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Viral Oven Baked Crispy Rice Recipe

A stack of golden brown, perfectly formed crispy rice squares showing a crunchy, caramelized top layer.

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Make perfectly crunchy, golden brown rice using this simple oven-baked method. This easy crispy rice appetizer base works well for salads or toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice, cooled
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or neutral oil for the pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked rice, beaten eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the rice is evenly coated. Do not overmix, or the rice will become mushy.
  3. Press the rice mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or a second piece of parchment paper to compact the rice layer tightly. A tight pack helps create a solid, crispy base.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the dish from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
  6. Carefully flip the entire block of rice onto a cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Spray the exposed side of the rice block lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
  8. Return the rice block to the oven (on the baking sheet or back in the dish) and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top side is deeply golden brown and very crunchy.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into desired shapes, such as squares, rectangles, or small patties.

Notes

  • Use day-old, cold rice for the best texture; warm or freshly cooked rice will not crisp as well.
  • For a spicy tuna crispy rice topping, mix 1/2 cup canned tuna (drained) with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon sriracha. Top the warm crispy rice squares with this mixture before serving.
  • If you prefer a thicker, more defined patty shape, press the rice into a smaller pan or use a cookie cutter after the initial bake, then continue baking.

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