Crispy Rice - What's Gaby Cooking (2024)

This recipe was a happy accident and I might never make rice another way ever again! Crispy Rice is cooked rice, toss with caramelized onions and dotted with butter that's then baked to perfection. It is actual perfection and the perfect thing to serve alongside some Shawarma Salmon or Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp along with some Cucumber Salad!

After making a batch of rice and using the wrong amount of water one day, I wound up with way too much sticky rice. Rather than scrap the entire thing, I threw it into a skillet with some caramelized onions and zucchini and butter and tossed it into the oven to crisp up a bit. The result was perfectly flavorful Crispy Rice. It had a crispy bottom and I gave it a healthy dose of feta on top for a salty finish. You'll be utterly obsessed.

The recipe below calls for cooking rice according to the package directions and that's exactly what you should do. BUT... if you do happen to add a little too much water by chance, just know you'll still be golden and this is how to remedy the problem.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• White Rice – I’ve done it with jasmine and it’s amazing! You could also use sushi rice.
• Unsalted Butter – You could substitute the butter for olive oil.
• Yellow Onion – A sweet onion would also work well.
• Zucchini – Feel free to swap this for any other vegetables, red onion, carrots, or mushrooms would be delicious, just be sure to finely dice them.
• Feta Cheese – If you want to omit the feta cheese that's totally fine.
• Salt & Pepper – Goes without saying.

How to Make Crispy Rice

Step 1: In a medium braiser or skillet, melt 2 tablespoon butter. Add the onion and sauté until golden.

Step 2: Add the zucchini to the onion and sauté until soft. Then remove to a large bowl.

Step 3: Season with salt, pepper, feta and then toss in the cooked white rice.

Step 4: In the same skillet, melt ½ of the stick of butter over medium heat.

Step 5: Once melted, add the rice mixture to the skillet and carefully press down. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes at 400º F.

Step 6: Remove and dot the top with the remaining butter. Transfer back into the oven and continue to cook for about 15 minutes more.

Step 6: Once the underside of the rice is crispy, remove from the oven and either invert to serve, or serve straight out of the skillet or braiser.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a heavy bottom cast iron skillet to ensure the rice crisps up.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

• Grab the entire Salmon Shawarma inspired dinner menu here

Skillet is from here for those who are curious!