15 Minute Asian Rice Salad Food

JAPANESE-STYLE RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rice in abundant salted water, as you would pasta, until it's just done; white rice will take 10 to 15 minutes, brown 30 or a little longer. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain again, then combine with vegetables and tofu in a large bowl.
• Put black pepper, miso, water or sake, sugar, mirin or honey, and vinegar in a small bowl, and whisk together. Taste, and add more vinegar and a pinch of salt, if needed.
• Combine rice mixture with miso dressing with 2 big forks, fluffing rice and tossing gently to separate grains.
• Crumble nori over salad and sprinkle with sesame seeds, taste, and adjust seasoning or moisten with a little more dressing. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a day, bringing salad back to room temperature before serving.

COLD ASIAN BROWN RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the brown rice according to package. Or try it the way my friend says she makes it- boil it like pasta in a couple quarts of water and drain! I haven't tried this yet- let me know how it works.
• Meanwhile, prepare dressing and veggies.
• Toss rice with dressing and cool in fridge.
• Once cooled, add veggies and toss.
• If not serving right away, reserve peanuts until just before serving so they will not get soggy.
• Serve cold.