Crispy Rice Squares
Crispy rice squares are one of the most versatile things you can make in your kitchen. Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, they work as a base for endless toppings - from spicy tuna to avocado, smoked salmon, or anything else you can think of. Once you've made them, you'll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 87kcal
Equipment
- Large (11-inch/28cm) skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Rice cooker or a cooking pot
- 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20cm) square baking pan
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white rice I prefer Jasmine, but you can use sushi rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, and sugar. Microwave for 5-10 seconds to warm up the mixture to help the sugar and salt dissolve. Once the rice is cooked, pour the mixture onto the rice and mix it.
- Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. While the rice is still warm, add it to the pan and press it down firmly with the wet back of a spoon. Make the surface as smooth as possible, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Alternatively, place it in the freezer to speed up the cooling process. The time also depends on how sticky your rice is - stickier rice needs less time to become ready for frying.
- Once fully cooled, remove the rice slab from the pan and cut it into 12 pieces.
- Heat approximately 1 inch of oil in a frying pan or pot. Fry the rice squares in several batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden.
- Remove onto a paper towel to cool down and season with salt (optional).
Video
Notes
Store the unfried squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg