Quick & Easy Chicken Nugget Rice Balls: A Perfect Fridge-Cleanout Recipe!
Quick & Easy Chicken Nugget Rice Balls: A Perfect Fridge-Cleanout Recipe!
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I made these rice balls using leftover chicken nuggets from my freezer. They seem like a great snack or meal option for kids.
Main Ingredients- 5 Chicken Nuggets
- 1 bowl Cooked Rice
- 1 King Oyster Mushroom
- 1/4 Onion
Seasoning & Toppings- 1 Tbsp Mustard Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Dried Shrimp Powder
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Mustard Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Dried Shrimp Powder
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, take out 5 chicken nuggets from the freezer and let them thaw naturally in cold water or at room temperature. You can cook them immediately, but thawing them beforehand ensures they cook evenly through.
Step 2
To make them bite-sized for the rice balls, cut the thawed chicken nuggets lengthwise in half. This will result in 10 pieces, which are a good size for topping the rice balls.
Step 3
Thinly slice 1/4 of an onion. To remove its pungent flavor and maintain a crisp texture, soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes. Soaking it while you prepare the other ingredients will save time.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, drain the sliced onion thoroughly using a sieve. Ensure all excess water is removed, as excess moisture can make the rice balls mushy.
Step 5
I used 1 king oyster mushroom that was left in the refrigerator. Utilizing leftover vegetables from other dishes is a great way to clear out your fridge and enhance the flavor of your cooking.
Step 6
Trim off the tough bottom part of the king oyster mushroom. Cut it into pieces similar in size to the chicken nuggets (about 1-1.5 cm thick). Cutting them into square shapes, like small cubes of rice cake, makes them visually appealing and provides a pleasant texture.
Step 7
Prepare 1 tablespoon of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This will add a wonderful flavor when grilling the chicken nuggets and mushrooms.
Step 8
Also, have 1 tablespoon of mustard sauce ready. A small dollop on top of the rice balls will cut through any richness and balance the flavors.
Step 9
To the bowl of warm cooked rice, add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 10
Next, add 1/2 tablespoon of dried shrimp powder for umami, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt for seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Use a spatula to gently mix, preventing the rice from clumping.
Step 11
Divide the seasoned rice into bite-sized portions and roll them into round balls. Make sure they are not too large, so they are easy for children to eat.
Step 12
Now, heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Place the prepared chicken nuggets and king oyster mushroom slices onto the pan without any oil. Grill them until they are golden brown, flipping them occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 13
The chicken nuggets should be nicely browned on the outside and warm inside, while the king oyster mushrooms should be tender and slightly browned. A delicious aroma will fill your kitchen.
Step 14
Using a teaspoon, gently apply a thin layer of mustard sauce to the top of each rice ball. Be careful not to use too much, as it can make them salty.
Step 15
On top of the mustard sauce, artfully place a slice of the tender, grilled king oyster mushroom.
Step 16
Next, add a golden-brown piece of chicken nugget on top of the mushroom. Placing the main topping attractively is key.
Step 17
Finally, add the drained onion slices and drizzle a little teriyaki sauce over the top. The crisp texture of the onion adds another layer of flavor. (If children dislike onion, you can substitute it with finely chopped white kimchi or other vegetables.)
Step 18
Your delightful chicken nugget rice balls, perfectly sized for a single bite, are now complete! This simple yet nutritious and delicious dish is perfect for a special meal with your children. Enjoy!
