Arare is a snack you'll be craving once you've had your first taste.

This simple recipe is for a big batch of crispy rice cereal coated in a blanket of savory goodness. Rooted in Japanese snack culture, this "Americanized" version uses basic pantry staples. I took this recipe and adapted it for a microwave. One less pot to wash is always good!

Hawaiian Arare Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 12-ounce box of crisp rice cereal, like Rice Chex or Crispix
  • 4 T. salted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup furikake (Japanese shredded seaweed mixed with seasonings)
  • 2 T. sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

rice chex, ingredients

Method:

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or a silicone mat. Spread the cereal on the cookie sheet, being careful not to crush it.

In a bowl, microwave the butter and sugar, 30 seconds at a time, until the butter is melted. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then add the oil, corn syrup, and soy sauce. Continue to stir until you have a smooth glaze and drizzle half of it on the cereal. Sprinkle half of the furikake, sesame seeds, and garlic powder on the cereal, tossing it gently with your fingertips. Repeat with the remaining glaze and spices.

Bake for a total of 60 minutes, stirring carefully every 15 minutes. After the hour is up, let the pan cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring to an airtight container. It should stay fresh for 3-5 days, if it even lasts that long.

Variations:

  • The garlic powder is something I added for a bit of extra oomph. You can kick up the flavor profile with some dried chili flakes if you like things spicy.
  • Brown sugar would work just as well as white sugar, but the resulting glaze would not be as sweet.
  • Don't skip the corn syrup. It's a vital ingredient to create a glossy, crackly glaze.
  • Furikake is a great all-purpose seasoning. If you buy it just for this recipe, try it on plain white rice with scrambled eggs. Order it online if you can't find it at your local grocery store.

**All photos by Sarina Petrocelly

Have you ever tried authentic Hawaiian or Japanese Arare? What are some of your favorite mix-ins? Let us know in the comments.