simple rice ball recipe

simple rice ball recipe

The Best simple rice ball recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my simple rice ball recipe, a classic dish that’s been a staple in many Asian cultures for generations. Growing up, my mom would often make these for our family gatherings, and I just loved helping her shape the rice into perfect little balls. There’s something so satisfying about biting into one of these chewy treats, feeling the texture of the rice and the burst of flavor from the filling.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! The key to making great rice balls is to use short-grain rice, which holds its shape well when cooked.

You can fill them with all sorts of delicious ingredients – from classic pork or chicken to more modern options like kimchi or veggies. My kids just love helping me make these, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. We often serve them as a snack or light meal, but they’re also perfect for potlucks or picnics.

Plus, they’re super healthy – just be sure to use plenty of fresh herbs and spices for added flavor without added salt. My family just adores this recipe, and I know yours will too! One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the secret to making perfect rice balls is all about the technique – it’s not just about mixing together some ingredients and shaping them into balls.

It’s about creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor in every single bite. And trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked! There’s something so special about sharing a meal with loved ones that’s been made with love and care – and this simple rice ball recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Simple Rice Balls

Simple Rice Balls

4.8 from 882 votes

These simple rice balls are a versatile snack or side dish made with leftover rice and a few pantry staples. They are pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and warm inside.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice Balls

3 cups cooked white rice (cooled)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper.
2Mix thoroughly with a fork or your hands until the mixture holds together when pressed; it should be moist but not sticky.
3Place the breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
4Using your hands, shape the rice mixture into 12 equal-sized balls, each about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
5Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
6Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
7Carefully place the rice balls in the pan in a single layer, leaving space between them; cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning gently with a spatula, until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
8The balls should be heated through and the internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with a food thermometer.
9Transfer the cooked rice balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
10Serve warm as a snack or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or soy sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Frying pan or skillet
Spatula
Plate (for holding coated balls)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: For best results, use day-old or fully cooled rice to prevent the balls from falling apart. You can add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the rice mixture for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Simple Rice Balls Works

One thing I love about this simple rice ball recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light meal, or even a fun project with your kids, these are always a good idea! They’re incredibly easy to store and reheat too – just pop them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

My family loves serving these at gatherings because they’re so easy to customize with different fillings – plus they look adorable on platters or plates. So next time you need something fun and delicious for your family or friends, give these simple rice balls a try!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Balls

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

A: You’ll want to use short-grain rice for this recipe – it holds its shape well when cooked and gives the best results. Regular long-grain rice won’t work as well.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Just be sure to thaw them slowly in the fridge before serving.

Q: How do I store leftover rice balls?

A: Store leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, be sure to wrap them in a damp paper towel first to prevent drying out.

Q: Can I add different seasonings or spices?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor combinations – some ideas include adding grated ginger or garlic for an Asian twist.

Q: Can I serve these as a main course?

A: While they’re perfect as a snack or side dish, you can definitely serve these as a main course by filling them with more substantial ingredients like meat or eggs.

Q: Are these suitable for vegans/vegetarians?

A: Yes! This recipe is easily adaptable to suit vegan/vegetarian diets – simply omit any meat-based fillings and use plant-based alternatives instead.

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