make the rice crispy for Nam Khao?
Mix cooked rice with seasoning, shape into balls loosely, and air-fry until golden brown. 7. Is Nam Khao spicy?
It can be mildly or strongly spicy depending on how much curry/chilly paste and fresh chillies you add. 8. What herbs are commonly used in Nam Khao?
Fresh coriander leaves, spring onions, and sometimes mint are commonly added for fragrance and freshness. 9. How is Nam Khao traditionally eaten?
It is often eaten as a salad or scooped into lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps. It pairs well with grilled meats, fresh vegetables, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light main dish.