Crispy vegan rice tots drizzled with spicy mayo and soy glaze, topped with scallions and sesame seeds—perfect as a savory appetizer or snack.
I first discovered these crispy rice tots at a vegan restaurant in Sarasota, and we loved them so much that we kept going back just for those. Even though we live an hour away, they were worth the drive every time. But to make things easier (and satisfy our cravings more often), I decided to recreate them at home—and they turned out just as addictive!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Rice Tots
- Crispy on the outside, soft and sticky inside—the perfect texture combo.
- Bold flavors from the spicy mayo and sweet-savory soy glaze.
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Great for entertaining or satisfying snack cravings any time of day.
Crispy Vegan Rice Tots
Ingredients
For the Rice Tots:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice or short-grain rice (cooled completely)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Neutral oil, for frying (e.g. canola or avocado)
Spicy Mayo:
- 3 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Soy Glaze:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Tots:
- Mix cooled rice with cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt.
- Shape the mixture into small rectangles or cubes (tightly packed).
- Optional: Freeze for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape better during frying.
- Fry the Tots:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the rice tots for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Spicy Mayo:
- Mix vegan mayo, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Make the Soy Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Plate the Dish:
- Drizzle spicy mayo and soy glaze on a plate.
- Place the tots on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Recipe Tips
Use sticky rice: Short-grain or sushi rice works best to hold the tots together without falling apart.
Cool the rice completely: Warm rice won’t shape well—let it chill in the fridge if needed.
Pack them tightly: Use damp hands or a small mold to compress the rice firmly into shape.
Freeze before frying (optional but helpful): Chilling or freezing for 15–20 minutes helps them stay intact and crisp up better.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain even heat and crispness.
Rice Tots
Ingredients
For the Rice Tots:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice cooled completely
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Avocado oil for frying
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 3 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
For the Soy Glaze:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Tots:Mix cooled rice with cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt.Shape the mixture into small rectangles or cubes (tightly packed).Optional: Freeze for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape better during frying.
- Fry the Tots:Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.Fry the rice tots for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Spicy Mayo:Mix vegan mayo, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Make the Soy Glaze:In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Plate the Dish:Drizzle spicy mayo and soy glaze on a plate.Place the tots on top.Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
These crispy rice tots have quickly become a go-to favorite in our kitchen—just as crave-worthy as the ones we fell in love with at the restaurant. They’re fun to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these little bites never disappoint.