That container of cold, clumpy rice sitting in the back of your fridge—we’ve all been there. It feels uninspired, destined for the compost bin. But what if you could recycle it into something truly spectacular? Welcome to Recipycle, where we believe every leftover has potential. If you're searching for creative leftover rice recipes for dinner, you've come to the right place. Forget boring fried rice; tonight, we're transforming that day-old rice into unbelievably crispy, savory Sesame Ginger Rice Cakes.
This recipe isn't just about saving food; it's about creating a meal that's quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how sustainable cooking can be both easy and exciting. Get ready to make this one of your go-to leftover rice recipes for dinner.
Before we dive in, here’s why this dish is a game-changer for your weeknight meals:
Reduces Food Waste: It gives a delicious new purpose to leftover rice, saving it from the bin.
Incredibly Fast: You can have these crispy delights on the table in under 20 minutes.
Budget-Friendly: It uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Endlessly Customizable: Use this base recipe and get creative with toppings and mix-ins!
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, but here are the core components you'll need.
2 cups cooked and chilled rice (day-old rice works best!)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (this helps bind it)
2 tablespoons neutral oil, for frying (like avocado or canola)
Making these rice cakes is simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, crispy result every time.
In a medium bowl, combine the cold leftover rice, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced scallions. Use a fork or your hands to break up any large clumps of rice and mix everything together until it's evenly distributed. Sprinkle in the flour or cornstarch and mix again until just combined. This binder is key for many great leftover rice recipes for dinner, as it ensures your patties don't fall apart.
Divide the rice mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape each portion into a firm, compact patty about ½-inch thick. The firmer you pack them, the better they will hold together in the pan.
Heat the neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the rice cakes in the pan, ensuring you don't overcrowd them (work in batches if needed).
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The goal is a crunchy exterior with a soft, warm interior.
Transfer the cooked rice cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra sliced scallions and a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite dipping sauce.
The Colder, The Better: Day-old (or even two-day-old) rice is perfect because it has lost some moisture. This dryness helps the rice cakes become extra crispy and hold their shape. Fresh, warm rice is too sticky and will result in mushy patties.
Veggie Scrap Boost: Have half a carrot or a few mushrooms in the fridge? Finely grate or chop them and add them to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. This is a fantastic way to practice food recycling in your kitchen.
Don't Toss That Sauce: Serve these with leftover peanut sauce, yum yum sauce, or any other condiment you need to use up.
Q1: Can I make these rice cakes in an air fryer?
Absolutely! For an air-fried version, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket and the rice cakes with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Q2: How do I store and reheat these?
Store any leftover rice cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and bring back the crispiness, place them in an air fryer or a hot pan for a few minutes on each side.
Q3: What are other good leftover rice recipes for dinner? Beyond these rice cakes, you can make arancini (Italian rice balls), cheesy rice bakes, or add the rice to a hearty soup to make it more filling. The possibilities are endless!
We hope this recipe inspires you to look at your leftovers in a new light. With a little creativity, you can transform simple ingredients into an exciting and sustainable meal. This is just one of many leftover rice recipes for dinner that proves recycling your food is both smart and delicious.
For more innovative ways to reduce food waste and cook sustainably, explore our main
Recipycle category page. Happy cooking!
2 servings