Table of Contents
Leftover Rice Buttons
Equipment
- * Large mixing bowl
- Small ice cream scoop or spoon
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Paper towels
- Plate for serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked leftover rice
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese any variety
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine leftover rice, beaten egg, flour, cheese, and green onions in large bowl.
- Season mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Form mixture into small, round button-shaped patties about 2 inches wide.
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry rice buttons for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying for even cooking
Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 2 days; reheat in oven to restore crispiness
Leftover Rice Buttons Magic: Transform Simple Ingredients Into a Family Feast
Leftover rice buttons finally won over my pickiest eater after months of dinner table battles. It all started when my youngest declared they were “done with regular food forever,” and I knew I needed something special made from our everyday pantry staples. Staring at a container of day-old rice in my fridge, I remembered my grandmother’s wise words: “Never throw away good food – there’s always a way to make it sing again!” What happened next turned our leftover rice into golden, crispy little buttons that had my entire family asking for the recipe.
These bite-sized treasures became our go-to solution for using up rice, and honestly, we sometimes make extra rice just so we can have leftovers for this recipe! The best part? They cost practically nothing to make and taste like a gourmet appetizer.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Total cost: approximately $2.25):
- 2 cups cooked leftover rice ($0.50)
- 1 large egg ($0.25)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ($0.20)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (any variety) ($0.60)
- 2 green onions, chopped ($0.30)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ($0.10)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ($0.05)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ($0.05)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying ($0.20)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small ice cream scoop or spoon
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Paper towels
- Plate for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine leftover rice, beaten egg, flour, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
- Season Perfectly: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the rice mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape Your Buttons: Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, form the mixture into small, round button-shaped patties about 2 inches wide.
- Heat and Prep: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place rice buttons in the hot oil, leaving space between each one. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of leftover rice buttons lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Day-old rice actually works better than fresh because it’s slightly dried out, which helps the buttons hold together beautifully. The egg acts as a binder, while the flour creates that irresistible crispy exterior. The cheese adds richness and helps create those golden edges that make these buttons so appealing to kids and adults alike.
Make It Your Own
Veggie Boost: Add finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or corn kernels for extra nutrition and color.
Protein Power: Mix in small pieces of leftover chicken, ham, or cooked shrimp for a more substantial snack.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and use pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheese.
Asian-Inspired: Replace green onions with chopped cilantro and add a teaspoon of soy sauce to the mixture.
What to Serve With
These leftover rice buttons are perfect as an appetizer with sweet and sour sauce, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo for dipping. Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch, or pair with our Vegetarian Taco Skillet for a complete meal. They also make an excellent side dish for our Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for a fun family dinner.
Money-Saving Tips
Rice Strategy: Cook extra rice intentionally when making other meals – leftover rice actually works better for this recipe than fresh.
Cheese Economics: Save cheese ends and small amounts of different cheeses in a freezer bag specifically for recipes like this.
Bulk Buying: Purchase flour in larger quantities and store properly – it’s significantly cheaper per pound.
Oil Reuse: Strain and save the frying oil for one more use if it’s still clean and clear.
Seasonal Vegetables: Use whatever vegetables are on sale or in season to customize your rice buttons affordably.
From My Family to Yours
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming what might have been thrown away into something delicious that brings the family together. These leftover rice buttons remind me daily that resourcefulness and creativity in the kitchen often lead to the most beloved family recipes. My grandmother would smile knowing that her “waste not, want not” philosophy lives on in these golden little gems that prove yesterday’s rice can become today’s favorite snack. Every batch tells a story of making the most of what we have, and that’s a lesson worth sharing with our children around the dinner table.
FAQ Section
What can be made from leftover rice?
A: Leftover rice is incredibly versatile! Beyond these rice buttons, you can make fried rice, rice pudding, stuffed peppers, rice salads, or add it to soups and casseroles. It’s also perfect for meal prep bowls like our One-Pan Chicken Rice Veggie Meal Prep Bowls.
How long is leftover rice good in the fridge?
A: Properly stored leftover rice stays good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Always reheat thoroughly before eating, and if it smells off or has an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.
What can I make with overcooked rice?
Overcooked or mushy rice is actually perfect for recipes like these rice buttons, rice pudding, or rice-based soups where the softer texture won’t matter. You can also use it as a base for casseroles or blend it into smoothies for added creaminess.
Can cooked rice be eaten the next day?
Yes, cooked rice can absolutely be eaten the next day when properly stored and reheated. In fact, day-old rice often works better for certain recipes like fried rice and these rice buttons because it’s slightly dried out and holds its shape better.
