We’ve all been there—opening the fridge to find a container of leftover rice waiting to be used. 🍚 Luckily, there are plenty of ways to use leftover rice, whether it is heating it up with some eggs. Day-old rice is incredibly versatile. You can toss it into a quick egg stir-fry, serve it alongside meat, or whip up a comforting bowl of Korean fried rice.👩🏻🍳 My personal favorite way to give it new life is by rolling it into little bite-sized balls of deliciousness, perfect for sharing. Today, I’ll show you exactly how to make them at home.
✅️ Signs rice is still good and edible:
- Store in the fridge within 1–2 hours after cooking,
- Kept in an airtight container.
- Eaten within 3–4 days
- Smells neutral (just like plain rice, maybe slightly starchy).
- Texture is firm but not slimy.
⚠️ Signs Rice Has Gone Bad:
- Strange smell → sour, musty, or off.
- Slimy or sticky coating (beyond normal rice stickiness).
- Hard and extremely dry → not unsafe, but unpleasant to eat.
- Visible mold (white, green, or black spots).
After making sure your rice is still fresh and safe to eat, it’s time for the fun part—turning it into something delicious. Here’s how to make cheesy rice balls.
👉 INGREDIENTS:
- rice,
- 100g of grated cheese (Gouda or block mozzarella works best—avoid fresh, watery mozzarella),
- 1 egg,
- breadcrumbs,
- flour
👉 SPICES:
- parsley,
- salt,
- pepper
👉 PROCESS:
Start by mixing the grated cheese into the rice along with a beaten egg. Then, add your spices and stir everything together until the rice becomes sticky and easy to shape.
Once your mixture is ready, begin forming small balls. Coat each ball in flour, then dip it into beaten egg, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs before frying.
╰┈➤ Disclaimer: The best rice that works for this is short-grain or medium-grain rice because it’s naturally sticky, which makes it easy to shape into balls without falling apart. That said, any type of rice can work as long as you include enough binder, like cheese or egg, to help the balls hold their shape.
👉 BAKING:
Air fryer rice balls:
Tip: Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding. Shake or turn halfway for uniform crispiness.
Temperature: 180–190 °C (360–375 °F)
Time: 10–12 minutes
Oven-baked rice balls:
- Temperature: 200 °C (about 400 °F)
- Time: 15–20 minutes
- Tip: Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and lightly spray or brush with oil so they turn golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
And just like that—you’ve turned leftover rice into a delicious, shareable treat! Serve your rice balls warm with a little soy sauce on the side for dipping, and you’ve got the perfect snack or appetizer. Simple, comforting, and so satisfying.
