# Components:
→ Crispy Rice Shells
01 - 2 cups cooked sushi rice, cooled
02 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
06 - Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Burger Filling
07 - 10 ounces ground beef
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if required)
09 - 1 tablespoon ketchup
10 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
15 - 1 medium tomato, diced
16 - 4 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 4 tablespoons burger sauce or mayonnaise
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
19 - Fresh cilantro or chopped scallions (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooled sushi rice with rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix until uniformly distributed; the rice should be sticky and cohesive.
02 - Moisten hands with water. Divide rice mixture into 8 equal portions and form each into a flat oval approximately 0.2 inches thick. Carefully drape each portion over a taco shell mold or folded aluminum foil to achieve a U-shaped shell.
03 - Pour 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan and heat to 350°F (medium-high). Fry shaped rice shells in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a rack lined with paper towels and allow to drain and cool slightly.
04 - In a separate bowl, mix ground beef with soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook seasoned beef, breaking apart with a spatula, for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
05 - Spoon hot burger filling evenly into crispy rice shells. Layer with iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle with burger sauce or mayonnaise. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and, if desired, fresh cilantro or scallions. Serve immediately.
