Crispy Rice Patties: The Easy Way to Upgrade Leftovers Recipe

Introduction

Crispy rice patties are a delicious and easy way to transform leftover rice into a satisfying meal or snack. With a crispy exterior and flavorful interior, they make a great side or appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked leftover rice (or cooled fresh rice)
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• 1 medium onion (or shallots/green onions)
• 2 cloves garlic (or garlic powder)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro/dill)
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/dairy-free version)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream/non-dairy yogurt)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (or any bell pepper color)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika/chili powder)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut/avocado oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the leftover rice, chopped onion, grated cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until evenly distributed.
3. Step 3: Carefully add the all-purpose flour, gently folding it in to create a cohesive mixture.
4. Step 4: Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Step 5: In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
6. Step 6: Place 4 patties in the skillet, frying each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Step 7: Serve your crispy rice patties hot, paired with a favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cheese and yogurt alternatives.
• Swap the smoked paprika for chili powder to add a bit of heat.
• Try mixing in chopped herbs like dill or cilantro for extra freshness.
• If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour to help it bind better.

Storage

Store leftover rice patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to keep the patties crispy rather than microwaving, which may soften them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftovers?

Yes, but it’s best to let the freshly cooked rice cool completely before using it, as warm rice can make the mixture too sticky.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour or another gluten-free flour to ensure the patties hold together without gluten.

Crispy Rice Patties: The Easy Way to Upgrade Leftovers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 patties 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Rice Patties are a delicious and easy way to transform leftover rice into a flavorful, golden-brown snack or side dish. These patties combine cooked rice with fresh vegetables, cheese, herbs, and spices, then pan-fried to perfection for a crispy exterior and tender inside.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Leftover Rice (or cooled fresh rice)
• 1 large Egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• 1 medium Onion (or shallots/green onions)
• 2 cloves Garlic (or garlic powder)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (or cilantro/dill)
• 1/2 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (or mozzarella/dairy-free version)
• 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (or sour cream/non-dairy yogurt)
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (or any bell pepper color)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika/chili powder)
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or coconut/avocado oil)

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Instructions

1. Combine Rice and Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the leftover rice, chopped onion, grated cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper until thoroughly combined.
2. Add Seasonings and Yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is evenly seasoned.
3. Incorporate Flour: Carefully add the all-purpose flour, gently folding it into the mixture to form a cohesive batter that holds together well.
4. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, each about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they hold their shape for frying.
5. Heat Oil: In a non-stick skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for frying.
6. Fry Patties: Place 4 patties at a time into the skillet and fry each side for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Serve Warm: Serve the crispy rice patties hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to a meal.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cheese and yogurt alternatives.
• Rice flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour to make the patties gluten-free.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs like cilantro or dill for varied flavor profiles.
• Ensure the patties are not too thick to promote even cooking and a crisp exterior.
• Leftover rice works best when it’s a bit dry or chilled as it helps the patties hold together better.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crispy Rice Patties, Leftover Rice Recipes, Easy Snacks, Vegetarian Snack, Fried Rice Cakes