Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Rice Balls with Fresh Rapeseed Greens
Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Rice Balls with Rapeseed Greens
Experience the fresh taste of spring with these delightful Bacon-Wrapped Rice Balls featuring tender rapeseed greens! These savory and satisfying bites are a guaranteed hit with kids and make a wonderful snack, appetizer, or addition to lunchboxes. The combination of fluffy rice, the unique, slightly peppery flavor of rapeseed greens, and the salty crispiness of bacon is simply irresistible.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 bag rapeseed greens (approx. 50g), washed
- 5 strips of bacon
- Pinch of salt
Rice Ball Seasoning- 1 bowl of cooked rice
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 bowl of cooked rice
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh rapeseed greens under running water. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Gently place the stem parts of the rapeseed greens into the boiling water first and blanch for about 1 minute. The stems are tougher than the leaves, so blanching them first ensures even cooking. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 2
Immediately after blanching, rinse the rapeseed greens under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Squeeze out as much water as possible by hand; excess moisture can make the rice balls soggy. Once drained, finely chop the greens.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked rice, the finely chopped rapeseed greens, toasted sesame seeds, fragrant sesame oil, and soy sauce for a touch of umami. Gently mix everything together using a spatula or rice paddle, being careful not to mash the rice grains. (Tip: You can also use other greens like perilla leaves or spinach. For a different flavor profile, try mixing in a little doenjang (fermented soybean paste) with the greens before adding to the rice).
Step 4
Cut each of the 5 bacon strips in half lengthwise. Using half a strip per rice ball helps to balance the saltiness. Take a portion of the seasoned rice (about a tablespoonful) and roll it into a compact ball. Wrap each rice ball with a piece of the halved bacon, ensuring it’s covered.
Step 5
Here’s a clever trick to prevent the bacon from unraveling while cooking: start by searing the seam where the bacon ends meet directly onto the hot pan. As this seam cooks and shrinks, it will effectively seal the bacon wrap, keeping your rice balls intact.
Step 6
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the bacon-wrapped rice balls seam-side down first and cook until the seam is sealed and the bacon starts to crisp. Then, gently roll the rice balls around the pan, cooking until the bacon is golden brown and crispy on all sides. The rice doesn’t need much seasoning on its own, as the savory flavor of the bacon will complement it perfectly. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!
