Crispy Rice Waffles
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Recipe Intro From alexawhatsfordinner
Try this fun take on sushi innovation with this Crispy Rice Waffles recipe! Inspired by the viral trend of waffle iron creations, this recipe introduces a fun and novel way to enjoy sushi at home. Put cooked rice in a waffle maker and add your favorite sushi toppings. It's a fresh take on sushi that will satisfy your craving for something new and delicious!
Recipe Description
I’ll get on board with almost any variety of sushi! We saw people on the internet make sushi “waffles” by putting sushi rice in a waffle maker & topping it with sushi accouterment, and I figured it was a no-brainer to try it out! This recipe is easily customizable to your sushi preferences, and it’s super fun to make!
- Crispy Rice Waffles Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Crispy Rice Waffles Ingredients
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice is a short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. If you can't find sushi rice, you can substitute it with other short-grain rice varieties, but the texture may differ slightly.
Sushi-Grade Tuna
Sushi-grade tuna is high-quality and safe to eat raw. If you can't find sushi-grade tuna, you can use other fish, such as sushi-grade salmon or cooked shrimp, as a substitute.
Mirin
Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a mild sweetness to dishes. If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with rice vinegar and sugar.
Kewpie Mayonnaise
Kewpie mayonnaise is a Japanese mayonnaise that is creamier and slightly sweeter than American mayonnaise. If you can't find Kewpie mayonnaise, you can use regular mayonnaise as a substitute.
Nori
Nori is a seaweed commonly used in Japanese cuisine, especially for making sushi rolls. When referring to "seaweed sheets" in the context of sushi, it generally means nori sheets, which are thin, dried sheets of seaweed. Nori has a distinctive flavor and is often toasted before using in sushi to enhance its taste and crispness.
Test Kitchen Notes
Sushi Rice Consistency
Make sure that the sushi rice is cooked to a sticky consistency, as this will help the waffles hold their shape and texture.
Waffle Maker Size
Depending on the size of your waffle maker, you may need to adjust the amount of rice mixture you use for each waffle to ensure they cook evenly and fit correctly.
Tuna Mixture Seasoning
Taste the tuna mixture before assembling the waffles and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more soy sauce, sriracha, or honey for a bolder flavor.
Toppings and Garnishes
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and garnishes. Try adding different vegetables, seafood, or sauces to customize the waffles to your liking.
Furikake
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle Furikake (a Japanese seasoning blend typically made with sesame seeds, seaweed, salt, and other seasonings) over the assembled waffles. It adds a savory, umami-rich element that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice waffles immediately after assembling to ensure they remain crispy. They can be enjoyed as a light meal or appetizer, paired with a side salad or miso soup for a more substantial meal.
Variations
Experiment with ingredients for the rice waffles, such as adding nori flakes or sesame seeds to the rice mixture for extra flavor and texture. You can also try using different types of fish or protein for the topping to create new flavor combinations.
FAQs
What are rice waffles made of?
Rice waffles are made primarily from sushi rice, short-grain rice seasoned with rice vinegar, salt, and sometimes other flavorings. They can be topped or filled with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, or sauces.
What do you eat with rice waffles?
Rice waffles can be enjoyed individually as a snack or with various accompaniments. Typical toppings include sushi-grade fish like tuna or salmon, diced cucumber, avocado, and nori (seaweed) for added flavor and texture. They can also be drizzled with soy sauce, sriracha, or mayonnaise.
How do you eat rice waffles?
Maybe raw fish isn’t your thing; rice waffles can be served with toppings such as grilled vegetables, marinated tofu, cooked shrimp, or smoked salmon. You can also try sauces like sweet chili sauce or teriyaki and garnish with fresh herbs or Japanese seasoning for added flavor. For a sweet option, top with fruit slices and drizzle with honey or syrup for a delicious dessert or snack.
Can you make crispy rice waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make crispy rice waffles ahead of time. After cooking them in the waffle maker, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, place them back in the waffle maker or in a toaster oven until heated through and crispy again.
Can I freeze the waffles ahead of time and make everything else fresh?
Yes, you can freeze the crispy rice waffles for longer storage. After cooking and cooling them, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the frozen waffles directly in the waffle maker or toaster oven until heated through and crispy. You can then assemble the toppings and serve them fresh.
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked sushi rice, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Cooking spray
- 6-8 ounces sushi-grade tuna, chopped into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha, plus more to garnish
- Wasabi (optional), to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Kewpie mayonnaise, for topping
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
- Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish⠀
- 1 nori sheet, crumbled into pieces
Method
Step 1
Combine the cooked sushi rice with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, sesame oil, mirin, and salt in a large bowl. Mix to coat the rice evenly.
Step 2
Heat a mini waffle maker and grease it with cooking spray. Fill the waffle maker with half the rice mixture and cook until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining rice mixture. Set the rice waffles aside.
Step 3
Combine the tuna cubes, remaining rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, and honey in a large bowl. Mix well.
Step 4
To assemble the waffles, put small dollops of wasabi into the waffle crevices if desired.
Step 5
Top the waffles with the tuna mixture, sprinkle sesame seeds, and drizzle with kewpie mayonnaise and additional sriracha.
Step 6
Add the diced cucumber, sliced green onion, and crumbled nori sheet. Then enjoy!