On a quiet Sunday morning, as the sun streamed through my kitchen window, I stared at leftover rice from last night’s dinner. I wondered—could these grains be reinvented into something crispy, chewy, and delicious? With my trusty waffle maker on the counter, an idea sparked: rice cakes in a waffle maker. What started as an experiment quickly became a household favourite—a dish blending the comforting familiarity of rice with the satisfying crunch of waffles.
In this article, you’ll explore how to make crispy rice cakes in a waffle maker, share versatile recipes, and provide tips for crafting the perfect rice-based waffles.
What Are Rice Cakes in a Waffle Maker?
Rice cakes in a waffle maker are a fusion of crispy and chewy textures. By pressing cooked rice into a waffle maker, you can transform simple grains into a golden-brown delight. These “rice waffles” are perfect for repurposing leftovers or creating a quick snack. They can be savoury or sweet, depending on your preferences and toppings.
Why Use a Waffle Maker for Crispy Rice?
A waffle maker allows you to achieve an even, crispy texture with minimal effort. The iconic waffle pattern creates a surface that’s perfect for holding toppings like poke, sautéed vegetables, or even sweet sauces. Plus, it’s a quick, fun way to repurpose leftover rice into a completely new dish.
Ingredients for Rice Cakes in a Waffle Maker
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7–10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or sushi rice)
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for savoury waffles)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the waffle maker)
Optional Toppings:
- Savory: Smoked salmon, avocado, soy sauce drizzle, sesame seeds
- Sweet: Honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit
How to Make Rice Cakes in a Waffle Maker
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice Mixture
- Combine cooked rice, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Mix well to form a cohesive mixture.
2. Preheat the Waffle Maker
- Preheat your waffle maker to medium-high heat and grease the plates with cooking spray or oil.
- Recommended Tool: DASH Mini Waffle Maker – Ideal for single servings or small portions.
3. Cook the Rice Waffle
- Scoop a portion of the rice mixture into the waffle maker, spreading it evenly.
- Close the lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the rice waffle and top with your choice of savoury or sweet fixings.
Creative Crispy Rice Recipes in a Waffle Maker
1. White Rice Waffles
Use plain white rice for a simple, crispy waffle. Pair it with savoury toppings like sautéed mushrooms or soy sauce.
2. Leftover Fried Rice Waffles
Combine leftover fried rice with an egg and press into the waffle maker for a crispy, flavour-packed lunch.
3. Sushi Waffle
Use sushi rice and add toppings like avocado, raw fish, cucumber, and spicy mayo for a sushi-inspired twist.
4. Sticky Rice Waffles
Create crispy, chewy waffles using sticky rice and serve with sweet chilli sauce.
5. Crispy Rice Poke Waffle
Top crispy rice waffles with poke toppings such as tuna, salmon, edamame, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with soy sauce or spicy aioli.
Tips for Making the Best Crispy Rice in a Waffle Maker
- Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice is less sticky and crisps up beautifully.
- Preheat the Waffle Maker: A fully heated waffle maker ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Grease Generously: Prevent sticking by spraying the waffle maker with cooking spray or brushing with oil.
- Press Firmly: Gently press the waffle maker lid to compact the rice and create even browning.
FAQs About Rice Cakes in a Waffle Maker
- Can you put rice in a waffle maker?
Yes! With a binder like egg and some seasoning, rice transforms beautifully in a waffle maker.
- What else can I put in a waffle maker?
Try mashed potatoes, leftover stuffing, cookie dough, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for creative uses.
- Can you cook rice cakes in the microwave?
While you can warm rice cakes in the microwave, they won’t achieve the crispy texture a waffle maker provides.
- Can I use microwave rice for crispy rice?
Yes! Just cook the rice per the package instructions, then press it into your waffle maker.
Love experimenting with your waffle maker? Check out our article on Polenta Waffles for another creative use of grains in your cooking.
Recommended Tools for Rice Waffles
- Hamilton Waffle Maker: Perfect for single servings or quick snacks. (Buy Now on Amazon)
- Proctor Silex Double Mini chaffle Maker: Ideal for crispy, evenly cooked waffles. (Buy Now on Amazon)
Conclusion
Rice cakes in a waffle maker are an innovative way to transform humble ingredients into crispy, flavourful creations. Whether you’re making sticky rice waffles, sushi-inspired waffles, or savoury fried rice waffles, the possibilities are endless. With the right tools and a touch of creativity, your waffle maker can become the centrepiece of your kitchen adventures.
