Crispy Spicy Cabbage & Rice Fritters – A Simple Yet Flavorful Delight

Growing up, my family had a rule: nothing goes to waste in the kitchen. Leftover rice from last night’s dinner? It became the base for something new. Vegetables nearing their final days in the fridge? They were transformed into something delicious. These Crispy Spicy Cabbage & Rice Fritters are one of those dishes—born from simple, humble ingredients but packed with warmth, comfort, and bold flavors.

I remember my grandmother making something similar whenever she had leftover rice. She would mix it with finely chopped vegetables, season it generously, and pan-fry small patties until golden and crispy. The sound of sizzling oil, the smell of garlic and sesame, and the slight crunch when taking the first bite—it all felt like home.

Now, whenever I make these fritters, I think of those moments. They remind me that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best meals come from what you already have in your kitchen, waiting to be turned into something special.

These fritters are the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and spicy. The shredded cabbage adds texture, the rice gives them heartiness, and the seasonings bring just the right amount of heat and depth. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or even a light meal, they are sure to become a favorite in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Made with Simple, Pantry Ingredients

These fritters are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something delicious. Everything in this recipe is affordable, easy to find, and likely already in your kitchen.

2. A Great Way to Use Leftover Rice

If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover rice and no idea what to do with it, this recipe is the answer! The rice helps bind the fritters together while giving them a hearty texture.

3. Crispy and Flavorful with a Spicy Kick

The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a bold, umami-packed flavor that makes these fritters completely addictive.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adjust the spice level, add different vegetables, or even swap out ingredients based on what you have available.

5. Quick and Easy to Make

With minimal prep time and just a few minutes of cooking, you can have a batch of hot, crispy fritters ready to serve in no time.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Marinate the Cabbage – Toss shredded cabbage with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Batter – In a bowl, mix cabbage, green onion, cooked rice, egg, flour, garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Shape and Fry – Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and flatten them into small patties. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy – Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Fritter)

Tips for Making the Perfect Cabbage & Rice Fritters

1. Properly Drain the Cabbage

Cabbage holds a lot of moisture, which can make the fritters too soft. After shredding the cabbage, toss it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients.

2. Use Cooked and Cooled Rice

Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky. Using leftover rice that has been chilled gives the fritters a firmer texture, making them easier to shape and fry.

3. Don’t Skip the Seasonings

The soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes add layers of flavor that make these fritters truly delicious. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the red pepper flakes, but don’t leave them out entirely!

4. Cook Over Medium Heat

Cooking the fritters over medium heat ensures they get a crispy, golden-brown crust while staying soft and tender inside. Cooking over high heat might burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked.

5. Make Them Extra Crispy

For even crispier fritters, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or rice flour to the mixture. This helps create a crunchier crust when fried.

Serving Suggestions

These fritters are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some great ways to serve them:

1. With a Dipping Sauce

Pair the fritters with a delicious dip, such as:

• Spicy Sriracha Mayo – Mix mayo with a dash of sriracha and lemon juice.
• Soy Garlic Dipping Sauce – Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of honey.
• Yogurt Herb Dip – A cooling dip made with yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs.

2. As a Side Dish

These fritters are great as a side to grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, or even a warm bowl of soup.

3. In a Wrap or Sandwich

Use the fritters as a filling for a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, cucumber, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a satisfying meal.

4. Over a Fresh Salad

Crumble the fritters over a bowl of mixed greens, avocado, and crunchy vegetables for a hearty salad with a crispy twist.

5. As a Breakfast Option

Serve them with a fried egg and a side of avocado for a unique, protein-packed breakfast.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just shape and fry the fritters.

Q: Can I freeze these fritters?

Absolutely! Cook the fritters, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a skillet or oven until crispy again.

Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake the fritters at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Some great additions include:

• Grated carrots for extra sweetness and color
• Chopped bell peppers for a crunchy bite
• Shredded zucchini (just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture)

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fritters in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet to bring back the crispiness.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the flour for rice flour or cornstarch, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Q: Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a bit of mashed potato to help bind the mixture.

Why These Fritters Belong in Your Recipe Collection

These Crispy Spicy Cabbage & Rice Fritters prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something absolutely delicious and satisfying.

✔ Crispy, flavorful, and slightly spicy
✔ Easy to make with basic ingredients
✔ Great for meal prep and using up leftovers
✔ Perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal
✔ Customizable with endless variations

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that come from simple ingredients, turned into something extraordinary with a little creativity. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a unique way to enjoy cabbage and rice, these fritters will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

So go ahead—make a batch, take that first crispy bite, and enjoy the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness!

Crispy Spicy Cabbage & Rice Fritters – A Simple Yet Flavorful Delight

Print Recipe

Turn simple ingredients into something delicious with these Crispy Spicy Cabbage & Rice Fritters! Made with shredded cabbage, cooked rice, and bold seasonings, these fritters are pan-fried to golden perfection. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!

• Author: Amal
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 fritters 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 170g shredded cabbage
• 1/3 teaspoon salt (for marinating cabbage)
• 15g chopped green onion
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

• Toss the shredded cabbage with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture.
• In a bowl, combine the cabbage, green onion, cooked rice, egg, flour, garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and flatten them into small patties.
• Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or rice flour to the batter.
• If you want a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo, garlic yogurt sauce, or soy dipping sauce.
• Leftover fritters can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet.