17 Lidia's Italy Rice Balls Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!

Published on: Mar 18, 2024

Rice balls, also known as "arancini" in Italy, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be found all over the country. These crispy and savory fried balls of rice are a popular street food in Sicily and have become a staple in Italian cuisine. While there are many variations of this dish, Lidia Bastianich, an Italian-American chef and television host, has shared her own recipe for rice balls that is sure to transport your taste buds to Italy. Let's dive into the details of Lidia's Italy rice balls recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering treat.

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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri

Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin

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If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you'll love these onigiri-style beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful soy sauce and then cooked on a can of beer with a mixture of rice, seaweed, and sesame seeds stuffed inside the cavity. This dish is perfect for a unique and tasty dinner option.

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Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Carrot, Garlic, Ginger, Chicken Stock

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These rice balls are a twist on traditional onigiri. Instead of using a whole chicken, this recipe calls for shredded chicken mixed with rice, green onions, and soy sauce and formed into balls. The balls are then cooked on a beer can for a delicious and portable meal.

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Chicken Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken, Rice, Chicken Broth, Milk, Vegetable

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For a more traditional take on rice balls, try this recipe that uses a whole chicken and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. The chicken is cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, garlic, and ginger stuffed inside. The result is a flavorful and filling meal that the whole family will love.

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Cheesy Rice Balls (Arancini)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter, Onion, Ham, Medium Grain

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If you're a fan of cheesy, fried goodness, these arancini-style beer can chicken balls are for you. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Italian seasoning and olive oil and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese stuffed inside. These crispy and gooey balls are perfect for parties or a game day snack.

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Baked Asian Chicken Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Minced Garlic, Diced Yellow Onion, Baby

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For a healthier take on rice balls, try this baked Asian chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a teriyaki sauce and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, carrots, and green beans stuffed inside. These flavorful and nutritious balls are a great option for a weeknight dinner.

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Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Rice, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Ham, Pepperoni

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This classic arancini recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Italian seasoning and red wine and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese stuffed inside. These crispy and savory balls are a crowd-pleaser.

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Deep-Fried Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Rice, Egg, Breadcrumbs, Frying Oil

If you're a fan of fried foods, you'll love these deep-fried rice balls. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic powder and paprika and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, cheddar cheese, and bacon stuffed inside. These indulgent balls are perfect for a cheat day meal.

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Arancini (Rice Balls) with Marinara Sauce

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Parmesan, Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella

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For a delicious and comforting meal, try these arancini-style beer can chicken balls served with marinara sauce. The chicken is marinated in a marinara sauce and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese stuffed inside. These balls are perfect for a cozy night in.

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Arancini (Deep Fried Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Water, Rice, Saffron, Parmesan, Butter, Eggs, Salt

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This recipe takes the classic arancini to the next level by deep-frying the rice balls for an extra crispy texture. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic powder and oregano and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese stuffed inside. These fried balls are a delicious and indulgent treat.

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Cheesy Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Eggs, String

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If you're a cheese lover, you'll love these cheesy beer can chicken balls. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Italian dressing and lemon juice and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, cheddar cheese, and bacon stuffed inside. These gooey and flavorful balls are perfect for any occasion.

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Baked Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Cooked White Rice, Freshly Chopped Parsley, Grated

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For a healthier take on rice balls, try this baked recipe that uses a whole chicken and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. The chicken is cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, green onions, and carrots stuffed inside. These flavorful and nutritious balls are a great option for a weeknight dinner.

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Jumeok Bap - Korean Rice Balls (3 Ways)

Main Ingredients: Tuna, Mayonnaise, Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Pepper

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If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on rice balls, try these Korean-style jumeok bap balls. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and sugar and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, kimchi, and sesame oil stuffed inside. These balls are perfect for a Korean-inspired meal.

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Baked Pesto Zucchini Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Butter, Zucchini, Rice, Cream Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato

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This recipe is a delicious and healthy option for beer can chicken balls. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of pesto and olive oil and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, zucchini, and parmesan cheese stuffed inside. These flavorful and nutritious balls are perfect for a summer dinner.

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Steamed Rice Balls In Pumpkin, Coconut Gravy

Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Rice, Gravy, Cooked Pumpkin, Milk, Jaggery

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on rice balls, try these steamed balls served with a pumpkin and coconut gravy. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of curry powder and coconut milk and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, pumpkin, and ginger stuffed inside. These balls are perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.

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Indian Butter Chicken

Main Ingredients: Butter, Chicken Breasts, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves

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This Indian-inspired beer can chicken is a delicious and flavorful option. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garam masala and yogurt and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, and onions stuffed inside. This dish is perfect for a spicy and aromatic dinner.

16 of 20

Chicken Teriyaki

Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Fresh

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This teriyaki-style beer can chicken is a tasty and easy option for any night of the week. The chicken is marinated in a teriyaki sauce and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, carrots, and green onions stuffed inside. This dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

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Fried Rice

Main Ingredients: Butter, Eggs, Medium Carrots, White Onion, Frozen Peas

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If you love fried rice, you'll love this recipe that incorporates beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, eggs, and vegetables stuffed inside. This dish is a delicious and filling option for any occasion.

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How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise

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If you're new to making rice balls, this recipe is a great place to start. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar and then cooked on a beer can with a simple mixture of rice and salt stuffed inside. These classic onigiri-style rice balls are perfect for a lunch or snack option.

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Stuffed Peppers

Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Rice, Ground Beef

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For a unique and flavorful twist on stuffed peppers, try this recipe that incorporates beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil and Italian seasoning and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, and bell peppers stuffed inside. These stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy dinner option.

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Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Vidalia Onion, Boneless Skinless Chicken

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This Thai-inspired beer can chicken is a flavorful and aromatic option for any night of the week. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of coconut milk and red curry paste and then cooked on a beer can with a mixture of rice, bell peppers, and pineapple stuffed inside. This dish is perfect for a spicy and creamy dinner.

The Secret to Perfect Rice Balls

When it comes to making the perfect rice balls, the key is using the right type of rice. Short-grain rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli, is essential for creating the perfect texture and consistency for the rice balls. These types of rice are high in starch, which helps the rice balls hold their shape and form a crispy exterior when fried.

Cooking the Rice

To start off, cook the rice according to the package instructions, but make sure to add a little less water than usual. This will result in a drier and stickier rice, which is ideal for making rice balls. Once the rice is cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool down and dry out for about 30 minutes.

The Filling

While the rice is cooling, you can start preparing the filling for the rice balls. Lidia's recipe calls for a classic meat and tomato sauce filling, but you can get creative and use any filling of your choice. Just make sure that the filling is fully cooked and cooled down before assembling the rice balls.

Assembling the Rice Balls

Once the rice has cooled down, you can start assembling the rice balls. Take a handful of rice and roll it into a ball, making sure to leave a small indentation in the center for the filling. Add a spoonful of the filling into the indentation and then cover it with more rice, shaping it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the rice and filling have been used.

Frying the Rice Balls

To achieve the perfect crispy exterior, it is essential to fry the rice balls in hot oil. Heat up a pot of oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and gently place the rice balls into the oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serving and Enjoying

Lidia's rice balls are best served hot and fresh out of the fryer. You can serve them as a snack or appetizer, or even as a main dish with a side of salad. These rice balls are a delicious and comforting treat that will transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite. In conclusion, Lidia's Italy rice balls recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Italy in their own kitchen. With the right type of rice and a delicious filling, you can create these crispy and savory rice balls that will impress and delight your taste buds. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in this delicious Italian dish.