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Fried Rice Balls with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

These Fried Rice Balls are a delicious and cheesy appetizer or snack made from cooked chicken-flavored rice mixed with broccoli and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, shaped into balls, breaded, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they make a perfect party treat or indulgent comfort food.

Ingredients

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Rice and Broccoli Mixture

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¾ cup finely diced yellow onions
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¾ teaspoon dried parsley

Breading

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable or canola oil (for frying, about 40 oz.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice and Broccoli: Heat butter in a soup pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon cube. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Add and Simmer Rice: Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Bring back to a boil, cover tightly, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  4. Check Rice Doneness: After 15 minutes, verify that most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. If not done, replace the lid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top without stirring. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes to allow cheese to melt and any rice sticking to the pot bottom to loosen.
  6. Cook Broccoli: While the rice rests, boil the broccoli for 3-5 minutes or steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but firm. Drain well and finely dice the broccoli.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced broccoli, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano, basil, and parsley to the rice pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, then allow the mixture to cool completely.
  8. Form Rice Balls: Once cooled, roll the mixture into 2-inch diameter balls. Wrap them with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the breading stations.
  9. Prepare Breading Stations: Place the beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, and Italian breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls or trays for breading.
  10. Bread the Rice Balls: Coat each rice ball first in flour, tapping off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs allowing excess to drip off. Finally coat with Italian breadcrumbs. Complete breading all balls before frying.
  11. Heat Oil: In a deep pot or fryer, add enough vegetable or canola oil to fully submerge the rice balls. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough to keep the breading intact during frying.
  12. Fry Rice Balls: Fry the breaded rice balls in batches to avoid overcrowding, for about 3 minutes each until golden brown, gently rotating them for even browning.
  13. Drain and Season: Remove fried rice balls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle lightly with salt.
  14. Serve: Serve hot with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce and enjoy this crispy, cheesy treat!

Notes

  • You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli, but ensure it is well drained and finely chopped for best texture.
  • Long grain white rice is recommended to get the perfect texture in the rice balls; avoid sticky or short grain types.
  • Make sure the oil temperature remains consistent at 350°F to prevent the breading from falling off.
  • These rice balls can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and omit chicken bouillon cube.

Keywords: fried rice balls, cheesy rice balls, broccoli cheese balls, appetizer, party snack, deep-fried rice

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/fried-rice-balls-with-broccoli-and-cheddar-recipe/