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

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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