If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s golden, savory, and guaranteed to become an instant crowd-pleaser, look no further than Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed). These vegetarian dumplings are packed with hearty rice, vibrant vegetables, and zingy aromatics, all crisped to perfection without any fiddly folding. Whether you’re cooking for friends or looking for a weeknight treat, you’ll love how simple and fun it is to create these irresistible bites!

Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) is how the humble ingredients shine with minimal fuss. Each item brings something essential—whether it’s structure, texture, or that elusive umami—so gather these for the best results.

Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice is ideal for holding its shape and delivering that signature crispy exterior.
Soy sauce: Adds salty depth and color to the rice mix.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way toward giving these dumplings their nutty, fragrant aroma.
Cornstarch: Helps bind everything together for a compact, sturdy dumpling.
Finely chopped green onions: Brings fresh bite and gentle heat.
Finely chopped mushrooms: Infuses umami and moisture without overpowering other flavors.
Shredded carrots: Adds a tender crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
Minced garlic: Because every dumpling benefits from garlicky goodness.
Grated ginger: Brightens the filling with its subtle heat and complexity.
Vegetable oil: Use in the filling and for frying those golden dumplings.
Salt: To season the veggie sauté and balance flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and rounds everything out.

How to Make Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed)

Step 1: Prep the Rice Mixture

Start by combining the cooked jasmine rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the rice is evenly glossy—this is the backbone of the dumpling, creating that magical combination of crispy edges and chewy centers.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in a tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss in the green onions, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes—just until the vegetables soften and the kitchen smells fantastic. Season with salt and black pepper, then let this vibrant medley cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Once the sautéed vegetables have cooled a bit, fold them into your rice mixture. This step ensures every dumpling will be loaded with luscious flavor and the perfect balance of textures. Everything should look evenly combined and lightly sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Dumplings (No Pleating Needed!)

Here’s where things get delightfully stress-free. With damp hands, scoop out about two tablespoons of the mixture and gently shape into compact, oval dumplings—no pleating, folding, or crimping required! This shortcut saves time and works like a charm.

Step 5: Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add your dumplings, pressing them just a bit to flatten. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until gloriously golden and irresistibly crispy. Once done, set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

How to Serve Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed)

Garnishes

Finish your Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) with a scatter of fresh green onions, a pinch of sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of chili crisp if you love a little kick. A sprinkle of cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

These dumplings are fantastic on their own, but they really shine with a few easy sides. Try pairing them with a chilled cucumber salad, sautéed greens, or a steaming bowl of miso soup to create a balanced meal that’s colorful and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine! Stack the dumplings on an elegant platter with tiny bowls of dipping sauces, or serve on a bamboo tray for an extra-special touch. For a party, you can even skewer them on toothpicks and arrange with fresh herbs—Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) become finger food magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover dumplings? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The rice may soften a little, but a quick reheat will restore their crispy glory.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead, freeze the shaped (but unfried) dumplings on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. That way, you can fry fresh Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) straight from the freezer whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is to pan-fry the dumplings in a bit of oil until hot and crisp—much better than the microwave! If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in a hot oven or air fryer also does the trick and keeps that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use short-grain rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes! Short-grain rice will also work, although jasmine rice gives a lightly floral aroma and slightly chewier texture. The key is to use rice that isn’t too freshly cooked—leftover rice helps with forming and crisping the dumplings.

Are Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) gluten-free?

The recipe itself can easily be made gluten-free—just sub in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

What other veggies can I add to the filling?

Absolutely—feel free to mix things up! Try finely chopped cabbage, bell peppers, zucchini, or even water chestnuts for more crunch. The beauty of Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) is their versatility.

Can I bake these dumplings instead of frying?

You can bake them at 400°F on a lightly oiled sheet for about 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. While they won’t be quite as shatteringly crisp as the pan-fried version, they’re still delicious and a little lighter.

What dipping sauces do you recommend?

Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, ponzu, or even a spicy peanut sauce pair wonderfully! For a homemade touch, stir together soy sauce, rice vinegar, a splash of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Final Thoughts

Once you try making these Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed), you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life! It’s the perfect recipe to share with friends, keep as a meal-prep trick, or whip up when the craving for something crispy and full of flavor strikes. Grab your ingredients, and enjoy every golden, satisfying bite!

Crispy Rice Dumplings (No Pleating Needed) Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 dumplings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Rice Dumplings are a delightful twist on traditional dumplings, with a crunchy exterior and a flavorful, veggie-packed filling. Best of all, there’s no need for pleating the wrappers! Enjoy these as a unique appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Mixture:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Veggie Filling:

1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Rice Mixture: Combine cooked jasmine rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl.
Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, sauté green onions, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, and ginger until softened.
Combine and Shape: Mix sautéed veggies with rice mixture. Shape into dumplings.
Fry Dumplings: Pan-fry dumplings until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauce.