Delicious fried rice balls coated in a sweet sugar syrup, perfect as a snack or dessert. It is called carioca because of it's shape and tinudok in the Ilocano term because it is usually sold in skewers.

Ingredients
For the Rice Balls
- 1cupglutinous rice flour
- 1/2cupwater
- oil for frying
For the Sugar Syrup
- 1cupsugar
- 1/4cupwater
How to make Carioca/ Tinudok - Rice Balls with Sugar Syrup
Prepare the Rice Balls
Combine glutinous rice flour and water in a bowl and mix until a dough forms.
Take a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat for the rest of the dough. Poke holes through them to prevent bursting when fried.
Fry the Rice Balls
Pour oil into a pan or skillet and heat over medium heat.
Fry the balls in batches, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Cook until they are light gold and double in size.
Remove the rice balls from the hot oil and transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
Prepare the Sugar Syrup
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Cook over medium-low heat until bubbly.
Turn off the heat and add the rice balls to the pan. Gently stir to coat them fully with syrup.
Serve
Skewer the rice balls onto bamboo sticks and serve.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
Poking holes in the rice balls helps prevent them from bursting during frying.
FAQS
What is the best way to store leftover carioca rice balls?
To store leftover carioca rice balls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after refrigeration.
Can I make carioca rice balls gluten-free?
Yes, you can make carioca rice balls gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of glutinous rice flour. Look for a blend that mimics the sticky texture of glutinous rice flour to achieve the best results.
What can I use instead of sugar for the syrup in carioca?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to sugar in the syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness level may vary, so adjust the quantity to your taste.
What are some good pairings for carioca rice balls?
Carioca rice balls pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruits like mango or coconut for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the syrup.
How do I prevent carioca rice balls from bursting while frying?
To prevent carioca rice balls from bursting during frying, make sure to poke holes through each ball before frying. This allows steam to escape and helps maintain their shape while cooking.
Loading reviews...
Eden Glory
(@kurdapyaeiko)
I grew up in the mountainous Cordilleran region, who loves to eat, explore and recreate recipes with available ingredients. I am a Teacher by profession and also a business degree graduate who is hoping to make business with recreated foods. Let's enjoy the food from different cultures of the Philippines. I grew up in the mountainous Cordilleran region, who loves to eat, explore and recreate recipes with available ingredients. I am a Teacher by profession and...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia