Zesty Thai Black Rice Salad with Fresh Herbs and Mango
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this refreshing Thai Black Rice Salad. This dish combines nutty black rice with the sweetness of ripe mango, the crunch of fresh red pepper, and a medley of aromatic herbs like cilantro and mint. Tossed in a zesty dressing of fish sauce and lime, this salad is a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and savory notes. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, it’s packed with nutrients and colors that will brighten up any table. Share this delicious recipe with friends and family for a taste of Thai cuisine!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thai black rice
1 cup (Rinsed and cooked according to package instructions)
Red pepper
1 (Diced)
Mango
1 (Stoned, peeled, and diced)
Green onions
3 (Sliced)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Mint
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Cashews
1/2 cup (Whole or roughly chopped)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (Or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
Lime
1 (Juiced and zested)
Palm sugar
1 teaspoon (Grated or use regular sugar as an alternative)
Bird's eye chili
1 (Chopped finely)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the Thai black rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, typically simmering with water for about 30-40 minutes until tender. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool.
2
Prepare your vegetables by dicing the red pepper, and peeling and stoning the mango before slicing it into cubes. Slice the green onions and chop the cilantro and mint finely.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cooled black rice, diced red pepper, mango, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, and cashews. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients together.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce or soy sauce, lime juice and zest, grated palm sugar, and chopped birds-eye chili until well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Thai Black Rice Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Black Rice Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad made with nutty Thai black rice, ripe mango, fresh red pepper, and aromatic herbs like cilantro and mint, all tossed in a zesty fish sauce and lime dressing.
How long does it take to cook Thai black rice?
The rice typically takes about 30-40 minutes of simmering after being rinsed until the water runs clear.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe can be made vegan by substituting the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, though you should ensure your soy sauce is a gluten-free variety if you use it as a substitute.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
You can use soy sauce as a vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to fish sauce.
What does Thai black rice taste like?
Thai black rice has a distinct nutty flavor and a slightly chewy, firm texture compared to white rice.
How do I prepare the mango for the salad?
The mango should be stoned, peeled, and then diced into small cubes.
What kind of chili is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped bird's eye chili to add a spicy kick.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice in advance, but for the best texture, add the fresh herbs and dressing just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
What herbs are included in this salad?
The salad uses a combination of fresh cilantro and mint.
Can I substitute palm sugar?
Yes, if palm sugar is unavailable, you can use regular granulated sugar or brown sugar.
What type of nuts are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of cashews, which can be whole or roughly chopped.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
The salad is best served either chilled or at room temperature.
What is the first step in preparing the rice?
The first step is rinsing the Thai black rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Can I use white rice instead of black rice?
You can, but the salad will lose its signature nutty flavor, chewy texture, and striking dark color.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 3 sliced green onions.
What is in the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, lime zest, grated palm sugar, and bird's eye chili.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled shrimp or chicken would make an excellent addition to this salad.
Is Thai black rice the same as forbidden rice?
Yes, Thai black rice is often marketed as forbidden rice or black jasmine rice.
What texture does the red pepper add?
The diced red pepper provides a fresh, sweet crunch that contrasts with the soft mango and chewy rice.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the bird's eye chili, but you can adjust it by using more or less of the pepper.
What if I cannot find bird's eye chili?
You can substitute it with a serrano pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use frozen mango?
While fresh mango is preferred for its firm texture, thawed frozen mango can be used if fresh is not available.
Do I need to soak the rice before cooking?
Soaking is not strictly necessary for Thai black rice, but thorough rinsing is required.
What color is the rice after cooking?
The rice turns a deep purple or near-black color, which makes the salad very visually appealing.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for this recipe to achieve the bright, aromatic flavor profile essential to Thai cuisine.
What vegetables can be added for extra crunch?
Diced cucumbers or shredded carrots would be great additions for extra texture.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice should be tender but still hold its shape with a slight bite, usually after 30-40 minutes of simmering.
Is this salad considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is packed with fiber from the black rice, vitamins from the fruit and vegetables, and healthy fats from the cashews.