Rice Balls Stuffed with Seafood Recipe – Crispy Italian Rice Balls Stuffed with Shrimp and Crab

Rice Balls Stuffed with Seafood Recipe

This Rice Balls Stuffed with Seafood recipe brings the classic Sicilian treat to life with a luxurious seafood twist. Golden, crunchy rice balls are filled with succulent shrimp, fresh crab, and rich sheep’s cheese, offering a delightful contrast between crisp exteriors and creamy interiors. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, this recipe allows home cooks to recreate authentic Italian flavors, perfect for appetizers, dinner parties, or festive occasions.

The Inspiration

Arancini are a cornerstone of Sicilian cuisine, celebrated for their versatility and the comforting texture of tender rice encasing a flavorful filling. Traditionally, these rice balls feature meats or vegetables, but this seafood version highlights Italy’s coastal bounty, pairing shrimp and crab with savory cheese to elevate the dish.

The concept aligns perfectly with the approach of Bonacini’s Italy, which focuses on approachable yet impressive Italian recipes. This version showcases the Italian tradition of transforming humble ingredients into a celebratory dish. The mix of textures—the crispy fried shell with a creamy, savory center—makes these arancini irresistible to both novice and seasoned cooks. Seafood arancini are an elegant dish that captures the essence of Italian coastal flavors while offering a fun, hands-on cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ (350 ml) cups Arborio rice
• 4 ½ cups (1.1 L) chicken stock, divided
• ¾ cup (180 ml) grated sheep cheese
• 2 eggs, divided
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) shrimp
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) tomato paste
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) fresh cooked crab meat
• ½ cup (120 ml) white wine
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup (120 ml) flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Method

• Toast rice in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, 3-4 minutes, tossing and moving the pan often.
• Add 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock and stir. Once the rice has fully absorbed the liquid, slowly add the remaining stock, stirring, until the rice is fully cooked and sticky. Let cool.
• Stir in the cheese and 1 egg. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
• Add the wine, raise the heat to medium, and cook until almost evaporated, 8-10 minutes.
• Add the shrimp and cook until pink, 4-5 minutes.
• Add tomato paste and stir in. Add crab meat and stir in.
• Remove the pan from heat and stir in parsley. Allow the rice to cool for 15-20 minutes.
• Put 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of rice in the palm of your hand and press a well in the centre. Put 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the seafood mixture in the well and close the rice around it. Repeat until all the rice and filling have been used.
• Heat oil in a deep-sided pot until it reaches 350 F (175 C).
• Put the flour in a shallow bowl. Beat the remaining egg in a second bowl. Add breadcrumbs to a third bowl. Dip each ball first in flour, then in egg, then dredge in breadcrumbs.
• Carefully lower the balls into the oil in batches and fry until golden and crispy, 4-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Buon appetito!

Serving Suggestions

Seafood arancini are perfect as an appetizer for dinner parties or as a main course for an Italian-themed meal. Serve them alongside a simple mixed greens salad or roasted vegetables for balance. A drizzle of marinara sauce or a wedge of lemon can enhance the seafood flavors, while a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino pairs beautifully with the dish. For entertaining, arrange the arancini on a platter garnished with fresh parsley, allowing guests to enjoy these crispy bites as finger food. Their golden, crunchy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior make them a visually stunning and indulgent option for any festive gathering or casual family meal.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Arancini recipe is a celebration of Sicilian culinary tradition, combining the indulgent flavors of shrimp, crab, and cheese inside a perfectly fried rice ball. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the rich, savory filling makes each bite an irresistible experience.

These arancini are versatile, elegant, and approachable, demonstrating how simple ingredients like rice, seafood, and cheese can be transformed into an impressive dish. Whether preparing for a special occasion, a dinner party, or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor with a modern seafood twist.