Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMezcal Tequila KitchenGolden Fried Jalapeño Rice Balls Recipe

Golden Fried Jalapeño Rice Balls Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

jack cheese and chopped jalapeño stuffed rice balls, pico de gallo, cotija, served with chipotle aioli

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Ingredients

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Rice Balls

Pico de Gallo

Method

Prepare Rice Balls

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded jack cheese, chopped jalapeños, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

  2. 2

    Form Balls

    Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of the rice mixture and mold it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

  3. 3

    Prepare Breading Station

    Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.

  4. 4

    Bread the Balls

    Roll each rice ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumbs. Place coated balls on a tray.

Fry Rice Balls

  1. 5

    Heat Oil

    In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).

  2. 6

    Fry Rice Balls

    Carefully add the rice balls to the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

Prepare Pico de Gallo

  1. 7

    Mix Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and set aside.

Prepare Chipotle Aioli

  1. 8

    Mix Ingredients

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Serve

  1. 9

    Plate and Garnish

    On a serving platter, arrange the fried rice balls. Top with crumbled cotija cheese and serve with pico de gallo and chipotle aioli on the side.

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