Crispy chicken rice bites, with avocado and pickled vegetables


Prep time
4h:30min

Cook time
30min

Serves
6
The perfect appetiser that will wow a crowd with your creativity.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (250ml) sushi rice
- 1 tsp (5ml) salt
- ¼ cup (60ml) rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) sugar
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- 1 tsp (5ml) sugar
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt
- 300g Southern Fried Chicken Strips
- To Serve, miso mayo, coriander
Method:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to a pot with 1 ½ cups of water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar and 1 Tbsp sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If needed, you can gently heat the mixture to help the sugar dissolve more quickly.
- Once cooked, gently fold the sweetened vinegar into the hot rice. Transfer the seasoned rice to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the rice firmly and evenly into a layer about 1-1.5 cm thick. Alternatively, for a circular shape, press the rice into a parchment-lined cake tin. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Allow the sushi rice to set in the refrigerator overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours, until it is firm enough to cut and handle. While the rice is cooling and setting, prepare the pickling liquid. In a small saucepan, combine the red wine vinegar, water, 1 tsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Place the thinly sliced radishes, cucumber, and julienned carrot in a clean, heat-proof glass bowl or jar. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to pickle for a minimum of 4 hours at room temperature. They can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring the vegetables remain submerged in the liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and cook Southern Fried Chicken Strips from frozen for 15 minutes.
- Once the rice is firm, cut it into desired shapes, or whole. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the rice pieces in the hot pan and fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drizzle each crispy rice bite with miso mayo. Top with a slice of avocado, a piece of cooked chicken strip, a small helping of pickled vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Serve immediately.