The summer season brings many things with it: hot summer sun, great outdoor BBQs, vacation time, and best of all — street fairs! For most, this is the best time of year to sample some new tastes or enjoy classic food flavors, listen to live music, play fun games, and have a great time! But, who says that fun only has to come around once a year?
Craving that deep-fried or fresh fair food? Now, you can recreate your favorite street fair fun and flavors at home! Travel with us from stand to stand to sample different flavors from savory tacos to sweet Thai-inspired treats.
Homemade Fairgrounds
One of the best parts about a large street fair or a small county fair is the food! Can’t make it to your favorite fair this year? No problem, bring the fair to your home and create new traditions with family and friends.
Get creative and make your own fairgrounds with those around you in the backyard, driveway or living room with different food selections. Have any younger helping hands make signs and decorations for each food stand. If you’re a competitive bunch, make your own contest with flavor testers and a silent vote at the end – fun, right?
The options are endless, whether you’re celebrating a Fourth of July Fair or simply want to have a bit of fun mid-summer, take a walk with us through just a few of our favorites for your next fair at home. Let’s dig in!
Savory Food Stands
Tacos
Most people enjoy fair foods that they can take with them on the go like delicious tacos. Let’s take a trip to the Southwest-inspired stands and enjoy a few simple but savory taco ideas.
Our first set of tacos are filled with delicious Chicken Tinga made from a blend of shredded chicken in a savory sauce of tomatoes, chipotle chilis in adobo and sliced onions. Top your tacos with creamy avocado, crumbled Feta cheese and hearty white rice! Every bite of these tacos is filled with spicy and fresh flavor.
Looking for some tacos without the heat? These Grilled Chicken Tacos are filled with seasoned chicken topped with a mild and sweet salsa made with Carolina® Brown Rice, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, honey, garlic and salt.
By adding rice to tacos, you make them a more filling meal. Plus, the fluffy grains add an extra layer of texture.
Street Corn
Tacos aren’t the only Southwest flavor we think you’ll be craving. We couldn’t forget to add Mexican Style Street Corn to the list of fair essentials.
Char grilled corn on the cob covered in authentic spices like paprika, cumin and garlic, with zesty cheese, hearty white rice and bit of jalapeño for a kick, this dish has everything you love about classic Elotes.
Mediterranean Shish Kebabs
What would a fair be without food on a stick? Try out these Mediterranean flavored garlic and lemon marinated grilled Chicken Kebabs served over seasoned green rice! Pair with a side of corn on the cob and you’ve got a full balanced plate ready to enjoy.
Want to make them meat free kebabs? Simply swap out the chicken for your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, pepper, onion or even eggplant!
Fried Fusions
Fairs are pretty much notorious for frying everything they can, so we’ve put our own spin on fried foods that we think you’ll enjoy!
Arancini
Forget classic hush puppies, try out these Italian and Israeli inspired Risotto balls flavored with Reuben-like tastes of corned beef, swiss cheese and sauerkraut. The beauty is, you don’t have to worry about having a deep fryer or enough oil! These arancini are made in the oven.
Crab Cakes
Our next delicacy comes straight from the East Coast — Deep Fried Crab Cakes! Inspired by the original Maryland Crab Cakes, these morsels are made with lump crabmeat, Carolina® Basmati Rice, and creole seasoning.
Of course, we wouldn’t leave you hanging, the warm fried taste pairs perfectly with its signature curry mango dipping sauce! Check it out in the recipe.
Sweet Section
No street fair selection is complete without dessert! We’ve got a few ideas that will be making you wonder why you’ve never tried making them before.
Blue Ribbon (Mini) Apple Pie
Can’t quite imagine a fair without a homemade pie contest? The fun doesn’t have to end at food on a stick! Make your own flaky crusted and sweet Mini Apple Pies filled with a rice pudding-like center and have everyone personalize their decoration on top to have your own contest at home. Save a bit of the pie crust to make decorative latticework or simply top on a dollop of whipped cream, the choice is yours.
Recipe Tip: For best results, prepare your filling using rice pudding with cooked rice!
Festive Tip: If you’re celebrating a Fourth of July Fair, get patriotic with colored designs such as added fruit like blueberries and strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and red and blue colored sprinkles.
Crepes
Whether you use a fork and knife, slice them in bite size pieces or eat them on the go like a sweet burrito, thin, soft and golden brown crepes are classic fair food! These Tropical Crepes take on a refreshing tropical taste that will transport you to a desert island, even if you’re enjoying them from the comfort of your own kitchen. Fill with fruits like mango, kiwi, honey or coconut whipped cream!
If you’re a chocolate lover, toss in your favorite creamy chocolate spread with anything from peanut butter to tropical fruits to crunchy cookie bits!
As a bonus, this recipe is made completely Gluten Free using homemade rice flour out of what’s in your pantry. Not sure how to make your own rice flour? It’s simple! Check out our guide to learn all you need to know.
Sticky Rice
Expand your fair to include the delicious sweet and creamy flavors of this Thai-inspired Mango Sticky Rice dish. A common street food in Southeast Asia made with Carolina® Jasmine Rice simmered to perfection in coconut milk and topped with freshly sliced mango, honey and crunchy toasted coconut. For best results, we suggest using long grain jasmine or white rice and getting the perfect rice water ratio.
