Fried Rice Balls
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack? Look no further than these crispy Fried Rice Balls! Packed with savory flavors and a cheesy center, these rice balls are perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of buttery rice, cheesy filling, and crispy breading creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these Fried Rice Balls in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for later enjoyment or quick snacks.
Ingredient Notes:
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the rice mixture.
- Yellow onions: Provide a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic flavor.
- Chicken broth and bouillon cube: Infuse the rice with savory notes.
- Long-grain white rice: Use uncooked rice for the perfect texture.
- Broccoli: Adds a pop of color and nutrients to the filling.
- Cheddar and Parmesan cheese: Create a gooey and cheesy center.
- Dijon mustard and dried herbs: Add depth of flavor to the rice mixture.
- Breading: A combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs for a crispy coating.
- Oil: For frying the rice balls to golden perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a saucepan, sauté onions and garlic in butter until translucent.
- Add chicken broth, bouillon cube, and rice. Cook until rice is tender.
- Stir in broccoli, cheeses, mustard, and herbs. Let the mixture cool.
- Shape the rice mixture into balls, coat with flour, dip in beaten eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs.
- Fry the rice balls until golden brown and crispy.
Helpful Tips:
- Use cold rice for easier shaping of the balls.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
- Freeze unbreaded rice balls for future use.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a deep fryer for consistent and even cooking.
- Double-coat the rice balls for extra crispiness.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for a delicious dip.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Fried Rice Balls with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad. Pair them with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade for a tasty treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly for brown rice. - Can I bake the rice balls instead of frying them?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy. - Can I make these rice balls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the rice balls and freeze them before frying for later use. - Can I use different vegetables in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite veggies.
Conclusion:
These Fried Rice Balls are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Try this recipe for your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time! Don’t forget to share your feedback and any creative variations you come up with. Enjoy!
PrintFried Rice Balls
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: Approximately 20 rice balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fried rice balls are a delicious appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of cheesy broccoli rice with a crispy breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup finely diced yellow onions
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups broccoli, fresh or frozen
- 2 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon EACH: Dried oregano, basil, parsley
Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (approximately 40 oz.)
Instructions
- Cook Rice Mixture: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic. Add chicken broth, bouillon cube, rice, broccoli, and seasonings. Cook until rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until melted and combined.
- Shape Balls: Allow mixture to cool, then form into balls.
- Bread and Fry: Coat balls in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables or proteins.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the rice balls instead of frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg