Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes – Unique, Crunchy, and Delicious Snack

Have you ever tried crispy vegan rice cakes? If not, let “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” guide you on a journey to explore a unique twist on traditional rice cakes. Not only does it retain the characteristic light flavor, crispy vegan rice cakes also offer a new experience with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This snack is sure to captivate you from the first bite!

Join us as we delve into the detailed recipe to prepare these crispy vegan rice cakes that are both delicious and appealing. Whether you’re a strict vegan or simply looking to change up your family meals, this dish will not disappoint.

The Origin and Creativity of Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are a familiar, rustic dish among Vietnamese people, especially in the central and southern regions. These soft, smooth cakes are often topped with scallion oil, dried shrimp, and a savory sweet and sour fish sauce. However, crispy vegan rice cakes are a surprising innovation.

No one knows exactly when this dish was created, but it might have originated from the idea of reusing leftover or cooled rice cakes. Instead of throwing them away, people thought of frying them to create a new, delicious, and economical snack. Alternatively, it could be the initiative of vegan chefs wanting to add a more appealing “snack” version to their vegan menu.

Regardless of its origin, crispy vegan rice cakes are definitely worth trying. The combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, along with the distinctive flavor of rice cakes, is sure to delight you.

Crispy vegan rice cakes

Ingredients Needed for Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes

To prepare crispy vegan rice cakes, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• Vegan rice cakes: You can make them at home or buy them ready-made. If making them at home, you’ll need rice flour, tapioca flour, water, and a pinch of salt.
• Cooking oil: Use vegetable oil such as soybean or sunflower oil for frying.

Ingredients for the Filling (Optional)

• Peeled mung beans: Cook and mash them to add a rich, creamy flavor.
• Straw mushrooms or wood ear mushrooms: Finely chop and sauté to add a chewy texture.
• Carrots: Finely chop and sauté for added color and natural sweetness.
• Onions: Sauté to enhance the aroma.
• Vegan seasonings: Salt, sugar, vegan bouillon, pepper, chili (to taste).

Ingredients for the Dipping Sauce

• Soy sauce: Use a good, rich variety.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar or rock sugar.
• Lime or vinegar: For a tangy flavor.
• Fresh chili: Finely chopped or use chili sauce.
• Garlic (optional): Sauté if you can eat garlic.
• Carrots, daikon radish (optional): Carved into flowers, pickled sweet and sour for serving.

Necessary Tools

• Deep frying pan or air fryer.
• Oil strainer.
• Paper towels.
• Bowls, plates, spoons, chopsticks…

Note: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the flavor of the dish.

Ingredients for crispy vegan rice cakes

Detailed Instructions for Making Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes

Step 1: Preparing the Rice Cakes

• If using fresh rice cakes, let them dry slightly before frying.
• If the cakes are too thick, cut them in half or into smaller pieces for even frying.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling (If Using)

• Sauté the onions until fragrant, then add mushrooms, carrots, and mung beans, and sauté together.
• Season with vegan seasonings to taste, and sauté until the filling is cooked and slightly dry.

Step 3: Frying the Rice Cakes

Frying in a Pan with Oil:

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan until it covers the cakes.
• When the oil is hot, add the cakes and fry over medium heat until golden brown.
• Remove the cakes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Frying in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes.
• Place the cakes in the fryer and lightly brush with oil.
• Fry at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, turning once to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Making the Dipping Sauce

• Mix in the ratio: 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and chopped chili.
• Stir well and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Presentation and Enjoyment

• Arrange the cakes on a plate and top with the filling (if using).
• Serve with the dipping sauce and garnish with fresh herbs, cucumber, and cilantro.

Finished crispy vegan rice cakes

Tips for Perfect Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes

• Deep fry: This ensures the cakes cook evenly and become crispier.
• Control the oil temperature: Oil that’s too hot will burn the cakes, while oil that’s too cool will make them greasy.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan: This helps the cakes cook evenly and prevents them from becoming greasy.
• Drain on paper towels: This removes excess oil and keeps the cakes crispy longer.

Flavor Variations with Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes

• Mung bean and salted egg yolk filling: Add mashed salted egg yolk to the mung bean filling.
• Shiitake mushroom and lotus seed filling: Combine shiitake mushrooms with cooked lotus seeds.
• Sweet and sour sauce: Drizzle sweet and sour sauce over the cakes for a new flavor.
• Thai style: Add kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and chili to the filling or dipping sauce.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Although it’s a fried dish, crispy vegan rice cakes still provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from ingredients like rice flour, vegetables, and mung beans. However, be mindful not to eat too much to avoid excess calories and fat.

How to Fully Enjoy Crispy Vegan Rice Cakes

• Eat them hot to savor the crunchiness.
• Dip them generously in the sauce to balance the flavors.
• Serve with fresh herbs and refreshing drinks like iced tea or sâm water.

Conclusion

Crispy vegan rice cakes are a unique, easy-to-make, and flavorful snack. Try this recipe to treat your family and friends, and share your results with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”. Wishing you success and enjoyable culinary experiences!