Crispy Rice Patties: The Easy Way to Upgrade Leftovers Recipe
Crispy Rice Patties are a delicious and easy way to repurpose leftover rice into a flavorful and versatile snack or side dish. These patties combine simple ingredients like cooked rice, fresh vegetables, cheese, and seasonings, then are pan-fried to a golden and crispy perfection. Perfect for a quick bite or accompaniment to any meal, these patties are customizable, satisfying, and can be made vegan or gluten-free with simple substitutions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties 1x
- Category: Vegetarian & Vegan
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base
- 2 cups Cooked Leftover Rice or cooled fresh rice
- 1 large Egg or flax egg for vegan option
For Flavor
- 1 medium Onion or shallots/green onions
- 2 cloves Garlic or garlic powder
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley or cilantro/dill
For Creaminess
- ½ cup Grated Cheddar Cheese or mozzarella/dairy-free version
- ¼ cup Greek Yogurt or sour cream/non-dairy yogurt
For Crunch and Color
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper or any bell pepper color
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika/chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice or lemon juice
For Binding
- ½ cup All-purpose Flour or rice flour for gluten-free
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or coconut/avocado oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the leftover rice, chopped onion, grated cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Creaminess and Seasoning: Stir in the Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure the mixture is well-blended for balanced flavor throughout.
- Bind the Mixture: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour to create a cohesive mixture that will hold together when cooked. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Shape Patties: Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, each about ½ inch thick, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Fry Patties: Place 4 patties in the skillet at a time, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining patties, transferring each batch to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy rice patties hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or as a tasty side dish.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until crisp and golden.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) as an egg substitute for a vegan version.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add extra spices like chili powder or cumin for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a spicy sriracha mayo, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt dip for enhanced taste.
Keywords: Crispy rice patties, leftover rice recipe, easy snack, vegetarian patties, vegan rice patties, gluten-free snack, rice side dish, skillet rice patties, healthy snack, quick recipe
