Crispy Fried Rice Squares with Vinegar Seasoning Recipe
Crispy Rice is a delicious dish featuring perfectly cooked sushi rice that’s seasoned with a sweet and tangy rice vinegar mixture, chilled to firm it up, then pan-fried to crispy golden perfection. This recipe yields crispy rice squares that can be enjoyed as-is or topped with savory ingredients for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rice Base:
- 2 cups sushi rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Frying:
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or sesame oil)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness. Combine the rinsed rice with water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for another 10 minutes.
- Season the Rice: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice to add flavor and help the rice stick together for frying.
- Chill the Rice: Transfer the rice to a shallow pan or baking dish, pressing 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 cutting and frying.
- Cut the Rice: Remove the chilled rice from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles. This step ensures even frying and creates bite-sized crispy rice pieces.
- Pan-Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the rice pieces carefully in the pan, making sure they don’t overlap. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy rice as is, or top with spicy tuna, avocado slices, or a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Use short-grain or sushi rice for best texture and crispiness.
- Chilling the rice is crucial to firm it up and make frying easier.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or vegetable oil, to avoid burning.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain crispiness.
- Crispy rice pairs well with seafood toppings, spicy mayo, or soy sauce.
Keywords: crispy rice, fried rice squares, sushi rice appetizer, Japanese crispy rice, rice bites
