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Crispy Rice Dumpling: Crunchy Outside, Cozy Inside


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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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


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