Easy Crispy Rice Squares Recipe: Must-Try Sweet Treats

Sweet, gooey crispy rice squares bring nostalgic memories of childhood treats that spark joy and comfort.

These delightful confections combine marshmallow’s sticky sweetness with crisp rice cereal’s satisfying crunch.

A classic no-bake dessert, they represent pure culinary simplicity and instant gratification.

Light and airy textures meld perfectly with sugary undertones, creating an irresistible snack that appeals to all ages.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance between chewy and crunchy elements that dance across your palate.

Homemade versions allow creative freedom with potential mix-ins and decorative touches that elevate the basic recipe.

Crafting these delectable squares requires minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Rice Squares

• Create Crispy Textures: These rice squares deliver an incredible crunch that snaps satisfyingly with each bite, transforming ordinary rice into a delightful golden-brown treat.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: The recipe offers an easy pan-frying method that transforms chilled rice blocks into restaurant-quality appetizers without requiring complex culinary skills.
• Versatile Party Snack: Perfect for gatherings, these crispy rice squares work wonderfully as finger food, appetizers, or unexpected side dishes that will surprise and impress guests with minimal preparation time.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Home cooks can experiment by adding different seasonings, dipping sauces, or garnishes to make these rice squares uniquely their own, making the recipe endlessly adaptable to personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Crispy Rice Squares

• Rice: Short-grain white rice with sticky texture for perfect square formation.
• Water: Essential for cooking rice to right consistency.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of rice squares.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance rice taste.
• Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty aromatic flavor to rice mixture.

• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil perfect for crispy pan-frying rice squares.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps shape and wrap rice block during refrigeration.

How to Make Crispy Rice Squares

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Rice

• Thoroughly rinse rice 4-5 times until water becomes crystal clear
• Cook rice using a rice cooker or stovetop method
• Allow rice to cool completely before next steps

Step 2: Create Seasoning Mixture

• In a small mixing bowl, combine
• Salt
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Sesame oil
• Stir until sugar dissolves completely
• Gently fold seasoning into cooked rice

Step 3: Mold and Chill Rice Block

• Line a square baking tray with plastic wrap
• Spread rice evenly into tray
• Press rice into a compact 1/2-inch thick block
• Wrap tightly
• Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight

Step 4: Prepare Rice Squares

• Remove chilled rice block from refrigerator
• Cut into bite-sized rectangular pieces
• Gently pat dry to remove moisture

Step 5: Crisp Rice Squares

• Heat 1/2-vegetable oil in a medium skillet
• Maintain medium-high temperature
• Carefully place rice pieces in pan, leaving space between each
• Fry 1-2 minutes until golden brown
• Flip and cook additional 1-2 minutes
• Transfer to wire rack with lined baking sheet to drain excess oil

Serve warm and enjoy your crispy rice squares!

Helpful Tips for Crispy Rice Squares

• Rinse Thoroughly: Wash rice multiple times to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner and crisper final texture.
• Control Moisture: Press rice firmly in the tray to create a compact block, preventing crumbling during frying.
• Chill Completely: Allow rice to set in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, which helps maintain structure and enhances crispiness.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use medium-high heat and wait until oil is hot to create a golden, crispy exterior without burning.
• Space Wisely: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, giving each rice square enough room to crisp evenly and prevent steaming.

Storing Crispy Rice Squares the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store crispy rice squares in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Reheating: Revive the crispy texture by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Arrange squares on a baking sheet and heat until they're golden and crisp again. Avoid using a microwave, which will make them soggy.
• Freezing: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve their delicate texture.

What Pairs Well with Crispy Rice Squares

• Pair with Fresh Sake: Select a chilled, light junmai sake that complements the crispy texture and enhances the delicate rice flavor. The clean, smooth sake will balance the golden-brown crispiness of the rice squares.
• Match with Zesty Asian Slaw: Create a bright, tangy side salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing. The refreshing crunch and acidic notes will cut through the richness of the fried rice squares.
• Serve with Spicy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick sauce mixing sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. The heat and complexity will provide a dynamic contrast to the simple rice squares, creating an exciting flavor adventure.
• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the rice squares for a fresh, sharp bite that adds visual appeal and a mild onion undertone to the dish.

Tasty Twists on Crispy Rice Squares

• Spicy Sesame Crunch: Add gochugaru or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top after frying for extra texture and flavor.
• Herb-Infused Squares: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or green onions into the rice before shaping. Serve with a light herb-based dipping sauce for enhanced freshness.
• Umami Fusion Bites: Incorporate finely chopped nori seaweed or furikake seasoning into the rice mixture. Pair with a soy-based dipping sauce to amplify the savory notes.
• Cheese Crisp Edition: Blend grated parmesan or aged cheddar into the rice before refrigerating. Pan-fry until the exterior develops a crispy, cheesy crust that adds a rich, tangy dimension.

Crispy Rice Squares Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Nostalgic Crispy Rice Squares deliver sweet childhood memories with a classic treat. Marshmallow-bound rice kernels create a simple yet irresistible snack you cannot resist sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups dry sushi rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Preparation Ingredients:

(None)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse uncooked rice 4-5 times under cool running water until the water becomes completely transparent, ensuring removal of excess starch.
2. Cook rice using either a rice cooker or stovetop method, following standard volume measurements of water to rice ratio.
3. Create seasoning mixture by whisking rice vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl until sugar completely dissolves.
4. Gently fold seasoning mixture into cooked rice, ensuring even distribution and uniform coating of each grain.
5. Line a square baking tray with plastic wrap, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
6. Transfer seasoned rice into prepared tray, using moistened hands to press and compact rice into a uniform 1/2-inch thick rectangular block.
7. Wrap tightly with additional plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or preferably overnight to firm and set the rice.
8. Remove chilled rice block from refrigerator and slice into uniform bite-sized rectangular pieces using a sharp knife.
9. Carefully pat rice pieces with paper towels to absorb any surface moisture condensation.
10. Heat 1/2 to vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and reaches optimal frying temperature.
11. Gently place rice pieces into hot oil, maintaining approximately 2 inches spacing between each piece to prevent overcrowding.
12. Fry first side for 1-2 minutes until achieving a golden-brown crispy exterior, then carefully flip and repeat on opposite side.
13. Transfer fried rice squares onto a wire cooling rack positioned over a lined baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Notes

• Master the art of perfectly textured rice by rinsing thoroughly until water becomes crystal clear, ensuring no excess starch remains.
• Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend combining salt, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil to elevate the taste profile of your rice squares.
• Chill the rice block for at least 3 hours or overnight to achieve a firm, compact texture that holds together during frying.
• Use a sharp knife to cut precise, uniform rectangles that will cook evenly and look visually appealing.
• Choose medium-high heat and maintain proper oil temperature to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Place fried rice squares on a wire rack to drain excess oil, preserving their delightful crunch and preventing sogginess.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 102 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 147 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg