Crispy Veggie Rice Balls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Carolina® Jasmine Rice
- 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
- 3 oz extra firm tofu, drained, patted dry and cut into 1/8 -inch cubes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tsp everything bagel seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, grated
- 3 tbsp vegan cream cheese
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 scallions, sliced
- Pickled ginger, for serving
Instructions
Enjoy this crispy rice balls for a perfect party appetizer.
Step 1
Prepare 1 1/2 cups rice with 2 cups water. The rice should be sticky. Cool completely.
Step 2
In a small pan set over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp oil. Fry tofu cubes for 2-3 mins or until golden. Season with salt. Transfer to bowl; set aside. Set aside pan with oil for later use.
Step 3
In large bowl, season rice with everything bagel seasoning and drizzle with vinegar. Mix to combine; set aside.
Step 4
In medium bowl, combine carrots, cucumbers, red pepper, tofu and cream cheese until combined.
Step 5
In small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha and sesame oil. Serve rice balls with soy sauce mixture and garnish with pickled ginger and freshly sliced scallions.
Step 6
Divide rice among 6 portions. Spoon 1 heaping tbsp of vegan filling into the center of each rice portion. With wet hands, shape and squeeze into a compact ball to enclose filling.
Step 7
In a medium pan set over medium-high heat. In batches, cook rice balls, flipping often, for 2 to 3 mins or until crispy on the outside and heated through.
Recipe Tip
Alternatively, for an extra hit of heat serve with soy sauce spiked with wasabi paste.
This Italian inspired recipe is the perfect snack to treat yourself after a long week. Got left-over rice? Give it a delicious twist with these Crispy Veggie Rice Balls. They also work great as a party snack!
Although there are several ways of making Rice Balls, for this recipe we will be using Carolina® Jasmine Rice to get sticky textured rice. If you want to know more about this and other rice varieties, check out this link and find out other ways to use Carolina® Jasmine Rice for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert!
Air Fryer Tips
We’ve put together a few tips in case you decide to make these Crispy Rice Balls in the Air Fryer.
– Make sure you turn the rice balls halfway to cook evenly.
– Just like an oven or cooking water, make sure to preheat your Air Fryer.
– Oil the rice balls with a brush before putting them in the Air Fryer
Storing Rice Balls
If you happen to have any leftover rice balls or if you want to make them in advance, you can store them frozen or in an airtight container after cooling them to room temperature. To reheat, set your oven to 400-degrees Fahrenheit and bake the rice balls for 20-25 minutes or 40-45 minutes if frozen.
Loved these Veggie Rice Balls? Give these Air Fryer Rice Balls with Arroz Rojo a try for a cheesy version of this snack or make these Israeli Fusion Rice Balls for the meat friendly version.
