Crispy Cheese Rice Balls: A Hit with Kids & Adults!
Kid-Friendly Snack! Beyond Tuna Mayo: Delicious Baked Rice Balls with Loads of Cheese
Baked rice balls are trending, and this cheesy version is a guaranteed hit with children! Many recipes use tuna mayo as a filling, but what if your child isn’t a fan of tuna? No worries! This recipe features a delightful cheese and corn filling that’s sure to disappear quickly. Enjoy the delightful contrast of a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey, cheesy interior. It’s a perfect recipe for everyone!
Rice Ball Filling Ingredients- 1 handful of pizza cheese (shredded mozzarella or similar)
- 5 Tbsp canned corn, drained
- A small amount of diced ham
- A small amount of diced bell pepper
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
Soy Glaze- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the filling for our rice balls. Honestly, any filling you choose will be delicious! I’ve created a versatile filling that’s also great for kids’ snacks.
Step 2
First, drain the canned corn thoroughly. In a bowl, combine the drained corn (about half a can), 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 0.5 tablespoon of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix well to season.
Step 3
Now, generously add about two handfuls of shredded mozzarella cheese to the corn mixture. The extra cheese makes it extra delicious and appealing to kids!
Step 4
If you have leftover ham from making kimbap, finely dice about 4 strips and add it to the filling. You can also substitute with other finely chopped vegetables or cooked chicken if you prefer.
Step 5
Add a small amount of finely diced bell pepper for a pop of color and texture. Mix everything together until well combined to create the rice ball filling.
Step 6
This versatile filling is perfect not just for rice balls, but also spread on toast to make ‘pizza toast’ or stuffed into mini buns for ‘salad buns’. It’s a great way to prepare snacks for kids.
Step 7
(Bonus Tip) For mini buns: Gently press the center of a mini bun to create a hollow. Fill it with the prepared rice ball mixture. Bake in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 6 minutes, then drizzle with ketchup for a delightful mini bun snack.
Step 8
It’s time to season the rice. In a bowl of warm cooked rice, add a pinch of salt and a generous amount of sesame seeds. Use a spatula to gently mix the rice, as if you’re cutting it, ensuring it’s evenly seasoned.
Step 9
Now, let’s shape the rice balls. Using a triangular rice ball mold makes it much easier. If you don’t have a mold, you can shape them by hand. When forming the rice balls, press them firmly to ensure they are compact and the filling doesn’t spill out.
Step 10
Melt some butter in a heated pan. Place the shaped rice balls in the pan and cook them until golden brown on both sides. The butter will add a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Step 11
To ensure the cheese inside melts completely, cover the pan with a lid for a short while. This will help heat the rice balls through.
Step 12
While the rice balls are browning and getting a delightful crispy texture, let’s prepare the soy glaze that we’ll brush on them.
Step 13
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well to create the soy glaze.
Step 14
Once the rice balls are golden brown on both sides, push them to one side of the pan. Brush the soy glaze generously onto both sides of the rice balls while they continue to cook. This sweet and savory glaze adds a fantastic layer of flavor.
Step 15
Continue to cook until the soy glaze is nicely caramelized and coats the rice balls on both sides. Your delicious baked cheese rice balls are almost ready!
Step 16
For an extra touch, you can garnish the baked rice balls with a small piece of roasted seaweed. This completes our ‘Crispy Cheese Rice Balls’! 🙂
Step 17
Take a bite, and you’ll experience the wonderful sensation of melted, stretchy cheese combined with the delightful pop of corn. Kids absolutely love them!
Step 18
Even picky eaters will devour two of these irresistible baked rice balls!
Step 19
Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. The exterior is crispy like a rice cracker, while the interior is deliciously savory and sweet. Try making these ‘Crispy Cheese Rice Balls’ that are sure to please everyone, young and old!
