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Turning leftover rice into crunchy Garlic-Herb Patties is my go-to move for jazzing up old grains. These are packed with fresh greens, hot-off-the-pan flavor, and that hint of smoky paprika that’ll catch you by surprise. They crisp up in minutes and everyone at my house—kids included—can’t get enough.
After one holiday dinner, I tried these and now I find myself making extra rice just for patties the next day. When I pull them out, people actually cheer.
Tasty Ingredients
- Chilled rice from leftovers: grab a couple cups for a solid base Use rice that's not mushy so patties stick together easier
- Chopped small onion: brings a sweet bite Look for onions that are dense and unblemished
- Shredded cheddar: half a cup melts into every bite Use a sharper kind for more zing
- One big egg: keeps it all together I like richer free range eggs
- Fresh parsley: a handful chopped (about 1/4 cup) for color and flavor Picks are best if they're super green and perky
- Minced garlic: two cloves perks up the flavor Fresh beats jarred every time
- Red bell pepper: half of one, diced, for sweetness and color Use firm, shiny peppers
- Greek yogurt: two tablespoons for a creamy tangy boost Full-fat works best
- Lime juice: just a spoonful wakes up the flavors Pick juicy, smooth limes
- Sea salt & black pepper: to taste, for seasoning Freshly cracked, if you can
- Smoked paprika: half a teaspoon for that warm smoky note Spanish is extra good
- All purpose flour: two tablespoons (or swap for gluten free kind) Helps patties stay together and brown nicely Sifting helps avoid lumps
- Olive oil: for frying Best results with a good extra virgin oil
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Wait for the Oil:
- Heat up two tablespoons of oil in your skillet over medium. Don't start until it's nice and shimmery.
- Form Patties:
- Use your hands to make eight even patties, about a half-inch thick. Squish the edges so they brown up evenly.
- Add Flour Last:
- Sprinkle flour right over your rice mix, fold it in super gently so you don't mash things together. This keeps them tight for frying.
- Fry Them Up:
- Pop four patties at a time into your hot pan. Let them cook for three to four minutes per side. Flip only after they're golden—press down with a spatula just a little to make sure you get that crunch.
- Dab Off Extra Oil:
- Once they're crisp, move patties onto a plate with paper towels. Fry up the next batch and keep them warm.
- Mix All Base Ingredients:
- First, toss together your cold rice, onion, cheese, beaten egg, parsley, garlic, and bell pepper in a bowl so everything gets coated and moist throughout.
- Season Like Crazy:
- Next, stir in your yogurt, lime juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure everything gets combined for even flavors.
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Smoked paprika flips the taste into something special and kind of nostalgic for me. It always brings back memories of smoky campfire meals from summers past. Every time my kids ask why these are so tasty, it's that smoky kick!
Storage Help
Stash any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a frying pan to get the crunch back—you won't regret it. Freeze for a couple of months with parchment between layers and reheat from frozen when you're hungry.
Substitution Ideas
Swap in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a mellow cheese spin. Use cilantro or dill if you're not into parsley. Rice flour keeps things gluten free and the texture on point.
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How to Serve
Pop them out as a finger food with a bit of yogurt dip or load up a lunch plate with salad and a couple patties. They're also perfect for brunch under eggs or dunked in soup alongside dinner.
Origins and Story
Folks all over the world use leftover rice to make tasty patties in all kinds of ways—some go heavy on spices, others stuff them with meat or veggies. This version gives a bright, herby nod to both Mediterranean and Latin flavors. Cheese, fresh herbs, and lime keep things lively and new.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make sure the patties stay together?
Mix the egg and flour all the way into your mixture to help everything stick. Shape them carefully, then let the patties rest a bit before you start frying—that helps keep them from falling apart.
- → Can I switch this to gluten-free?
Yep! Just use rice flour or a gluten-free blend instead of regular flour, and you'll still get the right texture.
- → What different herbs or cheeses could I use?
Fresh dill, basil, or cilantro are awesome options. Try mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta if you want to swap out the cheddar—each brings its own spin.
- → Can I get these patties ready in advance?
Go ahead and shape them ahead of time, stash them in the fridge, and fry right before eating so they stay crisp and tasty.
- → Got any good dipping ideas?
Try them with zesty Greek yogurt and lime, spicy mayo, a little tzatziki, or whatever your go-to dipping sauce is—they all work great.