Sizzling Mexican Rice Balls with Cheese Surprise
Transform your leftover rice into a mouthwatering appetizer with these Sizzling Mexican Rice Balls! Inspired by traditional Italian arancini, this recipe puts a delightful Mexican spin on the classic. By combining flavorful Mexican saffron rojo rice with tender peas and creamy mozzarella, these golden-fried bites deliver a satisfying crunch on the outside and a cheesy surprise within. Perfect for parties or game days, they can be made ahead of time and simply reheated in the oven for convenience. Dip them in your favorite tomato sauce for an added burst of flavor!
16
Servings
100
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked Mexican saffron rojo rice
5 cups (cooked and chilled, recipe link provided)
large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
frozen peas
1/2 cup (thawed)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb (cut into 16 cubes)
oil
for frying (enough for 2 inches in the pot)
flour
for coating (for breading the rice balls)
large eggs
3 (lightly beaten for dipping)
seasoned breadcrumbs
as needed (for coating the rice balls)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled Mexican saffron rojo rice, lightly beaten eggs, and thawed peas. Mix until well incorporated.
2
Take a portion of the rice mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a tangerine. Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center and reshape the rice around it to ensure the cheese is completely enclosed.
3
Prepare your breading stations by placing flour, lightly beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls.
4
Coat each rice ball in flour, shaking off any excess flour. Then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls onto a sheet of wax paper.
5
In a large heavy pot, heat approximately 2 inches of oil to a temperature of 350-360°F. Carefully lower 4-6 rice balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon.
6
Fry the rice balls, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use the slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7
Repeat the frying process with the remaining rice balls, ensuring the oil temperature returns to 350-360°F between batches.
8
Serve warm with a side of tomato sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Mexican rice balls!
Nutrition Information
5.6g
Fat
8.8g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sizzling Mexican Rice Balls with Cheese Surprise?
They are a mouthwatering appetizer made from leftover Mexican saffron rojo rice, peas, and a mozzarella cheese center, fried until golden and crispy.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is a Mexican-inspired twist on traditional Italian arancini.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 16 rice balls.
What type of rice is required?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of cooked and chilled Mexican saffron rojo rice.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to transform leftover rice into a delicious appetizer.
What provides the 'cheese surprise'?
A cube of mozzarella cheese is pressed into the center of each rice ball before frying.
What ingredients are in the rice mixture?
The mixture consists of chilled Mexican saffron rojo rice, two lightly beaten eggs, and half a cup of thawed frozen peas.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
You should cut 1/2 lb of mozzarella cheese into 16 individual cubes.
What are the three breading stations?
The stations consist of three separate bowls containing flour, three lightly beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
How large should each rice ball be?
Each portion should be rolled into a ball roughly the size of a tangerine.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to a temperature between 350-360°F.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You need enough oil to create a depth of approximately 2 inches in a large heavy pot.
How long do the rice balls need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
How do I ensure the cheese doesn't leak out?
Make sure to reshape the rice around the mozzarella cube to ensure the cheese is completely enclosed.
Why should the rice be chilled before mixing?
Chilling the rice helps the balls maintain their shape and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Can these rice balls be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven for convenience.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheating them in the oven is recommended to maintain their crispy exterior.
What dipping sauce is suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests serving them warm with a side of your favorite tomato sauce.
Are these rice balls suitable for parties?
Yes, they are perfect for parties, game days, or as a flavorful appetizer.
How many eggs are used in this recipe in total?
A total of five large eggs are used: two for the rice mixture and three for the breading station.
What tool should be used to handle the rice balls in the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended for lowering the balls into the oil and transferring them once fried.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each rice ball contains approximately 100 calories.
Are there any vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed.
What kind of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe calls for seasoned breadcrumbs to provide extra flavor to the crust.
How many rice balls can be fried at once?
It is recommended to fry 4 to 6 rice balls at a time to maintain oil temperature.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5.6g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 8.8g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each rice ball provides about 3.8g of protein.
What should I do after removing the balls from the oil?
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Is the oil temperature important between batches?
Yes, ensure the oil temperature returns to 350-360°F before adding the next batch of rice balls.