Last updated on January 4, 2026

It was a rainy afternoon when I first decided to dive into the world of Confiting Yolk. As I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of cooked sushi rice wafted around me, whispering promises of a cozy dish that I could hardly wait to try. My first attempt reminded me of the thrill of cooking—the anticipation, the delicious mess, and a few laughs when things didn’t quite go according to plan. If you’ve ever felt a bit intimidated to tackle a new recipe, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—this recipe for Confit Yolk Crispy Rice is straightforward and stress-free. I’ll guide you through every delicious step, making it totally doable, even if you’re trying it for the first time.

Why I Love This Recipe of Confit Yolk Crispy Rice

There’s something magical about Confit Yolk Crispy Rice that goes beyond just the flavors. To me, this dish marries textures and tastes that ignite memories of family gatherings and special occasions. The way the rich, creamy egg yolk contrasts beautifully with crispy rice is simply heartwarming. Plus, it’s a dish that impresses without requiring a degree from a culinary school. I truly believe that even beginner cooks will appreciate how adaptable and cozy this recipe is. There’s a certain joy in mastering a new dish that feels both classic and innovative simultaneously.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Confit Yolk Crispy Rice

Before we jump into the cooking adventure, let’s gather all the essentials to create this delightful dish. You won’t need any complicated tools, just everyday ingredients with a few fun additions.

Essentials

1 cup cooked sushi rice (Calrose): This type of rice is sticky and flavorful, which makes it a perfect base.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: This will help season the rice while adding a mild tang.
1 pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
1/2 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch of sweetness balances everything out.
8 egg yolks: The star of the dish! These bring richness and creaminess.
3/4 cup soy sauce or tamari: This offers umami depth to the yolks.
1 two-inch strip of kombu: This sea kelp infuses the yolks with a wonderful flavor.
Olive oil: Enough to completely submerge the yolks during the cooking process.
2 shallots, thinly sliced: For that delightful crunch and sweetness.
Oil for frying: You’ll use this to fry up the shallots and crisp the rice.
Lemon zest, to taste: Brightens the dish and adds a refreshing touch.
Chives, chopped: A mild onion flavor that complements beautifully.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A finishing touch if you like that pop of saltiness.

Optional Add-ons

While the ingredients listed here create an incredible base, you can personalize this dish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of sriracha can give it your unique twist. Maybe try including herbs other than chives, like cilantro or parsley, if you want to switch things up.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

For those who might be looking for substitutions or shortcuts: if you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain rice works just fine! Tamari is a fantastic gluten-free option if you’re avoiding gluten. You could also use avocado oil instead of olive oil if you prefer a different flavor or dietary preference. And if you’re short on time, consider using store-bought crispy shallots instead of frying your own.

How to Make Confit Yolk Crispy Rice Step-by-Step

Now that we’re ready with our ingredients, let’s dive into the process of bringing our Confit Yolk Crispy Rice to life! Follow along with these detailed steps to ensure the best results.

Prepare the Sushi Rice:
Start by combining the warm cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, pinch of salt, and sugar in a small container. The warmth of the rice will help dissolve the sugar and salt, creating a flavorful mixture. Ensure each grain is coated, then let it cool slightly before transferring it to the refrigerator. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cure the Egg Yolks:
While the rice is chilling, it’s time to cure the egg yolks. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, and the kombu strip. Carefully place the egg yolks in this mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to cure in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, flipping them halfway for even curing. You can take a moment here to admire the transformation happening in the bowl!
Bake the Cured Yolks:
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Prepare a water bath by placing a baking dish filled with water in the oven. Now, take the cured yolks and gently transfer them into a smaller dish, submerging each yolk in olive oil. Place this smaller dish in the water bath, ensuring the yolks are completely covered in oil. Bake for 40 minutes, then let them sit for an additional 20-30 minutes in the oil to set.
Prepare the Crispy Shallots:
While the yolks are baking, let’s focus on the shallots. Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the thinly sliced shallots. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, stirring regularly to avoid burning. Once they are perfectly crispy, drain them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Crisp the Rice:
Take your chilled rice mixture and press it into an even layer in a square shape or in a lined baking dish. Using the reserved shallot oil, heat it in the same pan previously used for the shallots. Carefully add the rice squares and fry them until both sides are golden and crispy. This delightful sound and aroma will be your reminder that you’re on your way to an incredible dish!
Assemble Your Bites:
Now comes the fun part! Place each crispy rice square on a serving plate. Gently top each square with a confit yolk, allowing it to gently melt into the rice beneath. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, chopped chives, and crispy shallots. Finish off with a touch of flaky sea salt if desired.
Serve Immediately:
These delightful bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve them to your friends and family and watch their eyes light up with excitement as they take their first bite!

Common Mistakes to Avoid Confit Yolk Crispy Rice

While preparing Confit Yolk Crispy Rice is fairly simple, there are a few common pitfalls you may encounter. Let’s talk about them to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Mistake 1: Not Cooling the Rice Properly

One common mistake is not letting the rice cool enough after mixing in the rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. If the rice is too warm when you refrigerate it, it can get too mushy instead of holding its shape. Make sure you let it sit until it is room temperature before refrigerating.

Mistake 2: Overcooking the Egg Yolks

Curing the yolks is a delicate process. If you leave them in the soy sauce mixture too long, they can become overly salty or tough. Stick to the recommended time of 2 to 3 hours, and remember to flip them halfway through for even curing.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Water Bath

Baking the yolks in a water bath helps maintain a stable, low temperature, ensuring they cook slowly and evenly. Skipping this step may result in yolks that aren’t perfectly creamy. If you don’t have a water bath setup, you can create a DIY one using a baking dish filled with hot water and placing your yolks in a smaller dish inside it.

Serving Suggestions for Confit Yolk Crispy Rice

Once you have your beautiful Confit Yolk Crispy Rice ready to go, consider how you can make the most of this dish when serving!

Pairing with a Light Salad

Serving this dish alongside a light salad can be a great way to balance the richness of the yolk. A simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice offers a refreshing contrast.

Adding a Dipping Sauce

You can elevate your Confit Yolk Crispy Rice even further with a dipping sauce on the side. A soy sauce-based dip with a hint of sesame oil can enhance the umami flavors and provide a delightful combination to each bite.

Serving as a Starter or Appetizer

These crispy rice bites make a perfect starter or appetizer. The combination of creamy yolk and crispy rice is sure to impress your guests at any gathering. Arrange them on a wooden board, letting everyone indulge in these delectable bites.

Conclusion

Making Confit Yolk Crispy Rice is simpler than it looks! I hope you’ve learned that with just a bit of time and care, you can craft a dish that’s completely comforting, easy to customize, and sure to impress. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it all to yourself, this dish is full of cozy, classic flavors that even a beginner cook can conquer.

If you decide to try this out, I encourage you to share your experience. And remember, cooking should be fun and fulfilling, so don’t shy away from tweaking the recipe to make it your own!

FAQs About Confit Yolk Crispy Rice

1. What is Confit Yolk Crispy Rice?
Confit Yolk Crispy Rice is a delightful dish made with rich, creamy egg yolks that are cured and then baked in olive oil, served on top of crispy sushi rice squares. The combination of texture and flavor makes it a unique and comforting treat.

2. Can I use different types of rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes! While sushi rice is recommended for its sticky texture, you can also use short-grain rice if sushi rice isn’t available.

3. How long can I store leftover Confit Yolk Crispy Rice?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat in a pan to re-crisp the rice before serving. However, the yolks are best enjoyed fresh.

4. Can I make Confit Yolk Crispy Rice vegan?
You could swap out the egg yolks for a plant-based substitute designed to mimic the texture of eggs. However, the unique flavors of this dish may change without the yolks.

5. Is it possible to serve Confit Yolk Crispy Rice at parties?
Absolutely! These bites work wonderfully as appetizers for gatherings, and they’re sure to be a hit with guests. Just arrange them nicely on a platter for presentation.

I hope you enjoy making this cozy recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Confit Yolk Crispy Rice