Description: These Super Easy Rice Cakes are a quick, healthy, and delicious snack or meal base that requires minimal ingredients and effort. With a crunchy texture on the outside and a light, fluffy inside, they’re perfect as a snack, breakfast, or topped with your favorite spreads. You can customize them with various toppings like fruits, nuts, or savory ingredients for a satisfying bite anytime!
Origin: Rice cakes have roots in many Asian cuisines and have become popular in Western countries as a low-calorie snack. They’re made by puffing rice, creating a crunchy base that can be enjoyed on its own or with various toppings.
Ingredients (for about 6-8 rice cakes):
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably white or brown rice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, for extra flavor (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
- Honey or maple syrup
- Cheese (cheddar, cream cheese, or feta)
- Sautéed vegetables (e.g., spinach, mushrooms, or onions)
- Hummus or guacamole
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the mixture.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil to coat the surface.
- Take a spoonful of the rice mixture and form it into a small patty, about 2 inches in diameter (or your desired size). Place the patties in the skillet, pressing them gently to flatten.
- Cook each rice cake for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula.
- Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Let the rice cakes cool slightly, then add your favorite toppings such as avocado, nut butter, cheese, or fresh fruit.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for a quick snack later.
Tips for Success:
- Rice consistency: Use rice that is slightly sticky so that the cakes hold together better. Leftover rice works perfectly for this recipe.
- Crispier cakes: For a crispier texture, make sure the oil is hot enough when cooking and allow the rice cakes to cook undisturbed on each side before flipping.
- Customizing: Add herbs, spices, or cheese to the rice mixture to enhance the flavor of your rice cakes.
Recommendations:
- These rice cakes make a great base for any topping, from sweet to savory. Try them with hummus and veggies for a healthy snack or with jam and fruit for a sweet treat.
- Perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch of these and store them in the fridge for a quick snack or breakfast option during the week.
Nutrition (per rice cake, approximate):
- Calories: 90-120 (depending on toppings)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg (if using soy sauce)
Enjoy these Super Easy Rice Cakes as a customizable, crunchy, and satisfying treat!