Irresistible Crispy Sushi Rice Squares Recipe for Lunch Fun

Sizzling and golden, these crispy sushi rice squares burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Light, crunchy edges give way to a tender center packed with umami goodness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures that elevates your appetizer game.

The crispy sushi rice squares bring restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen counter.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.

You’ll love how these little squares turn an ordinary snack into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible recipe.

Storage Tips for Sushi Rice Squares

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook rice mixture up to 2 days before frying, keeping it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and convenience.
• Quick Serving Tips: Assemble rice squares right before serving to maintain optimal crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Smart Refrigeration: Store cooked and cooled rice squares in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Option: Freeze uncooked rice blocks for up to 1 month, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and frying for a quick appetizer or snack.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Crispy Sushi Rice Squares

• Short-Grain Rice: Sticky texture ensures perfect square formation and authentic sushi-style consistency.
• Water: Crucial for cooking rice to ideal moisture and binding properties.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances rice's natural sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and traditional Japanese seasoning touch.
• Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps create glossy rice texture.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, aromatic undertone with rich depth.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates crispy golden exterior with even, light browning.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps shape and compact rice into neat, uniform squares.
• Wire Rack: Allows excess oil to drain, maintaining crispy texture.

Tools for Making Crispy Sushi Rice Squares

• Rice Cooker or Pot: Essential for cooking rice perfectly and evenly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing seasoning ingredients and dissolving sugar.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for tossing rice with seasoning mixture.
• Square Baking Tray: Perfect for pressing and shaping rice into a compact block.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps line the tray and prevents rice from sticking.
• Large Skillet: Critical for achieving crispy, golden-brown rice squares.
• Wire Rack: Great for draining excess oil and keeping rice squares crisp.
• Sharp Knife: Used for cutting chilled rice into neat, bite-sized squares.

Sushi Rice Squares: How to Cook Them Right

• Rice Preparation

Select high-quality short-grain rice known for its sticky texture. Wash thoroughly under cool running water until liquid becomes transparent, removing excess starch for perfect consistency.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a delicate seasoning blend combining tangy rice vinegar, delicate sugar, hint of salt, and subtle sesame essence. Gently fold mixture into warm rice, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor profile.

• Structural Formation

Carefully press seasoned rice into a compact square shape using parchment-lined container. Allow mixture to rest and solidify in refrigerator, developing firm structure that will support crispy exterior.

• Golden Transformation

Heat neutral cooking oil in heavy-bottomed skillet until shimmering. Carefully place rice squares into hot oil, allowing each side to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust that delivers incredible crunch and rich caramelized notes.

Tips to Get That Signature Crisp on Sushi Rice

• Wet your hands with water or use a silicone spatula when pressing rice into the tray to ensure smooth, even distribution without clumping.
• Top crispy rice squares with fresh salmon sashimi, spicy tuna tartare, avocado slices, or pickled vegetables for gourmet restaurant-style presentations.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350-375°F oil temperature, ensuring perfectly crispy exterior and preventing greasy squares.
• Make rice blocks up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator, simplifying last-minute entertaining and meal preparation.

Plating & Serving Crispy Sushi Rice Squares

• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Create a flavor explosion by pairing crispy sushi rice squares with tangy soy sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or zesty ponzu for an extra punch of taste.
• Top with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or thin slices of nori seaweed to add texture and visual appeal to the crispy squares.
• Create a Party Platter: Arrange the sushi rice squares on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of different sauces, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings or game nights.
• Pair with Protein: Add a slice of smoked salmon, seared tuna, or grilled shrimp on top of each square to transform this crispy base into a more substantial and elegant bite.

Crunchy Sushi Rice Squares Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy sushi rice squares elevate traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. Crunchy edges and umami-rich toppings invite guests to savor each delectable bite, promising a memorable culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) dry sushi rice, rinsed until water is clear
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse short-grain rice thoroughly under cool water until water runs clear, eliminating excess starch for perfect texture.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Whisk rice vinegar, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and sesame oil into a harmonious blend, then gently incorporate into warm rice, ensuring uniform flavor distribution.
3. Molding Foundation: Line a square baking tray with plastic wrap, spread seasoned rice evenly to create a compact 1/2-inch thick block, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours to solidify.
4. Precision Cutting: Extract chilled rice block and slice into uniform bite-sized squares using an oil-lightly coated sharp knife for clean edges.
5. Crispy Transformation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, then strategically fry rice squares, achieving a golden-brown crust by cooking 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Finishing Touch: Drain fried squares on a wire rack lined with paper towels to preserve crispiness and remove excess oil, allowing slight cooling before serving.

Notes

• Rinse Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by repeated rinsing to prevent sticky, clumpy rice and ensure a perfect crispy texture.
• Seasoning Secret: Dissolve sugar completely in the vinegar mixture to create a balanced, harmonious flavor profile that enhances the rice’s taste.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate rice block for at least 3 hours to achieve firm, easily manageable squares that hold their shape during frying.
• Frying Finesse: Use medium-high heat and lightly oiled knife to prevent sticking, ensuring evenly golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg