Spicy Rice Meatballs Recipe
Overview:
Spicy Rice Meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, offering a flavorful and satisfying alternative that’s perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. These savory meatballs, crafted with cooked long-grain rice, oats, onions, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed straight from the pan or reheated, these meatballs are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze!
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for desired spice level)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup wheat germ (for coating)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked long-grain rice, quick-cooking oats, finely chopped onion, milk, dried basil, dried oregano, ground cayenne pepper, and egg. Ensure that the onion is finely chopped to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
-
-
Chill the Mixture:
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
-
Shape the Meatballs:
- After chilling, shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Roll each meatball in wheat germ or oats to coat evenly. This step adds a delightful crunch to the exterior of the meatballs.
-
Heat the Oil:
- In a nonstick skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is well heated before adding the meatballs to achieve a golden-brown crust.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Carefully add the meatballs to the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are light golden brown and cooked through.
-
Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
-
Freezing Options:
- To freeze the meatballs for later use, flash freeze them on a pan in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, simply microwave them for a few minutes or reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
-
Serving with Sauce:
- For an extra flavorful twist, gently mix the meatballs with your favorite spaghetti sauce, either store-bought or homemade. Place the sauced meatballs in heavy-duty ziplock freezer bags and freeze. To serve, thaw slightly in the fridge and then reheat before serving with pasta for a delicious meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 193.9
- Total Fat: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 36.7mg
- Sodium: 52.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugars: 1.3g
- Protein: 6.9g
Tips:
- Ensure that the onion is finely chopped to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of ground cayenne pepper according to your spice preferences.
- For a crispy exterior, make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs to the skillet.
- Freeze the meatballs in individual portions for convenient meal prep.
- Experiment with different sauces to customize the flavor profile of the meatballs.
Conclusion:
Spicy Rice Meatballs are a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or snack, these meatballs are sure to impress with their robust flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, with their freezer-friendly nature, you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes. Try this recipe today and elevate your mealtime experience with these delicious and nutritious meatballs! 🍽️🌶️
