Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsLui LuiCrispy Arancini Recipe

Crispy Arancini Recipe

Inspired by Lui Lui
Time1h
Serves4

Golden brown Risotto balls filled with a blend of Italian cheeses served with our housemade pesto aoli

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

For the Arancini

For the Pesto Aioli

Method

For the Arancini

  1. 1

    Prepare the Risotto

    In a saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer. In a separate large pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    Add the Arborio rice to the shallot mixture, stirring to coat the rice. Gradually add the simmering broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.

  3. 3

    Form the Balls

    Once the risotto is cool, stir in the diced mozzarella and beaten egg. With wet hands, take a small amount of the risotto mixture and form it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

  4. 4

    Bread the Arancini

    Set up a dredging station: place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and bread crumbs in a third. Roll each risotto ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat with bread crumbs. Set aside on a plate.

  5. 5

    Fry the Arancini

    In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the arancini in batches, frying until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.

For the Pesto Aioli

  1. 6

    Mix the Aioli

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pesto sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

More from Lui Lui