These crispy zucchini parmesan rice balls are the perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures, making for a delicious snack or appetizer. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Here’s how you make it:
Place a paper towel in a large mixing bowl and shred one large zucchini right on top of the paper towel. You are going to want to squeeze the excess moisture out of the zucchini once you are done shredding it!
Add the drained zucchini back into the bowl and then add in 1 cup of cooked rice, as well as the parmesan cheese and minced garlic and mix until evenly combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will be a little sticky but that is ok!
Now, roll the mixture into approximately 1 inch balls.
In a small bowl, crack the the egg and whisk until evenly mixed. In another small bowl add breadcrumbs.
Now it’s time to bread the rice balls. So dip each rice ball into the egg wash and then roll in breadcrumbs.
We are going to fry the breaded rice balls in a frying pan with about 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium head for about 8-10 minutes, rotating throughout for even cooking.
When the rice balls are completely cooked, feel free to top with a little more grated parmesan cheese (like I did) and serve with some warmed up marinara sauce!
Fried Zucchini Parmesan Rice Balls
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 glove of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Place a paper towel in a large mixing bowl and shred one large zucchini right on top of the paper towel. You are going to want to squeeze the excess moisture out of the zucchini once you are done shredding it!
- Add the drained zucchini back into the bowl and then add in 1 cup of cooked rice, as well as the parmesan cheese and minced garlic and mix until evenly combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will be a little sticky but that is ok!
- Now, roll the mixture into approximately 1 inch balls.
- In a small bowl, crack the the egg and whisk until evenly mixed. In another small bowl add breadcrumbs.
- Now it’s time to bread the rice balls. So dip each rice ball into the egg wash and then roll in breadcrumbs.
- We are going to fry the breaded rice balls in a frying pan with about 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium head for about 8-10 minutes, rotating throughout for even cooking.
- When the rice balls are completely cooked, feel free to top with a little more grated parmesan cheese (like I did) and serve with some warmed up marinara sauce!
Notes
- Use chilled or leftover rice for a better texture that will help the rice balls hold together.
- For added flavor, you can mix in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the mixture before shaping.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the rice balls in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
