Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with succulent shrimp flavor inside, I’ve got just the thing: my Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe. Trust me, these little golden orbs are a crowd-pleaser every single time. They come out perfectly crunchy, with a juicy shrimp center that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping these up for an easy weeknight snack or bringing them to a party, you’re gonna love how simple and delicious they are. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe plays an important role—from the fresh shrimp for that vibrant seafood flavor to the spring roll wrappers that give you that signature crunch. Picking quality shrimp makes a huge difference, and I’ll tell you how to get the best ones!

• Shrimp: Fresh or defrosted, peeled, and deveined shrimp give the core flavor—opt for medium size for easy shaping.
• Egg white: Lightly beaten, it binds the shrimp paste without making it too dense.
• Salt or fish sauce: Either works to bring out the natural umami in shrimp; fish sauce adds that subtle complexity.
• Sugar: Balances the savory and enhances the shrimp’s sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Key for texture, it helps keep the shrimp balls firm yet tender inside.
• Sesame oil: A small splash adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
• Oil or pork fat: Adds richness and helps with binding when mixed into the paste.
• White pepper powder: Gives a gentle peppery note, avoiding overpowering heat.
• Spring roll wrappers: Cut into strips, these create the irresistible crispy shell around each shrimp ball.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with this Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add finely chopped herbs or a bit of chili for kick—don’t be afraid to make it your own! Small changes can bring exciting new flavors.

• Variation: Adding finely minced garlic or green onions can amp up the savory depth; just don’t add too much or the shrimp flavor might get lost.
• Dietary swap: You can try using rice flour instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free option, but the texture might be a little different.
• Seasonal twist: Incorporate small bits of water chestnut for crunch inside if you want a fun texture surprise.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Shrimp into a Smooth Paste

I like to use a mini food processor to get the shrimp perfectly smooth—it makes for a lovely uniform texture inside the balls. Start by adding the shrimp, then egg white, salt (or fish sauce), sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, oil, and white pepper. Pulse everything until the mixture looks sticky and smooth, but not overly wet. The paste should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Step 2: Prepare the Spring Roll Wrapper Strips

Take your spring roll wrappers and fold them neatly, then cut them into thin strips with kitchen scissors. I find scissors easier than a knife here because you can cut precise lengths and reuse trimmings for smaller balls or extra coating. Lay out the strips flat before rolling onto the shrimp.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Shrimp Balls

Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking, then scoop about 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste and form it into a ball. Roll it gently to get a nice smooth shape. Next, roll the shrimp ball in the spring roll strips, pressing lightly so the strips stick securely and cover evenly. Trim any excess wrapper strips—it helps keep a neat shape and you can reuse scraps. This step takes a little patience, but it’s so rewarding when you see those beautifully wrapped balls ready to fry.

Step 4: Deep-Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat oil in a deep fryer or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the shrimp balls in batches to avoid crowding. Fry for roughly 5 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and irresistibly crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top and look perfectly crunchy. Drain on paper towels and prepare your favorite dipping sauce. I swear this part smells amazing every single time!

How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving these shrimp balls sprinkled with finely chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a few toasted sesame seeds tossed on top add a little extra nuttiness that complements the sesame oil inside perfectly.

Side Dishes

These shrimp balls pair wonderfully with a tangy Thai sweet chili sauce, but they’re also great with spicy mayo or even a light soy and ginger dipping sauce. For a full meal, I like serving them alongside a crisp Asian slaw or steamed jasmine rice to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve a platter of these Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls around a carved pineapple or on banana leaves for a tropical vibe. For parties, try skewering a few balls on cocktail sticks with little cucumber slices in between—it makes a perfect finger food presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure they’re cool before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, reheat carefully to keep the crispness.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the shaped shrimp balls before frying. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready to cook, fry straight from frozen—just add a couple more minutes to the fry time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat and maintain that crispy exterior, I recommend using a toaster oven or a low broil in your oven. This revives the crunch much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe has become one of my go-tos whenever I want something quick, delicious, and a real treat. I love how it feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to throw together with simple ingredients you might already have. If you make these, I promise you’ll be impressed with yourself—and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe. Don’t hesitate; grab some shrimp and spring roll wrappers, and let’s get frying!

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