Would you like to try a different and delicious recipe, ideal for those days when you want something comforting but without using flour? Rice and meat croquettes are an excellent option for those looking for a gluten-free alternative.
As we know, rice acts as a base instead of flour, providing a soft texture on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
This recipe is perfect for using basic ingredients and giving a special twist to traditional ground beef.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups washed rice
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups hot water
For the filling:
- 400 g ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Seasoning for meat to taste (you can use a mixture of garlic powder, paprika and oregano)
For breading:
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (Maizena)
- Breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- We recommend: How to make Chicken Croquettes
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparation of the Rice Dough:
1. Cook the rice: In a pot, boil the 4 cups of hot water with a teaspoon of salt. Add the rice and cook over medium heat until it is well cooked and the water has evaporated.
2. Add the eggs and butter: Once the rice is at room temperature, add the eggs and melted butter or margarine. Mix well until you have a homogeneous and manageable dough.
Preparation of the Meat Filling:
3. Cook the ground beef: In a pan, sauté the chopped onion until it is transparent. Add the ground beef and cook until it is golden brown.
4. Season the meat: Add salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste. Cook for a few more minutes and remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
Shaping and Breading:
5. Shaping the croquettes: Take a portion of the rice dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and close the dough, forming a croquette or ball.
6. Bread the croquettes: Beat the 3 eggs in a bowl and mix the cornstarch with the breadcrumbs. Dip each croquette first in the beaten egg and then in the breadcrumb and cornstarch mixture, coating well.
Cooking:
7. Fry the croquettes: Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the croquettes in small batches until golden and crispy. Place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Tips for Perfecting Rice and Meat Croquettes:
- To prevent them from falling apart: Make sure the rice dough is very cold before adding the egg, which will help maintain a good consistency.
- Extra flavor in the breading: Add a little garlic powder or dried herbs to the breadcrumbs for an extra touch of flavor.
- Baked version: If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the croquettes instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 200°C, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden, turning them over halfway through.
Enjoy these crispy and flavourful croquettes!