Crispy rice squares with sushi-style topping

Method

• step 1

  Put the rice in a bowl and cover with water. Use your fingers to swirl the rice, then pour away the water – repeat this three times until the water is clear. Transfer to a pan with 400ml of water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 mins until all the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 mins.

• step 2

  Fluff the rice with a fork and stir through the vinegar. Line a small rimmed baking tray with baking paper. Transfer the rice to the tray and spread with a wet silicone spatula. It should make a layer about 1cm thick – it should be thick enough to fry without falling apart. Wrap the rice and refrigerate for 3 hrs or ideally overnight.

• step 3

  Once ready, carefully lift the rice out of the tray. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, cut the rice into 24 squares, wetting the knife when needed. Heat a thin layer of oil in a frying pan until hot – if you add a single grain of rice it should immediately start to sizzle. Add six of the rice squares and cook for 4-5 mins on each side or until deeply golden and crisp, being careful when flipping them over – the moisture in the rice makes the oil spit so be careful. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, blotting any excess oil with kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining rice squares, adding more oil when needed.

• step 4

  To assemble, smear a little sriracha mayo on each square followed by a few slices of avocado. Sprinkle over a little of the ponzu seasoning followed by a few small strips of ginger, a piece of nori, extra sriracha mayo and a sprinkling of seeds.