Crispy Rice Dumpling: Crunchy Outside, Cozy Inside

What the heck is this?
These little golden dumplings are like a warm hug wrapped in a crispy rice jacket. Imagine savory filling tucked inside a ball of sticky rice, pan-fried to perfection so you get that irresistible crunchy shell with every bite. It’s like your favorite dumpling got a glow-up and took a trip to Flavor Town.

Perfect for appetizers, party platters, or just when you wanna eat something fried and fabulous.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ Golden, crispy perfection on the outside.
✓ Cozy, savory, delicious on the inside.
✓ Totally customizable filling!
✓ Impressive and fun to make (and eat).
✓ Gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos.

The Stuff You’ll Need
For the Rice Shell:

• 2 cups cooked sticky rice (short grain or sushi rice works best)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Salt to taste

For the Filling (go wild or try this classic combo):

• ½ cup ground chicken or pork
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced

To Crisp ‘Em Up:

• Neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable) for pan-frying

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, or a drizzle of sweet chili

Let’s Get Crispy

1. Mix the Filling
   In a bowl, stir together your filling ingredients until well combined. You can lightly sauté the filling if you want it pre-cooked, especially if using pork or chicken.
2. Rice Prep
   Mix your warm cooked rice with a little rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
3. Stuff + Shape
   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of rice into your palm, flatten it, and add a spoonful of filling in the center. Gently mold the rice around the filling to form a ball. Repeat until you’re out of ingredients.
4. Fry ‘Til Golden
   Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the rice balls and press them slightly to form flat-bottomed dumplings. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Serve + Dip
   Serve hot with your favorite sauce and prepare for oohs, ahhs, and maybe even a slow clap.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a tangy soy-chili dip or some quick pickled veggies. Great as a side or stand-alone snack!

Switch It Up
• Make it vegetarian with a mushroom + tofu filling.
• Add a slice of mozzarella or cheddar inside for a melty surprise.
• Sub leftover fried rice for a different twist on the shell.
• Try Thai basil or curry seasoning for a flavor remix.

Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: You can, but they won’t get quite as crispy. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Freeze before frying. When ready to eat, let them thaw slightly and fry until crisp.
Q: Is it okay to use day-old rice?
A: Definitely! Just warm it up a little to make it easier to shape.

Crispy Rice Dumpling: Crunchy Outside, Cozy Inside

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• Author: Tyla
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 dumplings 1x

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Description

These little golden dumplings are like a warm hug wrapped in a crispy rice jacket. Imagine savory filling tucked inside a ball of sticky rice, pan-fried to perfection so you get that irresistible crunchy shell with every bite. It’s like your favorite dumpling got a glow-up and took a trip to Flavor Town.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Rice Shell:

• 2 cups cooked sticky rice (short grain or sushi rice works best)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• Salt to taste

For the Filling (go wild or try this classic combo):

• ½ cup ground chicken or pork

• 1 green onion, chopped

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• ½ tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

To Crisp ‘Em Up:

• Neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable) for pan-frying

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, or a drizzle of sweet chili

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Instructions

1. Mix the Filling
   In a bowl, stir together your filling ingredients until well combined. You can lightly sauté the filling if you want it pre-cooked, especially if using pork or chicken.

2. Rice Prep
   Mix your warm cooked rice with a little rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.

3. Stuff + Shape
   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of rice into your palm, flatten it, and add a spoonful of filling in the center. Gently mold the rice around the filling to form a ball. Repeat until you’re out of ingredients.

4. Fry ‘Til Golden
   Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the rice balls and press them slightly to form flat-bottomed dumplings. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

5. Serve + Dip
   Serve hot with your favorite sauce and prepare for oohs, ahhs, and maybe even a slow clap.

Notes

Make it vegetarian with a mushroom + tofu filling.
• Add a slice of mozzarella or cheddar inside for a melty surprise.
• Sub leftover fried rice for a different twist on the shell.
• Try Thai basil or curry seasoning for a flavor remix.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: ~110 per dumpling
• Protein: ~4g