If you’re craving a dish that is both delightfully crispy and packed with fresh, savory flavor, this Shrimp Balls Recipe is your new go-to. Perfectly bite-sized and bursting with the vibrant taste of fresh shrimp, ginger, and a hint of sesame, these golden morsels are sure to impress at your next meal or party. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or part of a full spread, these shrimp balls deliver a satisfying crunch and a tender, juicy center that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Shrimp Balls Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the tender shrimp to the aromatic ginger and green onions, these essentials come together harmoniously to create a truly irresistible dish.
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient, providing sweet and tender seafood flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Adds lightness and the perfect crunch for a crispy exterior.
- 1 egg, beaten: Helps bind all the ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped: Offers a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens the mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory depth and an irresistible aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings warmth and a slightly spicy zest to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses umami and saltiness to elevate the shrimp balls.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a subtle nutty undertone that plays beautifully with the seafood.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures a golden and crispy finish to each shrimp ball.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Shrimp Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by pulsing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor until they’re finely chopped but not pureed. This step is crucial—it helps create a smooth texture that will hold together while providing that wonderful shrimp taste in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped shrimp with the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that all the flavors are evenly distributed and the mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and form the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Taking your time here ensures that each ball cooks evenly, delivering that perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp Balls
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully place the shrimp balls into the oil, frying them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Frying at the right temperature locks in the moisture and creates a crunchy crust that’s utterly addictive.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked shrimp balls from the oil, and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. These are best served warm, fresh out of the pan, to enjoy that satisfying crunch with every bite.
How to Serve Shrimp Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or finely sliced green onions on top of your shrimp balls to add a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of sesame seeds can also give a subtle nutty crunch that complements the flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
Shrimp balls pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian-inspired salad with cucumber and carrot ribbons for a perfectly balanced meal. Dipping sauces such as sweet chili, soy sauce, or a tangy ponzu really elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, try serving your shrimp balls on skewers with alternating pieces of bell pepper and pineapple for a fun and festive presentation. You can also dish them out in small bamboo steamers or on elegant skewers placed on a bed of lettuce leaves to wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the shrimp balls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days while maintaining their flavor and texture. Reheating gently will help preserve that delightful crispness.
Freezing
To freeze, shape the shrimp balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can be stored for up to a month, ready for a quick fry whenever you crave them.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated shrimp balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the crispy exterior—you want that crunch to stay intact!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the balls.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp balls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning. Baking is a healthier option but expect a slightly different texture—less crunchy than frying but still delicious.
What dipping sauces go well with Shrimp Balls Recipe?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, spicy mayo, or a tangy ponzu sauce all make excellent companions to shrimp balls, enhancing their flavor and adding variety.
Can I make the shrimp balls gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular or panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free or use tamari as an alternative.
How do I know when the shrimp balls are cooked through?
The shrimp balls should be golden brown on the outside. When you cut one open, it should be opaque and firm throughout with no translucent spots, indicating they are fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy in making a dish that feels special yet simple—and this Shrimp Balls Recipe fits that perfectly. Crispy, full of fresh seafood flavor, and easy to prepare, it’s bound to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try, and watch your family and friends fall in love with these little bites of bliss.
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Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp Balls recipe features tender, flavorful shrimp combined with aromatic green onions, garlic, and ginger, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and fried to a golden perfection. These bite-sized seafood delights make a perfect appetizer or party snack, served warm with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop Shrimp: Pulse the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor until they are finely chopped but not pureed, ensuring a good texture for the shrimp balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Shrimp Balls: Using your hands, shape the shrimp mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact to hold together during frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth sufficient for shallow frying and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil and fry for about 3–4 minutes on each side, turning gently to achieve an even golden brown crust on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp balls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve them warm with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-process the shrimp to maintain a good texture in the balls.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- If preferred, bake instead of frying for a healthier version, though frying yields the best crispiness.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as shrimp balls may lose crispness when cooled.
