Fried Rice Balls

Name: Fried Rice Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked long-grain rice, cooled; 8 oz ground beef; 1/4 cup onion, finely diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup carrot, finely diced; 1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1/4 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 cups vegetable oil

Golden, crispy fried rice balls filled with savory ingredients and served with a dipping sauce. A trending West African street food that's fun, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

50 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

West AfricanAppetizerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

3 cups cooked long-grain rice, cooled
8 oz ground beef
1/4 cup onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup carrot, finely diced
1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown 8 oz ground beef with 1/4 cup finely diced onion, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 cup finely diced carrot, and 1/4 tsp minced fresh ginger for 4-5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2

Add 1/4 cup thawed frozen peas, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute and cool completely.
3

Mix 3 cups cooked long-grain rice, cooled with the cooled beef mixture. Shape into golf ball-sized balls.
4

Set up three shallow bowls: one with 2 beaten large eggs, one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, and one empty for finished balls.
5

Roll each rice ball in eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
6

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F.
7

Carefully add breaded rice balls to hot oil, working in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
8

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with pepper sauce or dipping sauce of choice.

Questions

Can I make Fried Rice Balls gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos; the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Fried Rice Balls keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Fried Rice Balls?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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