Crispy Puffed Rice from Leftover Rice
Take your leftover rice and either air-dry it or store it in the fridge to let it dry out gradually. If the rice has formed clumps, use a pestle to break it down into separate grains. Heat oil in a pan and add the dried, cooled rice, causing it to puff up.
The drier the rice, the puffier and crispier it will become. If you want to add some color, mix in a bit of food coloring with the dried rice before frying. Once fried, remove the puffed rice with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Finally, sprinkle on some cheese powder for a tasty, crispy treat.
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Puffed Rice Snack
Golden Tapioca Pearls
Blend leftover rice until smooth, then knead it with tapioca starch and boiling water. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, then roll it out and fill it with coconut. After shaping the pearls, boil them and then plunge them into cold water. Finally, cook the pearls in a brown sugar syrup for about 20 minutes, before transferring them to an ice bath. This process will give you crispy, delicious tapioca pearls.
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Rice Crust
If you’re looking for a quick way to use up leftover rice and prevent food waste, try making a rice crust. Spread the rice evenly in a pan and use a spoon to press it down, helping the grains stick together. After about five minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious rice crust that pairs perfectly with dips or fish dishes.
Alternatively, you can fry the rice and then drizzle it with fish sauce, oil, and scallions. This version goes well with meat floss.
Fried Rice
One of the simplest and most common ways to transform leftover rice is to make fried rice. Frying leftover rice will make it fluffier and less likely to turn mushy. Simply chop up some beef or pickled radish, or scramble an egg, and fry it all together with the rice for a tasty, quick meal.
Leftover Rice Porridge
Using leftover rice is a great way to cut down on cooking time when making porridge. Add the rice to boiling water and simmer on low heat. Use a spoon to gently break down the rice, but be careful not to add too much water at first, as this will make it harder to achieve a smooth consistency. Only add more water if you prefer a thinner porridge.
Japanese-Style Rice Balls
To make these cute and portable rice snacks, you’ll need leftover rice, tuna, and seaweed. Use a mold to shape the rice, adding a filling of tuna in the center, and press firmly. These rice balls are a great option for kids’ lunches or outdoor picnics.
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Rice-Coated Quail Eggs
Rice-Coated Quail Eggs
These rice-coated quail eggs are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Start by hard-boiling quail eggs and removing their shells. Next, take your leftover rice and gently coat the eggs, making sure to press the rice firmly so it sticks to the eggs. Fry the coated eggs in hot oil until the rice turns golden and crispy. The result is a crunchy exterior with a creamy, flavorful center.