Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a classic and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Traditionally, onigiri consists of cooked rice shaped into triangular or oval shapes and often wrapped in seaweed. However, today we’re going to put a twist on this beloved recipe by turning our onigiri into crispy fried rice balls.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Form the rice mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Roll each rice ball in breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the rice balls in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Remove the fried rice balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

These fried rice balls are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional onigiri recipe. They make a great snack or side dish and can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in your favorite sauce. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make these fried rice balls a crowd-pleaser for all ages.