Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini

Get ready to dive into the best of both worlds with Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini! This dish takes the beloved crispy Italian rice balls and fills them with the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean bulgogi beef. Each bite is a delightful fusion of two cultures, combining the satisfying crunch of golden fried rice balls with the juicy, tender filling of marinated beef. These little bites are perfect for an appetizer, snack, or a fun twist on your dinner spread. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked—they’re an absolute game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini

• Flavor Fusion: This recipe brings together the best of Korean and Italian cuisines. The sweet and savory bulgogi beef pairs beautifully with the crispy, cheesy arancini crust.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These stuffed rice balls are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. They’re bite-sized, easy to share, and bursting with flavor.
• Crunchy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: The crispy fried exterior gives way to a deliciously tender and flavorful beef filling that’ll make your taste buds sing.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the arancini ahead of time, making them an ideal dish for entertaining. Just fry them right before serving for that golden crispy perfection.
• Customizable: Love a little heat? Add some chili flakes to the bulgogi marinade! Want more cheese? Toss some mozzarella into the rice mixture. You can easily make these your own!

Ingredients

For the Bulgogi Filling:

• Ground Beef: The base of the filling, providing that savory, juicy bite.
• Soy Sauce: A key ingredient for the bulgogi marinade that adds umami and depth.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty flavor that’s synonymous with Korean cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic to infuse the beef with a fragrant, bold flavor.
• Ginger: Grated ginger adds a slight zing and freshness to balance the richness of the beef.
• Brown Sugar: For that sweet note that’s characteristic of bulgogi.
• Green Onion: Adds a fresh, sharp flavor to the filling.
• Black Pepper: For a touch of heat.

For the Arancini:

• Arborio Rice: The star of arancini, creating that creamy, sticky texture that holds everything together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the rice.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully inside the rice balls, creating a gooey, cheesy surprise.
• Eggs: To bind the rice together and help with breading.
• Breadcrumbs: For coating the rice balls and giving them that crispy golden exterior when fried.
• Flour: For dredging the rice balls before dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs.
• Oil: For frying the arancini to crispy perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bulgogi Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and green onion. Mix well until the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the beef mixture for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Arancini Rice

In a large saucepan, cook the Arborio rice according to the package instructions, usually in a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Let the rice cool for a few minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of black pepper. Let the rice mixture come to room temperature before shaping.

Step 3: Assemble the Arancini

Once the rice mixture has cooled, it’s time to assemble the arancini. Take a small portion of the rice mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled bulgogi beef in the center. Top with a small cube of mozzarella cheese for that gooey surprise. Gently mold the rice around the filling, rolling it into a ball shape. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the rice and filling.

Step 4: Coat the Arancini

Dredge each rice ball lightly in flour, then dip it into beaten eggs, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This breading process will give your arancini the crispy crunch you’re craving.

Step 5: Fry the Arancini

In a large pot or deep fryer, heat enough oil to submerge the arancini. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini hot, with your favorite dipping sauce, like a sweet chili sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo. These little bites are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish with a side salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrate: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 12g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini

• With Dipping Sauce: These arancini are perfect with a dipping sauce on the side. Try a tangy sweet chili sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo for an extra punch of flavor.
• As Part of a Larger Meal: Serve them alongside a light salad, some sautéed vegetables, or a refreshing kimchi slaw for a complete meal.
• For Entertaining: These stuffed arancini are ideal for parties and gatherings. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the rice balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Freezing: If you want to prep these in advance, freeze the stuffed arancini on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. Fry them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding some kimchi or gochujang to the bulgogi mixture for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for the filling.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these arancini in the oven instead of frying?
A1: Yes! You can bake the arancini in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. You may need to spray them lightly with oil to achieve that crispy texture.

Q2: Can I make these vegetarian?
A2: Yes! You can replace the bulgogi beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or tofu, seasoned with similar bulgogi spices.

Q3: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and bulgogi filling the day before and assemble the arancini when you’re ready to cook them. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Q4: Can I freeze the arancini?
A4: Yes, these can be frozen before frying. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag or container. Fry from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: What dipping sauces work well with these?
A5: Sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a soy sauce-based dipping sauce would complement the flavors of the bulgogi and arancini perfectly.

Q6: Can I use a different type of meat?
A6: Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or turkey would work just as well for the bulgogi filling.

Q7: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A7: You can use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

Q8: What if I don’t have Arborio rice?
A8: If you don’t have Arborio rice, you can use any medium or short-grain rice. The key is to use rice that’s starchy and sticky enough to hold together.

Q9: Can I add other fillings to the arancini?
A9: Yes! Feel free to get creative. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even pickled vegetables to the rice balls for extra flavor.

Q10: Can I make these without mozzarella?
A10: Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the mozzarella or substitute it with a different melty cheese like cheddar or gouda.

Conclusion

These Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini are a delicious fusion of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Perfect for parties, as an appetizer, or just when you’re craving something flavorful and fun, they combine the best of Korean and Italian cuisines in one bite-sized snack. Give them a try, and I guarantee they’ll be a hit!

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