Easy Crispy Rice Balls

To make these rice balls, you need a few key items:

Craving a quick and tasty snack? Try these Easy Crispy Rice Balls! They're simple to make and packed with flavor, featuring a crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy inside. Perfect for any occasion, they're customizable with your favorite ingredients and served best alongside delicious dipping sauces. Dive into this fun recipe today and discover how to whip up your own batch of crispy goodness. Click through for the full recipe and tips!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked sushi rice (or short-grain rice)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or cilantro)

1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

With damp hands, take a small amount of the rice mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and form it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each rice ball in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated.

Heat about 1-inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C).

Carefully add the rice balls to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the rice balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Before serving, sprinkle the crispy rice balls with the chopped fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4