Description
Kimchi Cheese Rice Balls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with bold Korean-inspired flavors. These bite-sized snacks combine spicy fermented kimchi, melty cheese, and savory rice, then are pan-fried to golden perfection — ideal for snacking, parties, or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (cooled slightly)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped kimchi (drained)
- 1 tablespoon kimchi juice (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Take a small handful of rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a small amount of mozzarella in the center and shape into a tight ball, sealing the cheese inside.
- Repeat with the remaining rice and cheese until all balls are formed.
- Roll each ball lightly in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry rice balls in batches, turning to crisp all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm. Optionally garnish with more sesame seeds or chopped scallions.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture and shaping.
- Freeze rice balls for 10–15 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape better.
- Serve with dipping sauces like spicy mayo, soy vinegar dip, or extra gochujang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rice balls
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: kimchi rice balls, Korean rice balls, cheese rice balls, spicy snack, crispy rice balls, vegetarian Korean appetizer