Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Shrimp Balls are a wonderful mix of flavors, featuring tender shrimp, fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden exterior. They’re quick to prepare, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish, and they can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Their savory profile, combined with the juicy interior and crispy texture, ensures that they’ll be a hit at any event. Plus, they’re great served with a variety of dipping sauces to complement their flavor!
Ingredients
To make your delicious Shrimp Balls, you’ll need the following 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Shrimp Mixture:
- Chop the Shrimp: Roughly chop the raw shrimp into small pieces. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture, but be careful not to overprocess them.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture feels too loose, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind it together.
- Form the Balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms. Roll the shrimp mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 20-25 balls, depending on the size.
Cook the Shrimp Balls:
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to fry the shrimp balls evenly.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the balls in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the shrimp balls are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the shrimp balls with extra chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy lemon aioli.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Balls: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha sauce to the shrimp mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
- Baked Shrimp Balls: For a healthier version, bake the shrimp balls at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat shrimp balls in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp them up, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
2. Can I make these shrimp balls in advance?
You can prepare the shrimp balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them before frying and cook them straight from the freezer when ready.
3. What kind of dipping sauce goes well with shrimp balls?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy lemon aioli are all great choices for dipping. You can also try a spicy mayo for an added kick.
4. Can I make these shrimp balls without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or even ground rice for a gluten-free alternative.
5. How can I make the shrimp balls more flavorful?
You can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cilantro, parsley, or Thai basil, or add a little lime zest for extra freshness.
6. Can I bake the shrimp balls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shrimp balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
7. Can I freeze these shrimp balls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked shrimp balls for up to 2 months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
8. Can I make these shrimp balls without the egg?
The egg helps bind the shrimp mixture together, but you can substitute it with a flax egg or other egg alternatives if needed.
9. Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil, for frying.
10. What can I serve with shrimp balls for a full meal?
Serve them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Shrimp Balls are a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior, juicy shrimp interior, and a variety of seasoning options, they are sure to become a favorite at any party, potluck, or family dinner. Serve them with a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish!
Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Shrimp Balls are a delicious and versatile dish featuring tender shrimp with savory seasonings, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for appetizers or a main course, these shrimp balls are sure to impress.
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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Chop the Shrimp: Roughly chop the raw shrimp into small pieces. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture, but be careful not to overprocess them.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture feels too loose, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind it together.
- Form the Balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms. Roll the shrimp mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 20-25 balls, depending on the size.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to fry the shrimp balls evenly.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the balls in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the shrimp balls are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the shrimp balls with extra chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy lemon aioli.
Notes
For spicy shrimp balls, add a pinch of chili flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha sauce to the shrimp mixture for an extra spicy kick.
For a vegetarian option, replace the shrimp with finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
For a healthier version, bake the shrimp balls at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
