Savory Rice Balls

Savory Rice Balls are a delightful Chinese snack that combines sticky rice with a flavorful filling, perfectly shaped into bite-sized treats. These dairy-free morsels are not only satisfying but also packed with a medley of umami flavors.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice - 1 cup (200g)
• Water - 1.5 cups (360ml)
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 100g, finely chopped
• Carrot - 50g, finely diced
• Green onion - 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Cornstarch - 1/4 cup (30g) for coating
• Vegetable oil - for frying

Steps

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel for about 30 minutes until tender.
3. In a pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat, then add the chopped mushrooms and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, green onion, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then take a small portion of rice (about 1/4 cup) and flatten it in your palm.
6. Place a teaspoon of the vegetable filling in the center of the rice, then fold the rice over the filling and shape it into a ball. Repeat until all rice and filling are used.
7. Roll each rice ball in cornstarch to coat evenly.
8. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the rice balls in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the rice balls from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.36 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains mushrooms which are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.

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