Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with a dish that's both delicious and visually stunning? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with our irresistible Salmon Pea Baked Arancini! These golden, crispy rice balls are not just a feast for the eyes; they're packed with flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Imagine creamy Arborio rice combined with flaked salmon and sweet peas, all encased in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. Perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is a must-try! Join us as we guide you through the simple steps to create this gourmet delight right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 100g cooked salmon, flaked
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 1 cup of Arborio rice, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 100g of cooked salmon (flaked), 1/2 cup of peas, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 beaten egg. Set aside 1 cup of breadcrumbs and oil for frying.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the Arborio rice and stir well. Cook the rice, stirring frequently, until it absorbs most of the broth and becomes creamy, about 15-20 minutes. If the rice is still too firm, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the flaked salmon, peas, grated Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of the rice mixture and form it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
- Coat each rice ball in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly covered. This will give them a nice crunchy exterior when fried.
- In a large skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle), carefully add the arancini balls in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the arancini for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the arancini from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the salmon pea baked arancini warm, with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara or aioli. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the rice mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours. This will make it easier to shape the arancini and enhance the flavors.
- Choose the Right Rice: Arborio rice is essential for achieving that creamy texture. Avoid using other types of rice, as they won't yield the same results.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. This ensures your arancini will be crispy rather than greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the arancini in batches to prevent them from steaming instead of frying. This will help achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While marinara and aioli are classic choices, feel free to get creative! Try a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy lemon herb sauce for a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve your arancini warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair them with a fresh salad or a light pasta dish to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
