Meatless Monday Recipe - Cilantro Rice Cakes with Ginger-Soy Drizzle

Cilantro Rice Cakes with Ginger-Soy Drizzle

I realize it's Sunday, but what happens when it's already Monday and you want to make a meatless dish and you don't have all the ingredients? Plan ahead and you can make these amazing patties in a snap. Actually, you may already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. The cakes are an innovative use for plain white or brown rice, they're jazzed up with ginger and soy, and they're bursting with the flavor of fresh cilantro. Oh, and check out the calories: just 137 per cake!

Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

1 1/2 cups cooked white or brown rice

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

Combine the rice, egg and cilantro in a large bowl and mix well to combine.  Shape the mixture into four patties, each about 1 inch thick. 

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the patties and cook 3 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.  Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce and ginger.  Serve the cakes with the soy mixture drizzled over top. 

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 137, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 53mg, Carbohydrate: 18g, Protein: 4g, Fiber: 0g, Sodium: 623mg

Serves 4