![- 2 cups cooked sushi rice - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Additional flavor boosters: garlic powder, black pepper To make crispy rice balls, you need a few key ingredients. The base is cooked sushi rice. It gives a sticky texture that helps the balls hold together. The salt adds flavor while the rice vinegar brightens the taste. Garlic powder and black pepper give depth to the flavor. You can adjust these according to your taste. - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) For extra flair, chop some green onions and mix them in. They add a fresh crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a nutty flavor. You can use any oil for frying, but vegetable or canola works best. Frying in oil makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside soft. - Soy sauce - Spicy mayo - Sweet chili sauce Dipping sauces add more fun to the dish. Soy sauce is classic and savory. Spicy mayo gives a creamy kick. Sweet chili sauce provides a nice balance of heat and sweetness. You can pick one or try them all! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. First, I combine 2 cups of cooked sushi rice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar in a large bowl. I mix gently until the rice feels sticky and well-coated. This step is key for texture. Next, I cool the rice mixture for a few minutes. Once it's cool, I add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. I mix everything until it blends evenly. Now, I shape the rice mixture into balls. I take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and use wet hands to form them into a ball shape. Wet hands help prevent sticking. I repeat this until I've shaped all the rice into balls. It's important to keep them compact but not too tight. Next, I set up my breading station. I place the beaten egg in one bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. I dip each rice ball into the egg first. Then, I roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it is fully coated. This will give them a nice crunch. In a deep pan, I heat about 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This usually happens at around 350°F (175°C). I carefully add the rice balls to the hot oil in batches. I make sure not to overcrowd the pan. I fry each ball for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, I remove them and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. I serve them warm. For a tasty touch, I might garnish with extra green onions or serve with my favorite dipping sauce. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. This gives your rice balls a great texture. When frying, heat your oil to about 350°F. This makes the outside crisp up fast. Fry in batches, so the oil stays hot. This way, you avoid soggy rice balls. Do not overcrowd the frying pan! If you add too many rice balls at once, they will steam. This will make them soft instead of crispy. Also, let the rice cool before forming balls. If the rice is too warm, it will fall apart. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the crispy rice balls on a platter. You can sprinkle some extra green onions on top for color. Serve with dipping sauces like soy sauce or spicy mayo. These add great flavor and make the snack even better. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above! {{image_2}} You can play with flavors in many ways. Adding spices gives each rice ball a unique taste. Try adding a pinch of paprika for heat or a bit of cumin for warmth. You can also mix in meats or vegetables for extra flavor. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. Finely chopped bell peppers or carrots add color and crunch. Let’s take a trip around the world with these rice balls! For a Japanese twist, try fillings like seasoned seaweed or pickled vegetables. You can even add a small piece of cheese or spicy tuna inside each ball. On the other hand, for an Italian flair, use a mix of mozzarella or ricotta cheese along with fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These variations make the rice balls fun and exciting. If you want a lighter snack, consider baking instead of frying. Just coat the balls in breadcrumbs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until they are golden. You can also use whole grain or brown rice instead of sushi rice. This adds fiber and nutrients while keeping the dish delicious. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above and get cooking! To keep your leftover rice balls fresh, place them in the fridge. The best practice is to use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing smells from other foods. Store them in the fridge for up to three days for the best taste. When reheating, you want to keep that crispy texture. The best way to reheat them is in a hot pan. Heat the pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the rice balls in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method makes them crispy again! You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. If you want to save some rice balls for later, freezing works well. To freeze, place the rice balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put them in the freezer until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, take them out and defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat them using the pan method to bring back the crunch. Enjoy your crispy rice balls even later! Crispy rice balls are small, round snacks made from sushi rice. They have a crunchy outer layer and a soft inside. The rice sticks together, thanks to rice vinegar and salt. Their appeal lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. You can customize them with different ingredients, making them fun to eat. These tasty bites are often served warm and can be dipped in sauces. Yes, you can make crispy rice balls ahead of time. Prepare the rice mixture and shape it into balls. Place them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to eat, bread and fry them. This way, they stay fresh and delicious. You can dip crispy rice balls in various sauces. Popular choices include soy sauce and spicy mayo. Some people enjoy sweet chili sauce for a kick. For homemade dips, try mixing mayo with sriracha or creating a tangy soy sauce blend. Customizing your dips makes the experience even better. Crispy rice balls can be gluten-free, depending on the ingredients. Sushi rice is naturally gluten-free. However, panko breadcrumbs often contain gluten. For gluten-free options, use crushed gluten-free crackers or rice flour. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are safe for your diet. Enjoy these snacks without worry! Crispy rice balls are fun, tasty, and easy to make. We explored key ingredients like sushi rice, salt, and rice vinegar, along with optional flavors and dipping sauces. I shared steps for preparing, shaping, and frying these treats. You learned tips for crispiness and how to store leftovers. If you're eager to try new flavor combos or healthier methods, get creative! Enjoy your crispy rice balls at your next meal or snack time. They're sure to impress!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/daace1f5-942c-4044-953a-5b2df50fdf78-300x300.webp)
Crispy Rice Balls
Discover the delicious world of crispy rice balls with this easy recipe! Made with sushi rice, green onions, and rich Parmesan cheese, these tasty bites are coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. Perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer, they're sure to impress. Ready to create these golden, crispy delights? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful treat to your table!