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

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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.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Fried Rice Balls?

For Fried Rice Balls, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 6. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

What can I use instead of panko in Fried Rice Balls?

The entry for Fried Rice Balls calls for 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Fried Rice Balls?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Fried Rice Balls uses 8 oz ground beef.

Can I make Fried Rice Balls gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Fried Rice Balls 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.

Does Fried Rice Balls contain soy?

Yes: 1 tsp soy sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, eggs and soy. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Fried Rice Balls?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 280 calories, with 8 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 620 mg sodium.

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