½ small onion, chopped
¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste (Optional)
1 pinch onion powder, or to taste (Optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or more to taste
Mix rice, onion, Cheddar cheese, egg, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, parsley, and onion powder by hand in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Form rice mixture into 4 small patties. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry patties in hot oil until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Notes: Can add leftover meat (about 2/3 cup) such as shredded beef, pork, chicken, or ground beef. Use whatever type of cheese you like.