Description
Crispy golden rice balls filled with savory seasoned beef and optional melted mozzarella cheese. These crunchy and satisfying rice balls are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a comforting meal side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooking oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion and garlic until browned and fully cooked.
- Season the beef mixture with soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well mixed.
- Take a portion of the rice mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center and add a cube of mozzarella cheese if desired.
- Shape the rice around the filling to form a compact ball.
- Roll each rice ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat cooking oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium heat.
- Fry the rice balls until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Leftover rice works best because it is firmer and easier to shape.
- Short-grain or medium-grain rice helps the balls hold together better.
- For a lighter option, bake at 400°F or air-fry until crispy.
- Add peas or carrots to the beef filling for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked rice balls for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rice balls
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
