Description
Golden and crunchy on the outside with a creamy, spicy tuna center, these crispy rice balls deliver bold flavor and irresistible texture, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or small-plates dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked sushi rice, cooled
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (5-ounce) can tuna, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1–2 teaspoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 green onion, finely sliced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Harissa drizzle (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold into the cooked sushi rice and let cool completely.
- In another bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, harissa paste, soy sauce, sliced green onion, and garlic powder. Mix until creamy and well blended.
- With damp hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of rice and flatten in your palm. Place 1 teaspoon of tuna mixture in the center, wrap rice around the filling, and shape into a tight ball. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each rice ball in flour, dip into egg, and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry rice balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Drizzle with harissa and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, air-fry at 375°F, lightly spraying with oil, until golden and crispy.
You can substitute tuna with cooked salmon or spicy crab-style filling.
Prepare and bread rice balls ahead of time; refrigerate until ready to fry.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Freeze uncooked breaded rice balls and fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
