Kao kua

Name variations

 * ground toasted rice
 * roasted rice powder
 * toasted rice powder
 * khao kua
 * khao khua

About kao kua
Available in small plastic bags from some Southeast Asian markets, roasted rice powder is simply white rice that has been dry-roasted until the grains turn a rich brown color, then ground to make a fine tan powder. Tossed into spicy salads, it adds a pleasant toasted fragrance and flavor, while at the same time absorbs juices to keep the salads dry.

If you are not able to find the pre-packaged powder, make your own by roasting white rice in a dry pan, preferably cast-iron, over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to evenly brown to a rich dark color. This takes about 10-15 minutes. If the grains are browning too quickly or unevenly, the heat is too high – lower accordingly. Slow roasting yields a more fragrant and less gritty result, as the grains brown not only on the outside, but cook through to the interior. The grains do pick up a lot of heat, so let cool before grinding to a fine powder in a clean coffee grinder. Hot rice can melt the plastic lid of your grinder.