She Strengthens

Savory Rice Cakes: A Delicious and Versatile Dish

Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make snack or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these crispy rice cakes! With their crunchy exterior and soft interior, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Preparation is Key

To ensure that your rice cakes turn out perfectly, it’s essential to keep the elements separate until serving. This allows the dish to be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and other outdoor gatherings.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 bag of thin rice cake sticks (about 1.5 lbs), cut into thirds
• Vegetable oil
• 1-2 shallots, chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned and blanched
• Handful of fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 red jalapeno, halved lengthwise and sliced thin
• Soy balsamic reduction
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 scallions, sliced on the bias
• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded

Cooking the Rice Cakes

Heat a sauté pan on medium-high and add ¼ inch of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, lower the heat to medium and add the rice cake pieces in one layer. You may need to do this in several batches. Turn the rice cakes as each side becomes golden, and remove them before they burst. Set aside on paper towels or a rack to drain.

Preparing the Toppings

Next, heat a small saucepan and add sesame oil. Sauté the scallions and garlic until fragrant, then add the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer and reduce until thick and syrupy, then cool and transfer to a squeeze bottle. Sauté the chopped shallots and sprinkle with a little salt, then remove from heat. Blanch the carrots in salted water, shock in ice water to cool, and drain.

Assembly and Serving

In a bowl, toss the cooked rice cakes, shallots, carrots, and jalapenos. Serve on a bed of shredded cabbage and finish by drizzling the soy balsamic reduction all over. Top with sesame seeds and cilantro for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

With these savory rice cakes, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.