Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini Recipe
Delight in the fusion of Korean and Italian flavors with these Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini. Creamy Arborio rice is mixed with savory bulgogi-marinated ground beef, shaped into crispy golden balls, and fried to perfection, making for an irresistible appetizer or snack that combines the best of both cuisines.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 golf ball-sized arancini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Arancini Base
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bulgogi Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup bulgogi marinade (store-bought or homemade)
- Prepare the Bulgogi Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned. Add the bulgogi marinade and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Cook the Arborio Rice: Bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a pot. Add the Arborio rice and stir continuously for about 18 minutes, cooking until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Combine: Allow both the beef filling and the cooked rice to cool slightly. Then mix them thoroughly together, ensuring an even distribution of beef within the rice.
- Shape: With clean hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, packing them tightly to maintain structure during frying.
- Dredge & Fry: Coat each ball first in all-purpose flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the arancini balls in batches until they turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Serve Hot: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve the arancini hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as spicy mayo or soy-based sauce.
Notes
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute ground beef with seasoned mushrooms or textured vegetable protein.
- Ensure the rice and beef mixture is cooled enough to handle before shaping the balls to prevent burns.
- Maintain oil temperature consistently to avoid greasy or undercooked arancini.
- Use fresh bulgogi marinade or homemade to control sugar and sodium levels.
- Leftover arancini can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven for crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini ball
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Bulgogi Arancini, Korean Arancini, Bulgogi stuffed rice balls, Korean appetizers, Fried rice balls, Fusion recipes