Cauliflower Rice (Arancini) Balls - Air Fryer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you stop arancini from falling apart? ›

If your arancini consistently falls apart, you're likely skipping one crucial step: chilling your risotto for long enough. After cooking your risotto, make sure you're chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but up to 6.

Although the preparation of arancini is very similar to that of supplì there are two significant distinctions. Arancini are generally considerably larger than supplì, about twice the size. An arancino is more likely to be stuffed with ragù (or peas and prosciutto) rather than having it incorporated into the rice.

Spread it thinly over a baking tray, and roasted it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until it was slightly golden in color," they write. The final result: cauliflower rice with a soft, but not soggy, texture.

Be sure to thaw frozen riced cauliflower before using, and wring out any excess moisture to keep your fried rice from getting soggy.

If you don't have a lot of time to chill the rice, make sure it's spread out as thin as possible. It's important for the starches to gel in order for the rice balls to stick together. The minimum amount of time that I have chilled the rice is 1 hour, and the arancini held together successfully.

Give just enough pressure. Your hands should be firm enough when pressing the onigiri so the rice doesn't fall apart when you shape it. You don't want to squeeze the rice too tight. Rotate the rice balls every time you give gentle pressure.

Arancini (UK: /ˌærənˈtʃiːni/, US: /ˌɑːr-/, Italian: [aranˈtʃiːni]; Sicilian: [aɾanˈtʃiːnɪ, -ˈdʒiː-]; sg. : arancino), also known as arancine ( sg. : arancina), are Italian rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. They are a staple of Sicilian cuisine.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS: To make the arancini ahead of time, simply let them cool to room temperature on the paper towel-lined baking sheet after frying. Once cool, store in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C).

Arancini are meant to be enjoyed as a finger food, on their own or with Homemade Marinara on the side to bring out the herby flavors. They also go great with a variety of appetizers, from roasted vegetables to bite-sized meatballs. Serve them at your next party or pack them up for an outing.

In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and cauliflower and sauté until heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to help remove any bitterness from the raw cauliflower.

How do you squeeze moisture out of cauliflower rice? ›

If using a food processor, cut into small pieces and use the grater attachment to grate the cauliflower into “rice.” Optional: Transfer to a clean towel or paper towel and press to remove any excess moisture, which can make your dish soggy. Once you have your cauliflower rice, it's easy to cook (or enjoy raw)!

Unlike traditional rice, cauliflower won't absorb much liquid, as it's not a dry, grain, so there's no need to add water. However, adding a little broth or bone broth can be a great addition and base layer for flavor.

High Heat is Key: Cook the rice over high heat, as in the P.F. Chang's Chicken Fried Rice (Copycat Recipe). High heat allows for quick evaporation of excess moisture, keeping the rice grains separate and preventing sogginess.

Not Draining Excess Water. "If you want to make cauliflower rice or cauliflower pizza crust, you'll need to wring out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel," says Blay. If you don't, your cauliflower will be far too mushy to imitate the carbs you're trying to replace.

Epinion: Raw cauliflower rice is crunchy, and works to add texture to a salad, but it doesn't mimic cooked rice.

Use Freshly Cooked Rice: For the best results, it's generally recommended to use freshly cooked rice when making onigiri. Freshly cooked rice is warm, moist, and sticky, which makes it easier to shape into the desired form and ensures that the onigiri holds together well.

First, using the wrong type of rice can cause it to fall apart because it's not sticky enough. Use short or medium-grain rice and avoid long-grain rice. The second reason can be that it was not firmly pressed into its shape. Be sure to use firm pressure so there are no gaps in the rice.

Be sure to freeze your rice until it's firm enough to cut through easily. This not only helps with the cutting process but also helps when frying. If it's not cold enough, the rice blocks fall apart when you're frying them.

Starting with freshly cooked or well-chilled rice guarantees it won't clump up as you stir-fry it. Frying in batches compensates for the low heat output of Western stovetops. Keeping the seasoning very light allows the flavor of the rice and aromatics to come through.