Store-bought rice cakes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from a light snack to a base for more elaborate meals.
Here's a breakdown of how you can enjoy them:
Versatile Uses for Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are essentially a blank canvas. Their mild flavor makes them a great base for both sweet and savory toppings.
1. As a Snack
This is the most common use. Simply top a rice cake with your favorite spreads and enjoy!
- Savory: Avocado, hummus, cream cheese, nut butter with everything bagel seasoning, sliced tomato with balsamic glaze, smoked salmon.
- Sweet: Nut butter with sliced banana and honey, ricotta cheese with berries, Greek yogurt with fruit, chocolate spread, jam.
2. As a Light Meal
You can bulk up rice cakes to make a more substantial meal.
- Lunch: Top with avocado, a fried egg, and everything bagel seasoning, or add shredded chicken and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Dinner: Use rice cakes as a base for a mini pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings.
3. As a Substitute
Rice cakes can be used as a lower-calorie or gluten-free substitute in certain situations.
- Bread Substitute: Use them as a base for open-faced sandwiches.
- Cracker Substitute: Serve them with cheese and charcuterie.
4. Cooking with Rice Cakes (Specifically Rice Cake Sticks - Tteok)
If you're referring to rice cake sticks (often used in Korean cooking, called tteok), here's how to prepare them:
- Boiling: If refrigerated, boil according to package instructions (usually 5-10 minutes) until softened.
- Pan-frying: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. This adds a chewy and slightly crispy texture.
- In Tteokbokki: Add boiled rice cake sticks to Tteokbokki sauce and cook until the sauce has thickened.
Example: Quick Avocado Rice Cake Snack
- Spread mashed avocado evenly on a rice cake.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Enjoying Rice Cakes
- Choose flavored rice cakes: For extra flavor, opt for varieties like caramel, chocolate, or apple cinnamon.
- Consider the texture: Some rice cakes are smoother, while others are more puffed and airy. Experiment to find your preference.
- Store properly: Keep rice cakes in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.
Rice cakes are a simple and adaptable food. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and preparations to find your favorites.
