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Crispy rice cake

Rice Cake Recipe

One of the best things about rice cakes is their versatility. You can make them sweet or savory, add different flavors, and even turn them into a fancy dish with just a few toppings. They’re great for breakfast, lunch, or even as a side dish for dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Asian, Fusion
Servings 2 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork or Spoon
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Non-stick Skillet or Pan
  • Spatula
  • Cookie Cutter or Ring Mold (Optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Cakes:

  • 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour for binding
  • 1 egg optional, for extra hold
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder optional

For Cooking:

  • 2 tbsp oil vegetable, olive, or sesame

Optional Toppings & Add-ins:

  • ¼ cup shredded cheese for a melty, crispy texture
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for extra umami
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds for a nutty crunch
  • 1 green onion finely chopped (for a fresh kick)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture (5 minutes)

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, cornstarch (or flour), salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • If using an egg, crack it into the bowl and mix everything well until the rice sticks together. You can use a spoon, but I like using my hands to gently mash the rice—it helps everything bind better!
  • If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together when pressed.
  • Pro Tip: Day-old rice can be a bit firm, so if needed, sprinkle it with a little water and microwave it for 20 seconds to soften slightly before mixing.

Step 2: Shape the Rice Cakes (5 minutes)

  • Take about ¼ cup of the rice mixture and roll it into a ball.
  • Flatten it gently with your hands to form a ½-inch thick patty. If you want uniform shapes, use a cookie cutter or press it into a ring mold.
  • Repeat with the remaining mixture until all your rice cakes are ready.
  • Pro Tip: Lightly oil your hands if the rice is sticking too much while shaping.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Cakes (8-10 minutes)

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rice cakes in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
  • Let them cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them gently using a spatula.
  • Be patient! Don’t move them too early—this helps develop a crispy crust.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Transfer the rice cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Enjoy them plain, or serve with soy sauce, spicy mayo, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor!

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~220 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: ~38g
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Fat: ~6g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sodium: ~350mg
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword rice cake recipe, rice side dish, rice snacks