Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Shrimp Balls are a delightful appetizer that combines tender shrimp with a flavorful blend of aromatics and crisp panko coating. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, these golden bites offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 beaten egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for binding
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Roughly chop the raw shrimp into small pieces, or pulse briefly in a food processor to achieve a finer texture.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Add the cornstarch if the mixture needs extra binding.
3. Step 3: With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5 inch balls, making about 20 to 25 pieces in total.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Step 5: Remove the shrimp balls from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or some finely chopped chili to the shrimp mixture.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce mixed with a little honey and ginger.
• If you prefer baked shrimp balls, arrange them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden, turning once.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping or processing to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

What oil is best for frying shrimp balls?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor perfect for frying.

Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

Crispy Shrimp Balls are a delightful appetizer featuring finely chopped shrimp mixed with aromatic herbs and seasonings, formed into bite-sized balls and fried to golden perfection. These shrimp balls boast a crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior, making them an irresistible treat perfect for parties, snacks, or as an appetizer.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20–25 shrimp balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Mixture

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 beaten egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare shrimp: Roughly chop the raw shrimp into small pieces by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor to achieve a finer texture, ensuring the shrimp is uniformly chopped but not pureed.
2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Add the cornstarch if the mixture feels too loose to help with binding.
3. Form balls: With slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, roll the shrimp mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls, aiming to make about 20 to 25 shrimp balls in total for even cooking.
4. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the shrimp balls in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked shrimp balls onto paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to achieve crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches for even browning.
• Serve with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy mayo for enhanced flavor.
• The cornstarch is optional but helps the mixture bind better and hold form while frying.
• Leftover shrimp balls can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: shrimp balls, crispy shrimp balls, appetizer, seafood snack, fried shrimp, Asian appetizer, party appetizer, finger food