Jan's Brown Rice and Quinoa Cheesy Rice Balls

Cooked rice mixed with lots of cheese is rolled into balls, breaded, and pan fried in a delicious twist on fried mozzarella sticks.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 112 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 3 large eggs, divided
• 1 cup bread crumbs, or more if needed
• 1 (6 ounce) box UNCLE BEN'S® Brown Rice & Quinoa Roasted Red Pepper
• 1 cup prepared marinara sauce

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cook rice according to package directions. Allow to cool until comfortable to handle.

Step 2

Stir in one egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 3

Place flour in a small bowl. Beat 2 eggs in a second bowl. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.

Step 4

Divide rice mixture into 24 equal portions about the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a ball. Roll rice ball in flour. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Mix will be sticky.)

Step 5

Dip each rice ball into the egg wash. Dredge in bread crumbs, and place rice balls back on baking sheet. Refrigerate 15 minutes.

Step 6

Give each rice ball another quick roll in your hands to tighten up and smooth out the surface.

Step 7

Heat oil to 375 degrees F in a large sauce pan.

Step 8

Cook rice balls in the hot oil in batches, about 4 per batch. Gently stir with spoon. Cook until rice balls are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 9

Drain on paper-towel-lined plate or baking sheet. Salt lightly.

Step 10

Serve hot with heated marinara sauce.