Waffle Maker Crispy Rice
WAFFLE MAKER CRISPY RICE 🍣 is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 272 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Dugan on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $10.74 total, $5.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Cooked Day‑Old Rice (cooled, preferably refrigerated overnight)
- 1 tablespoon Light Mayonnaise (can use regular mayo)
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust heat to taste)
- 4 ounces Imitation Crab Meat (thawed if frozen, shredded)
- 0.25 cup Cucumber (thinly sliced, seedless preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Japanese Barbecue Sauce (e.g., yakisoba sauce or teriyaki glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted optional)
- as needed Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (for waffle maker)
- 0.25 avocado Avocado (diced, optional (omitted due to allergy))
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Waffle Maker
Plug in the waffle maker, let it heat for about a minute, then spray the plates generously with non‑stick cooking spray.
Time: PT1M
Cook Rice Waffle
Place 0.5 cup of day‑old rice in the center of the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Make Spicy Mayo
In a small mixing bowl combine 1 tablespoon light mayo with 1 teaspoon sriracha and whisk until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Toppings
Thinly slice the cucumber, shred the imitation crab, and set both aside. Pat the cucumber slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Crispy Rice Waffle
Place the cooked rice waffle on a serving plate, top with shredded imitation crab and cucumber slices, drizzle with the spicy mayo and Japanese barbecue sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 272
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Low Calorie, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free sauce), Pescatarian, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Egg (mayonnaise), Shellfish (imitation crab), Soy (Japanese barbecue sauce), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cooked Day‑Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice cooled, Leftover sushi rice
- Instead of Light Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Sriracha: Hot sauce, Chili garlic sauce
- Instead of Imitation Crab Meat: Cooked shrimp, Real crab meat
- Instead of Cucumber: Jicama, Carrot sticks
- Instead of Japanese Barbecue Sauce: Teriyaki sauce, Soy glaze
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds, Chopped peanuts
- Instead of Non‑Stick Cooking Spray: Oil brush, Butter
- Instead of Avocado: Mango, Edamame
Equipment Needed
- Waffle Maker
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Whisk or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Spraying the waffle maker to prevent sticking
- Cooking the rice until golden and crisp
- Mixing the spicy mayo thoroughly
- Assembling the dish while the waffle is hot
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute to enhance nuttiness
- Add a pinch of toasted nori flakes to the rice before cooking for extra umami
- Use a rice cooker and chill the rice overnight for optimal crispness
Troubleshooting
Rice waffle sticks to the iron
Ensure generous non‑stick spray and use fully cooled, dry rice; press gently and avoid overfilling
Waffle turns out soggy
Use day‑old rice that has been refrigerated, cook a minute longer, and pat cucumber slices dry before adding
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked waffles, toppings, and sauces in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days
Freezer: Rice waffles can be frozen for up to 1 month; reheat in a toaster oven to regain crispness
Room temperature: Best enjoyed immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before losing crunch
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the spicy mayo a day ahead and store in the refrigerator
- Cook extra rice waffles and keep warm in a low oven (200°F) until serving
- Slice cucumber and store in water to stay crisp
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of rice waffles in Japanese cuisine?
Rice waffles are a modern fusion twist on traditional Japanese rice dishes such as onigiri and takoyaki, adapting the concept of a crisp exterior with a soft interior for snack‑size portions.
How is Japanese barbecue sauce traditionally used, and why is it paired with this rice waffle?
Japanese barbecue sauce, often called yakisoba sauce, adds a sweet‑savory glaze to grilled foods; pairing it with the crispy rice waffle balances the heat of the sriracha mayo with umami and sweetness.
What are traditional regional variations of imitation crab (surimi) dishes in Japanese cuisine?
Surimi originated in Japan as a way to use leftover fish; it appears in salads, sushi rolls, and chawanmushi, offering a mild seafood flavor without the cost of real crab.
What occasions or celebrations is a dish like Crispy Rice Waffle with Imitation Crab commonly served in Japan?
While not a classic holiday dish, this type of bite‑size snack is popular at izakaya gatherings, street festivals, and as a playful appetizer at modern Japanese‑fusion restaurants.
How does this Crispy Rice Waffle fit into the broader Japanese snack tradition?
It reflects the Japanese love for texture contrast—crunchy outside, tender inside—similar to tempura and takoyaki, while incorporating familiar flavors like soy‑based sauces and sesame.
What authentic ingredients are essential for this recipe versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include day‑old short‑grain rice, Japanese barbecue (yakisoba) sauce, and imitation crab; substitutes can be long‑grain rice, teriyaki sauce, or cooked shrimp if surimi is unavailable.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with this Crispy Rice Waffle?
Serve alongside edamame, pickled ginger, or a light miso soup; a small side of seaweed salad also complements the sweet‑spicy flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crispy Rice Waffle at home?
Common errors include using fresh hot rice (which won’t crisp), under‑spraying the waffle iron, and adding wet toppings without drying them first, all of which lead to sogginess or sticking.
Can I make the Crispy Rice Waffle ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cook the waffles ahead, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a toaster oven to restore crispness before topping.
What does the YouTube channel Jamie Dugan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jamie Dugan focuses on quick, budget‑friendly fusion recipes that blend Asian flavors with everyday pantry staples, emphasizing easy techniques for home cooks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
