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My mom made our family’s most amazing deep-fried rice treats growing up. She’d buy these colorful rice chips—yellow, pink, and white—and fry them until they were perfectly crisp, then roll them in sugar. I’ve tried to track down the exact ones she used, but no luck! So, when I saw influencers making these fried rice paper flowers, I knew I had to give them a shot. They’re not quite as thick as what my mom made, but they have that same light crunch and sweet coating that takes me right back. Maybe one day I’ll find the original treats in a specialty shop in San Jose’s Japan Town, but these delicate flowers are a fun and beautiful alternative for now. I can’t wait to make them again and use them to decorate a homemade spring cake!

Before making these delicate fried treats, let’s talk about rice paper! If you’ve never worked with rice paper before, you’re in for a treat—this versatile ingredient transforms beautifully when fried, creating light, airy textures perfect for sweet and savory dishes. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes rice paper so unique!

What is Rice Paper

Rice paper is a thin, translucent sheet made from rice flour, water, and sometimes tapioca starch, which gives it a slightly elastic texture. It is most commonly used in Asian cuisine, mainly Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cooking. Rice paper is most widely used for fresh spring rolls (also called summer rolls) and fried spring rolls, but it’s also a versatile ingredient for crispy snacks, edible decorations, and creative desserts.

When dry, rice paper is stiff and delicate but becomes soft and pliable when soaked in water or exposed to heat. When deep fried, it puffs up quickly, turning into a light, airy, and crispy texture-perfect for fun treats like fried rice paper flowers. Because of its natural flavor, rice paper pairs well with sweet and savory dishes, absorbing the flavors of whatever ingredients it’s paired with.

Serving Ideas for These Beautifully Crispy Treats

These crisp and delicate fried flowers make a stunning addition to dessert platters or tea-time treats. Enjoy them alone, pair them with a dipping sauce, or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a visually striking presentation.

With their light, crispy texture, and chewy mochi center, these rice paper flowers are as delightful to eat as they are to look at. Try making a batch today for a whimsical, edible treat that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Fried Rice Paper Flowers

There’s something truly special about these crispy, golden treats. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Light and Crispy Texture – The rice paper puffs up beautifully when fried, creating an airy, delicate crunch in every bite.
• A Fun and Beautiful Treat – These flower-shaped snacks look as stunning as they taste, making them perfect for special occasions or an elegant dessert display.
• Easy to Make with Just a Few Ingredients – You can whip up a batch quickly with only rice paper, mochi, oil, and sugar.
• A Nostalgic and Creative Twist—If you’ve ever had deep-fried rice snacks as a child, these will bring back wonderful memories while offering a new take on an old favorite.
• Versatile and Customizable—You can experiment with different fillings, sprinkle on cinnamon sugar, or even drizzle with chocolate for a unique variation.

How To Make an Edible Rice Paper Flowers

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tap on the ingredients links to shop the post. But, before getting started, gather these simple ingredients:

• Rice paper sheets (round) – These delicate, translucent sheets become beautifully crisp when fried, creating the light and airy texture of the petals.
• Mochi (store-bought or homemade): A small dab of this chewy rice cake in the center helps hold the flowers together while adding a soft contrast to the crispy petals. You can find my mochi recipe here if you don’t buy it at the store. I would not make a whole batch but rather a small amount. With these measurements, you will still have leftovers. But if you like mochi, you can enjoy a little treat on the side while making your flowers! Here are the adjusted measurements: ½ cup Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, 1 drop white vinegar (since it’s a small amount, you can use a toothpick dipped in vinegar and stir it in)
• Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) – A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point ensures the rice paper fries evenly to a golden crisp.
• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling) – A light dusting of sugar enhances the subtle sweetness of these crispy treats.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making These Crispy Floral Treats

Step 1 – Cutting the Rice Paper Petals

Prepare Your Templates – Cut out two round templates, one slightly larger than the other. The larger circle will be the base of your flower, while the smaller one forms the top layer. In the above photo, I show the dotted lines you’ll cut, leaving an area in the middle untouched. These cuts will create the flower petals.

Shape the Petals – Using the templates cut out the rice paper circles. Make small cuts from the edge of each circle towards the center, creating petal-like shapes. Avoid cutting all the way through.

Step 2 – Make a Batch of Mochi

I made a small batch of mochi and divided it into three bowls. Then, I added a few drops of food coloring to each one, creating vibrant, colorful centers for the flowers.

Step 3 – Assembling the Rice Paper Flowers

Layer the Rice Paper – Place a small dollop of cooked mochi in the center of the larger prepared flower circle. Gently place the smaller rice paper circle on top, pressing slightly so it sticks to the mochi.

Step 4 – How to Fry Rice Paper

Heating the Oil

Choose the Right Pan – Use a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan for even frying.

Fill the pan with about 1 1/2 inches deep of cooking oil.

Test the Oil Temperature: Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Drop a small piece of rice paper into the oil. If it immediately puffs up and crisps, the oil is ready.

Frying the Rice Paper Flowers

Carefully place one assembled rice paper flower into the hot oil.

Fry for a few seconds until golden and crispy. The rice paper will quickly expand, creating a light, airy texture.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the flower and drain it on a paper towel.

Step 5 – Finishing Touches

While still warm, sprinkle the fried flowers with granulated sugar to add a touch of sweetness. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Alternative Fillings for the Center

Of course, I used my mochi recipe, but you can try these other options!

• Colored cooked rice – Sticky or glutinous rice dyed with natural food coloring can create a fun, colorful center while keeping the layers together.
• Marshmallow pieces—Mini marshmallows will slightly expand when fried but stay intact, giving them a soft, chewy texture.
• Firm mochi bits – If you don’t have traditional mochi, you can use store-bought mochi candies cut into small pieces.
• Tiny tapioca pearls—Cooked and slightly firm tapioca pearls (like those used in bubble tea) can provide a chewy, bouncy texture that withstand frying.
• Dried fruit pieces – Small pieces of dried mango, pineapple, or even dates will hold up well in the oil and add a natural sweetness.
• Sweetened shredded coconut – Pressing a small mound of sticky shredded coconut can help bind the layers together while adding a subtle tropical flavor.

Other Rice Dessert Recipes to Try

• Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treats – A fun and festive twist on the classic Rice Krispie treats. These are shaped into hearts, drizzled with chocolate, and decorated with sprinkles for a sweet holiday treat.
• Strawberry Mochi Recipe – This chewy, sweet mochi is filled with fresh strawberries and red bean paste, creating a delightful balance of fruity and creamy flavors in every bite.
• Mochi Ice Cream Recipe – A delicious combination of soft, chewy mochi wrapped around creamy ice cream, this recipe lets you create your favorite flavors at home for a refreshing and fun frozen treat.

Fried rice paper flowers are a fun and creative way to turn simple rice paper into a crispy, lightly sweetened dessert. With a chewy mochi center and delicate, airy petals, these deep-fried treats are perfect for special occasions or a unique homemade snack.

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I truly appreciate your visit and hope you found some inspiration for your kitchen adventures. Whether you’re here for a new recipe, nostalgia, or fun cooking ideas, I’d love to have you back again soon. Happy cooking, and see you next time!

Cheers,

Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com

I named my blog Happy Happy Nester because I love everything related to the home. I’ve always enjoyed decorating my surroundings. Get cozy and stay for a bit, thanks for visiting!

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