The Crispy Rice Bowl from Sweetgreen features crunchy rice cakes topped with fresh kale, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and tangy pickled red onions, all drizzled with a savory soy-ginger dressing, creating a vibrant and satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mandoline slicer (optional, for carrots)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium saucepan (for pickling onions)
- Whisk (for dressing)
- Salad spinner (for kale)
- Baking sheet or skillet (for crispy rice cakes)
- Tongs
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 large avocado
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small red onion
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Short-grain white rice is essential for achieving the perfect texture of the crispy rice cakes, as it sticks together better when cooked. Fresh kale should be thoroughly washed and spun dry to maintain its crispness and avoid sogginess in your bowl. When pickling red onions, balance the vinegar, sugar, and salt carefully to create the tangy flavor without overpowering other ingredients. Use ripe avocado to add creaminess and complement the savory soy-ginger dressing, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. Your Crispy Rice Bowl from Sweetgreen copycat menu will deliver a vibrant, satisfying mix of crunchy and fresh ingredients that mirror the original dish.
Instructions
- Rinse and cook the short-grain white rice in a rice cooker with 2 cups water.
- Let rice cool completely.
- Shape cooled rice into small cakes/patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet or on a baking sheet; cook rice cakes until crispy on both sides.
- Wash and dry kale using a salad spinner; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice avocado.
- Shred carrots (use mandoline slicer if desired).
- Thinly slice red onion.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer.
- Add sliced red onion to pickling liquid; let sit for at least 15 minutes, then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk soy sauce, minced ginger, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, and ½ teaspoon salt to make the soy-ginger dressing.
- Toss chopped kale with a small amount of dressing.
- Place crispy rice cakes in serving bowls.
- Top each rice cake with kale, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and pickled onions.
- Drizzle with soy-ginger dressing.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Crispy Rice Bowl from Sweetgreen copycat menu combines crunchy rice cakes with fresh kale, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and pickled red onions topped with a savory soy-ginger dressing. If you don't have a mandoline slicer, thinly slicing carrots with a sharp chef's knife works just as well to maintain texture. When making the crispy rice cakes, using a non-stick skillet or greased baking sheet prevents sticking and ensures even crispiness. For pickled red onions, substitute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable; the flavor will be slightly different but still tangy. You can adjust the soy-ginger dressing by swapping honey with maple syrup for a vegan option without losing sweetness.
Tips
Make sure to let the rice cool completely before shaping into cakes; warm rice will cause them to fall apart during cooking. When pickling red onions, allow at least 15 minutes for the flavors to develop, but avoid over-soaking to maintain their crunch. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry kale after washing, so the dressing adheres better and the greens stay crisp. You'll want to evenly heat the oil and cook rice cakes on medium heat to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning.
Nutritions
The Crispy Rice Bowl from Sweetgreen offers a nutrient-dense meal rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Fresh kale provides essential vitamins A, C, and K, while avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium. Pickled red onions contribute probiotics that support digestion, and shredded carrots offer beta-carotene for immune health. Your body benefits from the soy-ginger dressing, which contains anti-inflammatory compounds from ginger and sesame oil.
Storage
Store leftover crispy rice cakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, keeping them crisp when refrigerated up to 2 days. Keep the kale, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and pickled red onions in separate containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. You can drizzle the soy-ginger dressing just before serving to preserve the flavors and textures of your Crispy Rice Bowl.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the short-grain white rice for jasmine or basmati rice to add a fragrant aroma to the crispy rice cakes. For a plant-based soy-ginger dressing, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the flavor balance while accommodating dietary preferences. Instead of pickling red onions, try quick-pickled cucumber ribbons for a refreshing crunch and tang. Using a cast-iron skillet enhances the rice cakes' crispiness due to its excellent heat retention and even cooking.
Allergies
The Crispy Rice Bowl contains soy sauce and sesame oil, common allergens that may trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to soy or sesame. Avocado, although less common, can cause allergic responses including oral allergy syndrome in some people. You should check each ingredient carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Sweetgreen's Crispy Rice Bowl stands out for its perfect balance of textures with crispy rice paired with fresh vegetables and savory sauces, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. The bowl features nutrient-dense ingredients like avocado, edamame, and pickled ginger, delivering a vibrant and health-conscious dining experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize flavors and portions while enjoying a restaurant-quality dish at home. Your homemade Crispy Rice Bowl can be a cost-effective, fresh, and delicious way to enjoy Sweetgreen's popular menu item anytime.