Discover the secrets behind a summer recipe par excellence: surimi rice salad.
Easy to prepare, rich in flavor and colour, it will please both young and old.
Prized for its freshness and lightness, surimi rice salad is an ideal dish for outdoor meals, picnics or lunches on the go.
In addition to its simplicity and quick preparation, this recipe offers many options for customization according to each individual’s taste and wishes.
Follow the recipe for sure success with your surimi rice salad and surprise your guests with a tasty and refined dish.
The key ingredients in surimi rice salad
To make a delicious surimi rice salad, it is important to choose quality ingredients and vary the taste and texture.
Here are the essential elements to compose a tasty and balanced surimi rice salad:
- Rice: choose a long grain rice (basmati or Thai type) or a special salad rice which is non-sticky and remains very firm after cooking. Count about 200 g of raw rice for 4 people.
- Surimi: choose quality surimi sticks, with firm meat and a strong taste. You need about 200 g of surimi for 4 people.
- The vegetables: To bring freshness and crunch to your salad, choose seasonal vegetables bursting with flavor. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, radishes, carrots, corn… Give your imagination and your preferences free rein.
- Aromatic herbs: to flavor your rice salad with surimi, sprinkle generously with chives, parsley, basil or chopped fresh coriander.
- The dressing: prepare a light and fragrant vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity and freshness.
Steps to prepare surimi rice salad
The surimi rice salad is prepared in a few quick and easy steps.
To succeed with certainty, simply follow these few tips:
- Cook the rice: cook the rice according to package directions, making sure it remains firm. Once cooked, drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly. Then let it drain and cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the vegetables: wash and cut the vegetables of your choice into small cubes or slices. If using bell peppers, consider removing the core and chopping them finely. For the tomatoes, you can pit them to avoid them making too much water in the salad.
- Cut the surimi: cut the surimi sticks into rounds or small cubes, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the dressing: mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If necessary, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Assemble the salad: in a large salad bowl, carefully combine the cooled rice, vegetables, surimi and vinaigrette. Sprinkle generously with chopped aromatic herbs and mix again.
- Keep refrigerated: Refrigerate the surimi rice salad for at least 1 hour to chill and blend the flavors. Serve well chilled.
Variations and tips for personalizing surimi rice salad
Surimi rice salad is an extremely versatile dish that allows for many variations and adaptations according to individual tastes and wishes.
Here are some ideas to personalize your surimi rice salad and make it even tastier:
- Vary the rice: for an even more original surimi rice salad, replace the white rice with brown rice, black rice or red rice. You can also use a mixture of rice and quinoa for a touch of originality.
- Add protein: to enrich your surimi rice salad, add quartered hard-boiled eggs, peeled shrimp, flaked tuna, or diced grilled chicken.
- Add a sweet touch: for a sweet and spicy surimi rice salad, add fresh or dried fruit to your preparation. Chopped pineapple, mango, apple, raisins or dried apricots will add a delicious fruity note to your salad.
- Taste the vinaigrette for: to add even more flavor to your surimi rice salad, season your vinaigrette with spices, herbs or spices. For example, try incorporating curry, paprika, cumin, pressed garlic, finely chopped shallots, soy sauce or honey into your vinaigrette.
- Add oil seeds: for a crunchy and gourmet surimi rice salad, sprinkle your mixture with walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios or lightly dry-roasted pumpkin seeds in a pan.
- Add cheeses: for an even creamier and melty surimi rice salad, add diced cheese to your preparation. Feta, mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, Emmental, Comté or Gouda will bring a touch of sweetness and pleasure to your salad.
Tips for serving and presenting surimi rice salad
A beautiful presentation is essential to show off your surimi rice salad and make your guests want to feast.
Here are some tips to improve your dish:
- Choose a suitable salad bowl: To showcase your surimi rice salad, choose a transparent glass or colored ceramic salad bowl, which will reveal the different layers of your preparation and highlight the diversity of the ingredients.
- Pay attention to the layout of the ingredients: For a harmonious and appetizing visual result, take the time to arrange the ingredients properly in your salad bowl. For example, you can distribute the vegetables and surimi in alternating layers, or arrange them in concentric circles around the rice.
- Bring a touch of color: to spice up your surimi rice salad, sprinkle it with colorful touches using halved cherry tomatoes, radishes, pepper strips, cucumber or corn kernels.
- Customize the decoration: for an original and unique presentation, decorate your surimi rice salad according to your wishes and your creativity. For example, you can form patterns with the vegetables, arrange lemon slices around the edges of the salad bowl or create flowers with the surimi sticks.
By following these tips and tricks, you will definitely succeed with your surimi rice salad and delight your guests with a fresh, tasty and refined dish. Do not hesitate to give free rein to your imagination to personalize your recipe and adapt it to your and your guests’ tastes.
Surimi rice salad is an essential recipe for hot summer days, which will delight lovers of light and gourmet tastes.