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Crispy Rice Recipe

Crispy Rice Recipe

5 from 17 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: crispy rice, sushi rice recipe, pan-fried rice, Japanese appetizer, rice bites, crispy rice cakes