Pink “Rice-Owl” Balls and Mini Pork Patties

Number of servings: 5

Preparation time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Pink “Rice-Owls”:

1 cup cooked rice (preferably sticky rice, e.g., sushi rice)
1 tsp beetroot juice (for natural colouring)
Decoration: 2 slices of yellow cheese (eyes), 1 sheet of nori seaweed (pupils), a small piece of carrot (beaks)

Mini Patties:

250 g European minced pork
1 small egg
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
salt, pepper, and oil for frying

Vegetables & Base:

4–5 broccoli florets
a few carrot sticks
lettuce leaves (to line the lunchbox)

PREPARING

Pink Rice Balls: Mix the warm rice in a bowl with the beetroot juice until it reaches a uniform pink colour. With moistened hands, form 4–5 firm balls. Cut small circles from the cheese for eyes, small dots from the nori for pupils, and small triangles from the carrot for beaks. Gently press the decorative elements onto the rice—the moisture will help them stick.
Patty Mixture: In a bowl, combine the minced pork, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, and seasonings (salt, pepper, soy sauce). Mix by hand, then form small, oblong patties the size of a child’s palm.
Frying & Vegetables: Heat oil in a pan and fry the patties over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Meanwhile, steam or boil the broccoli and carrot sticks in lightly salted water for 3–5 minutes so they remain crunchy.
Assembling the Lunchbox: Line the bottom of the box with fresh lettuce leaves. Tightly pack the “rice-owls” in one section and place the mini patties next to them. Fill the remaining spaces with the colourful vegetables.

MORE INTHIS CATEGORY

HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE?

Curious to learn more? Our blog dives deep into why choosing European products makes a difference, from safe production practices to the unmatched quality and flavors. Explore with us and discover the story behind every bite.