Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls Recipe – Crispy Golden Seafood Arancini with Roasted Garlic

Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls Recipe

This Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls recipe transforms sushi rice, flaky haddock, and roasted garlic into crispy, golden bites packed with flavour. Featured on Fish the Dish with host Spencer Watts, this recipe delivers a seafood twist on classic arancini, combining creamy interiors with crunchy panko-coated exteriors for the ultimate appetizer or snack.

The Inspiration

Inspired by traditional Italian arancini and elevated with a seafood-forward approach, this dish blends comforting textures with bold, savoury flavours. On Fish the Dish, Spencer Watts often takes familiar comfort food formats and reinvents them with fresh, coastal ingredients, and this Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls recipe is a perfect example of that creative direction.

Rice balls have long been a staple in various cuisines—from Italian arancini to Japanese onigiri—each emphasizing portability, texture, and flavour. This version leans into that global inspiration by combining sushi rice with flaky baked haddock, creating a rich yet balanced filling. The addition of roasted garlic brings a deep, mellow sweetness that enhances the natural flavour of the fish without overpowering it.

Ingredients

Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) Sushi rice
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken stock
• 1 garlic bulb, whole
• 12 ounces (360 grams) haddock fillets
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup (60ml) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (240ml) all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) panko or dry bread crumbs
• Canola oil, for frying

Garlic Scape Pesto

• 12 garlic scapes
• ½ cup (120ml) parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup (120ml) pine nuts
• ½ cup (120ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method

For the Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls

• Preheat oven to 325^oF (165^oC).
• Cook sushi rice with chicken stock according to package instructions, and cool in the refrigerator.
• While that is happening, wrap garlic bulb in aluminum foil and cook in oven for 1 hour.
• Place haddock fillets on baking sheet with parchment paper and add to oven for the last 10 minutes of garlic cooking time.
• In a large bowl, combine cold sushi rice, flaked haddock, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Add in roasted garlic. To separate roasted garlic cloves from peel, gently squeeze with the tip of your fingers until garlic comes out.
• Mix all the ingredients together and form 1-2 inch balls.
• Let the balls rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
• Set up a breading station: 1 bowl with flour, 1 bowl with 4 whisked eggs and 1 bowl with panko or bread crumbs.
• Roll each ball in flour, then eggs and then panko or bread crumbs, ensuring that they are fully coated.
• Heat frying oil to 350^oF – 375^oF (180^oC – 190^oC) degrees, and fry rice balls for 4-5 minutes.
• Remove from oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess liquid.
• Season with salt, and serve hot with the Garlic Scape Pesto. See Recipe. 

For the Garlic Scape Pesto

• Clean and trim garlic scapes by cutting just below the bulb.
• In a food processor, blend garlic scapes, pine nuts, cheese, salt and pepper.
• Add lemon juice.
• While food processor is running, slowly add olive oil until the pesto is smooth.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls recipe is ideal for appetizers, party platters, or seafood-inspired snack spreads. Serve the rice balls hot and freshly fried to highlight their crispy exterior and creamy interior. Pair them with Garlic Scape Puree for a bold, herbaceous dip that complements the roasted garlic and flaky haddock filling.

They also work beautifully alongside light salads, pickled vegetables, or citrus-based sauces that balance their richness. For entertaining, arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces and fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation that encourages sharing.

These rice balls pair well with crisp white wines, sparkling beverages, or light beers, all of which help cut through the richness of the fried coating. Whether served as a starter or a main component of a tapas-style meal, they deliver both flavour and texture in every bite.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic and Haddock Rice Balls recipe is a perfect fusion of comfort food and elevated seafood cooking. The combination of creamy rice, flaky fish, roasted garlic, and crispy panko creates a dish that is both indulgent and balanced.

Inspired by the bold and creative approach of Fish the Dish with Spencer Watts, this recipe demonstrates how classic techniques can be reimagined using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s approachable for home cooks while still delivering restaurant-quality results.