Crispy Rice Recipe
Crispy Rice is a delightful dish featuring perfectly cooked sushi rice that is seasoned, chilled, cut into squares, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. This versatile recipe makes an excellent base for toppings like spicy tuna or avocado, perfect for appetizers or light snacks.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Rice Preparation
- 2 cups sushi rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Frying
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or sesame oil)
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
- Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this seasoning mixture into the cooked rice to add flavor and help the rice stick together for frying.
- Chill the Rice: Transfer the seasoned rice to a shallow pan or baking dish, press down firmly to create an even 1-inch thick layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up the rice for easier cutting and crisping.
- Cut the Rice: Remove the chilled rice from the pan and cut it into squares or rectangles to ensure even frying and classic crispy rice shapes.
- Pan-Fry Until Golden: Heat the neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Place rice pieces carefully in the pan without overlapping. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the crispy rice as is, or enhance with toppings such as spicy tuna, avocado slices, or a drizzle of soy sauce for additional flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to avoid overly sticky rice.
- Allow rice to chill fully for best frying results.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in a pan for crispiness.
- This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free soy sauce for those needing gluten-free options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: crispy rice, sushi rice recipe, pan-fried rice, Japanese appetizer, rice bites, crispy rice cakes