Step 1

Cook your rice (skip this step if you’re using leftover rice). Add 2/3 cup of rice to a small pot you have a lid for. Add 1 cup of water, then set over high heat until you see foamy bubbles on top. Pop the lid on, reduce the heat to low and cook for 12 minutes. Remove from the heat (still with the lid on), and set aside for another 10 minutes, to finish steaming. After this, fluff up the grains with a fork, then spread it onto an oven tray lined with parchment paper and pop it into the fridge to cool, for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2

Heat your oven to 400F/200C. If you’re using leftover rice, transfer it to a parchment paper lined oven tray. If you’re using your fresh rice, get the tray out of the fridge. Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of chili oil over the rice, then mix it through the rice. Spread the seasoned rice into a thin, even layer (ideally one layer), then pop into the oven for 25 – 30 minutes, to crisp up. Check the rice after 15 minutes to see how it’s going – some ovens are a little uneven and you may want to rotate the tray. Check it at 20 minutes too as it can easily burn and again, all ovens are diffferent.

Step 3

Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of sweet chili jam to a bowl, or a jar. Use a fork to mix into a thick paste. It’ll seem like it won’t come together, but just keep mixing. Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of water, mixing as you do, until you get a lovely creamy dressing, with the consistency of heavy cream.

Step 4

Once your rice looks lovely and golden, and crispy around the edges, remove it from the oven. Add the edamame beans, diced cucumber, chicken, cilantro, mint, Thai basil, red chili (if you’re using it), most of the peanuts, sesame seeds and scallions to a mixing bowl, or straight into a serving bowl. Pour the crispy rice on top, then pour roughly half the dressing on top. Mix well to combine. Drizzle over more of the dressing and scatter over the remaining peanuts to serve.