Rice Balls Recipe for Any Occasion

Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of warm rice mingling with herbs and spices. Yes, that’s right; we’re diving into the delightful world of rice balls. These little nuggets of joy are not just food; they’re a culinary hug wrapped in a perfect shape and bursting with flavors.

As I reminisce about childhood gatherings where everyone sat around the table rolling these magical morsels together, I realize how much these rice balls mean to me. They’re perfect for any event—be it an impromptu get-together or a family feast—bringing smiles and satisfied bellies to all.

My cousin once declared these rice balls “the best thing since sliced bread.” I still remember his face lit up like a Christmas tree when he took his first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sushi Rice: Short-grain sushi rice holds its shape well and provides the perfect sticky texture for forming into balls.
• Vegetables: Choose your favorites like bell peppers or carrots; they add crunch and color to the mix.
• Cheese: Mozzarella adds a gooey surprise inside each bite; feel free to swap with your preferred cheese.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile of your rice balls; use fresh for maximum impact.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors; do not skip this step!

For the coating:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft interior of the rice balls.
• Cooking Oil: Olive oil works perfectly for frying; it adds flavor while ensuring a crispy texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by cooking sushi rice according to package instructions until tender and sticky. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle without burning your fingers.

Add Flavor: In a large bowl, combine cooked sushi rice with diced vegetables, cheese, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed—this is where the magic happens!

Shape Into Balls: With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), take about two tablespoons of the mixture and form them into small balls. Aim for golf ball size; we want hearty bites!

Dip and Coat: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs until well coated. This step ensures that lovely crunch we all crave when biting into our delicious creations.

Fry Them Up: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add in your coated rice balls and fry until they’re golden brown on all sides—about 3 minutes per side should do it.

Serve Hot: Once golden brown and crispy, remove from oil using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick!

Enjoy every delightful bite of these crispy yet tender treats! Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces—after all, variety is the spice of life!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create delightful rice balls, start by cooking your rice perfectly—sticky is key! Once cooled slightly, shape the rice into balls while adding your favorite fillings.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in spices or herbs before shaping the rice balls. You can also swap traditional fillings for something unique like avocado or vegetables for added flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or enjoy cold—still delicious!

I remember the first time I made rice balls. My friends were skeptical but ended up devouring them all! Their surprised faces when they tasted my spicy filling were priceless.

FAQ

What type of rice is best for making rice balls?

Short-grain rice works best due to its sticky texture, making shaping easier.

Can I freeze rice balls for later use?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

How do I add flavor to my rice balls?

Mix spices, herbs, or even cheese into the cooked rice before shaping it into balls.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Delicious and Easy Rice Balls

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 servings (24 rice balls) 1x

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Description

Delight in these crispy, savory rice balls that are easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Packed with flavor, they’re a satisfying snack or appetizer for everyone to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
• ½ cup olive oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions until tender and sticky. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with bell peppers, carrots, mozzarella, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
3. With damp hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
4. Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the rice balls for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Try adding spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
•  Substitute vegetables based on your preference; zucchini or corn work well too.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snack/Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: General

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 rice balls (90g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg