Hearty Lettuce Rice Burger: A Simple Way to Use Leftover Rice
Lettuce Rice Burger Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal
Got leftover rice that you don’t want to waste? This rice burger is the perfect solution! It’s substantial enough to be a complete meal, replacing traditional bread with a delicious rice patty. The refreshing crunch of lettuce combined with savory fillings makes for a delightful and satisfying dish that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup finely chopped kimchi
- 1 slice Spam
- 1 large lettuce leaf
- 1 slice sandwich ham
- 1 can (small) tuna, drained
- 1-2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp flying fish roe (tobiko)
- Sesame oil, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old or cooled)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Drain the tuna can, leaving just a tiny bit of the oil. In a bowl, combine the tuna with 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix well to create the ‘tuna mayo’ filling. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference.
Step 2
Finely chop the kimchi. Heat a pan and sauté the chopped kimchi until it’s slightly softened and fragrant. Add a splash of sesame oil and a pinch of black pepper, then stir-fry for another minute. Transfer the cooked kimchi to a separate bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons of flying fish roe to create the ‘kimchi flying fish roe’ filling. The roe adds a delightful pop and briny flavor.
Step 3
Slice the Spam into bite-sized pieces. Briefly blanch the Spam in boiling water for about a minute to remove excess grease. Then, pan-fry the blanched Spam until golden brown and slightly crispy for enhanced flavor and texture.
Step 4
Have your sandwich ham slice ready. This will add a different layer of savory flavor to the burger.
Step 5
Gently warm the cooked rice (microwave or stovetop). Line a bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring it overhangs the sides. Press the warm rice evenly into the bottom of the bowl to form the base of your rice burger. Aim for a layer that’s not too thick.
Step 6
Place a large, clean lettuce leaf on top of the rice base. If you don’t have lettuce, feel free to substitute with other fresh greens like spinach or perilla leaves. The lettuce provides a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the fillings.
Step 7
Layer the sandwich ham slice over the lettuce. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared tuna mayo filling on top of the ham. This creamy and savory layer is a key component of the burger.
Step 8
Next, add the flavorful kimchi and flying fish roe mixture over the tuna mayo. The spicy, tangy kimchi and the popping roe create an exciting contrast.
Step 9
Top the kimchi and roe layer with the golden-brown fried Spam slice. The salty, savory Spam adds a satisfying richness.
Step 10
Finally, cover the fillings with a bit more warm rice. Gently press down to shape the burger into a neat, compact ball. Use the overhanging plastic wrap to tightly enclose the rice, holding its shape.
Step 11
Once securely wrapped in plastic, carefully remove the rice burger from the bowl. Place it on a serving plate and slice it in half with a knife. Your delicious and hearty lettuce rice burger is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a perfect quick meal for any time of day.
