If you want more recipes for fried rice, then try our “Curry Fried Rice“, “Korean Fried Rice“, and “Yangzhou Fried Rice“.
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Fried Rice Balls Ingredients and Substitutions
The most typical components used in fried rice ball recipes are listed below, along with some potential swaps.
- Rice (you can use any cooked rice such as white, brown, or jasmine. Leftover rice works great for this recipe)
- Eggs (used to bind the rice together; eggs can be omitted for a vegan option. A flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) can be used as a substitute)
- Cheese (you can use any shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese are common choices. Omit cheese for a dairy-free option)
- Seasonings (add salt, pepper, and other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder )
- Fillings (you can add various fillings to the rice mixture, such as cooked meats, vegetables, or seafood. Some popular choices include chicken, ham, shrimp, carrots, or corn)
- Breading (you can use panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs to coat the rice balls before frying. You can also use crushed crackers or cornflakes)
- Oil (you can use any oil for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil)
Instructions to Make Fried Rice Balls
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, beaten eggs, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well
- Scoop a portion of the rice mixture into your hands and form it into a ball. Continue until all the crosses have been utilized.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- After that, heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the breaded rice balls in the pan
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown
- Remove the fried rice balls from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil
- Serve these balls warm with dipping sauces of your choice, such as soy sauce or sweet chili sauce
Fried Rice Balls Variations
Making these balls at home is a fun and easy way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can try adding other spices, herbs, and seasonings to the mixture to create a variety of flavors.
There are many variations of these balls, each with its unique flavor and ingredients. Here are a few popular variations
Korean Fried Rice Balls
Korean fried rice ball, also known as “ddeokbokki”, is made with a mixture of rice cake and a spicy sauce. These rice balls are typically offered as a snack or side dish in Korea.
Chinese Fried Rice Balls
Fried rice balls can occasionally be seen in China, loaded with delectable foods like pork, shrimp, or veggies. These balls are frequently offered in Chinese restaurants as a snack or an entree.
Indonesian Fried Rice Ball
Indonesian fried rice balls, known as “bakwan”, are made with rice flour and vegetables. These deep-fried rice balls in Indonesia are frequently served as a snack or side dish.
Thai Rice Balls
The ingredients for Thai fried rice balls include rice, shrimp, and seasonings. The dipping sauce for these balls is frequently sweet and sour.
Serving Suggestions for Fried Rice Ball
Dipping Sauces
Serve fried rice balls with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Salad
Serve these balls as a side dish with a green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Soup
Serve these balls as a side dish with a bowl of hot soup, such as miso or ramen.
Appetizer
Offer these balls as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
Main Dish
Fill the fried rice balls with additional ingredients such as cooked meats or vegetables to make a main dish.
Bento Box
Include these balls in a bento box lunch for a tasty and convenient meal.
Snack
Serve these balls as a snack or on-the-go treat.
Instructions to Store
Storing these balls properly will help maintain their crispiness and flavor. Whether you are reheating or eating them cold, they are a tasty and convenient snack or meal option.
Cool Completely
Allow the balls to cool completely to room temperature before storing them.
Refrigerate
Place the balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat
To reheat, place the rice balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated.
Another option is to heat in a pan on medium heat until heated through, flipping occasionally.
Freeze
You can also freeze it for three months. To freeze, place the rice balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer. To reheat from frozen, follow the exact reheating instructions as above.
How to Reheat Fried Rice Balls?
Regardless of your chosen method, the goal is to heat the rice balls evenly without drying them out or making them soggy.
Reheating in the oven or on the stovetop will produce a crispy texture while microwaving will have a softer texture. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Oven Method
Place the rice balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated.
Stovetop Method
Place the rice balls in a pan on medium heat and heat until heated through, flipping occasionally.
Microwave Method
Place the rice balls in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high in 30-second increments, flipping once, until heated through.
Health Benefits of Fried Rice Balls
These balls have few health advantages because they often include a lot of calories, fat, and salt. Some potential benefits include the following.
Overconsumption can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Protein
If these balls contain eggs, they can provide a source of protein.
Fiber
If the rice used in the recipe is brown, it will provide some fiber.
Comfort Food
It can be a comforting and satisfying snack or meal, which can positively impact overall well-being.
Health Hazards of Fried Rice Balls
These balls can have several health hazards due to the high amounts of unhealthy ingredients used in the cooking process.
It is essential to consume these balls in moderation and balance them with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
It is also suggested to reduce the amount of oil and salt in the meal to reduce potential health hazards.
High in Fat
Usually, these balls are fried in oil, which can significantly increase the number of bad fats in the food.
Consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy fats can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
High in Sodium
These balls often contain large amounts of salt, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
High in Calories
Fried foods are typically high in calories, and these balls are no exception. Moreover, overconsumption of high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Acrylamide
The high-temperature cooking process used to fry rice balls can produce acrylamide, a potentially harmful chemical.
FAQs
Yes, fried rice balls can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free ingredients and a gluten-free breadcrumb coating.
Yes, fried rice balls can be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetarian ingredients such as tofu or plant-based cheese and skipping the egg.
To make crispy fried rice balls, use a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil, and heat it to a high temperature. Fry the rice balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Yes, fried rice balls can be made and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
Conclusion
These Fried rice balls are a versatile and delicious snack, and you can make them with various ingredients. Whether using leftover rice or looking for a quick and easy snack, fried rice balls are a great option.
Try making these tasty treats at home today.
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