Lao-style Rice Fritters

Ingredients

In the original American Calas recipe, the fritters are typically made with leftover rice, flour, sugar, and spices. However, in this Lao adaptation, we use cooked rice as the base and incorporate Lao-specific herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile. The Lao-style rice fritters are also typically served with a tangy dipping sauce, which adds a unique element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Calas, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) cooked jasmine rice 2 cups (400g) cooked jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup (30g) rice flour 1/4 cup (30g) rice flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked jasmine rice, rice flour, cilantro, green onions, fish sauce, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Take a small handful of the rice mixture and shape it into a small patty or ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the rice fritters into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. 5.
   Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Lao-style rice fritters hot with a tangy dipping sauce of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jasmine rice — Use cooked jasmine rice that has been cooled down. Freshly cooked rice may be too moist and affect the texture of the fritters.
• Rice flour — Rice flour helps bind the ingredients together and adds a light crispiness to the fritters. If you don't have rice flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ slightly.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the rice mixture.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure they turn out crispy.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to enjoy them at their best texture.

Serving advice

Lao-style rice fritters are best served hot as a snack or as a side dish. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Lao-style rice fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced green onions. Serve them alongside a small bowl of the tangy dipping sauce for an appetizing presentation.