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Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 16 reviews

If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, then you’re gonna love this Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe. I mean, these little golden bites have all the best things—juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic and ginger, and that perfect crunch from panko breadcrumbs. I first tried making these for a casual dinner party, and they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds”! Keep reading, because I’m about to walk you through every detail so you can wow your own family or friends with this fan-freaking-tastic appetizer.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture: The combination of chopped shrimp and panko breadcrumbs creates a tender, juicy center with a satisfyingly crispy exterior.
  • Flavor Balance: Fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce add just the right kick and umami without overpowering the shrimp.
  • Easy to Customize: You can tweak the seasoning or add herbs like cilantro to match your taste perfectly.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick snack, party appetizer, or part of your dinner, these shrimp balls impress every time.
Crispy Shrimp Balls, easy shrimp appetizer, crispy seafood bites, flavorful shrimp snacks, golden shrimp patties - The image shows a close-up of round fried balls with a crisp golden-brown texture, some with small bits of orange inside, possibly shrimp or carrot. They are garnished with small pieces of chopped green onions on top, adding a fresh contrast in color. These balls sit closely together in a white bowl with a smooth green sauce at the bottom, enhancing the look with a fresh layer beneath the fried pieces. The background surface is white marble, clean and bright, making the dish stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the ingredients right really makes a difference here. I always look for the freshest shrimp I can find, and using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular crumbs gives these shrimp balls that extra crunch I love. Each component plays its part to create a nicely balanced and flavorful bite.

Crispy Shrimp Balls, easy shrimp appetizer, crispy seafood bites, flavorful shrimp snacks, golden shrimp patties - Flat lay of raw peeled and deveined shrimp, a small bowl of panko breadcrumbs, a whole uncracked brown egg, finely chopped green onions scattered loosely, two peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden sesame oil, a small pile of coarse salt, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a small handful of chopped fresh cilantro, a small pile of white cornstarch powder, and a small white bowl of clear vegetable oil placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Raw shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp are best; I prefer buying wild-caught if possible for more sweetness and firm texture.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: They provide an airy crunch that classic breadcrumbs just can’t match.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder to keep your shrimp balls together without making them dense.
  • Green onions: Add subtle sharpness and freshness.
  • Garlic: A must for that punch of aromatic flavor.
  • Fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a hint of spice that balances the seafood.
  • Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and slight saltiness.
  • Sesame oil: Just a touch for a nutty aroma that enhances the whole dish.
  • Salt and black pepper: Basic but essential seasoning to bring everything together.
  • Cilantro (optional): For a bright, herbal note that I love sprinkling on top before serving.
  • Cornstarch (optional): Great if your mixture feels loose and you want firmer balls.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying—go with a neutral oil that can handle medium-high heat without smoking.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this crispy shrimp balls recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I sometimes add a little chili flakes or fresh chopped jalapeño for heat, and other times I swap cilantro for fresh basil to give it a different twist—totally up to you and what flavors you enjoy most.

  • Spicy variation: Adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the mixture gives it a nice spicy kick perfect for spice lovers—I tried this once with friends, and they absolutely loved the zing!
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead to keep them crispy without gluten.
  • Herb swaps: If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley or basil works wonderfully too.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Carefully

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if they aren’t prepped already. I usually coarsely chop mine by hand because it gives a nice texture, but you can pulse them in a food processor if you want a finer consistency—just be careful not to overdo it or you’ll get a paste instead of little bits.

Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Thoroughly

In a large bowl, combine your chopped shrimp with the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Your hands are the best tools here—mix everything gently but thoroughly until the texture is sticky enough to hold together. If it feels too loose, sprinkle in a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind.

Step 3: Form Perfectly Sized Balls

Dampen your hands slightly with water so the mixture doesn’t stick, then roll about 1 to 1.5-inch balls. I usually aim for about 20 to 25 balls, depending on how big you want them. This part is fun—treat it like playdough and get your kids to help if you want!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat enough vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat—enough to cover the bottom but not deep-fry. Once the oil is hot (test with a small drop of mixture; it should sizzle immediately), fry the shrimp balls in batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly. Turn every 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels so they don’t get greasy.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

  • Don’t Overprocess the Shrimp: If using a food processor, pulse in short bursts to keep a nice texture rather than a paste.
  • Oil Temperature Check: Heat is key—too low and your balls absorb oil; too high and they brown too fast and stay raw inside.
  • Use Wet Hands for Shaping: This simple trick prevents sticking and helps you get perfectly round shrimp balls every time.
  • Drain Well: Let shrimp balls rest on paper towels after frying to keep them delightfully crispy and less oily.

How to Serve Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

Crispy Shrimp Balls, easy shrimp appetizer, crispy seafood bites, flavorful shrimp snacks, golden shrimp patties - The image shows a close-up of a golden-brown fried ball that is cut open to reveal a soft, white and pink inside texture that looks like shrimp or seafood. The crispy outside is rough and crunchy with small green herb bits sprinkled on top for color contrast. The inside looks tender and moist with small layers of white and light pink inside. The fried balls fill the frame with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro right on top just before serving—it brightens the whole dish. A few toasted sesame seeds add a nice little crunch and look pretty too, especially if you’re serving these at a party.

Side Dishes

Serve your crispy shrimp balls with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, classic soy sauce, or even a homemade lemon aioli. In my kitchen, I like pairing them with a simple Asian-style slaw or steamed jasmine rice to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I arrange the shrimp balls around a small bowl of dipping sauce on a platter, garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs. Another time, I stacked them on little skewers with cucumber slices for easy finger food that looked fancy but took no extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (although I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep that crispy texture, lay them on a wire rack instead of stacking them.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these shrimp balls before—just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for about 1 month without losing flavor. When you want to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat crispy shrimp balls in a hot oven (about 375°F / 190°C) on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes to bring back their crunch. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make them soggy, which none of us want!

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp to make Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the mixture too watery and affect the texture. Using fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp gives you the best results.

  2. How do I prevent shrimp balls from falling apart during frying?

    Mix your ingredients well and make sure the mixture is sticky enough—adding an egg and breadcrumbs helps with binding. Wetting your hands when shaping the balls also helps keep them intact. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly without breaking.

  3. Can I bake the shrimp balls instead of frying?

    You can! Baking is a healthier option. Place the shrimp balls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to get a crispy exterior. They won’t be quite as crunchy as fried but still delicious.

  4. What’s the best dipping sauce for Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe?

    I personally love sweet chili sauce for a sweet-spicy combo, but soy sauce mixed with a squeeze of fresh lime or a garlicky aioli are fantastic too. Pick your favorite or try them all to mix things up!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe has become one of my personal favorites because it’s simple but packs so much flavor and texture. Whether you’re making a casual meal or prepping for guests, these bite-sized wonders never fail to impress. I’m confident once you try making them, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again—just like I do. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the fun of making something delicious from scratch!

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Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
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Description

This Shrimp Balls recipe features crispy, golden fried shrimp bites packed with fresh herbs and subtle Asian flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these shrimp balls are easy to prepare and delightful with your choice of dipping sauces.

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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)

For Cooking

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Chop the Shrimp: Roughly chop the raw shrimp into small pieces or pulse them briefly in a food processor for a finer texture, being careful not to overprocess.
  2. 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 is too loose, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind the mixture.
  3. Form the Balls: Slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking and roll the shrimp mixture into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20 to 25 balls.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat, enough to cover the pan’s bottom for even frying.
  5. Fry the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry in batches if needed. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove cooked shrimp balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  7. Serve: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or lemon aioli.

Notes

  • Using panko breadcrumbs gives a lighter, crispier texture to the shrimp balls.
  • If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs or cornstarch to help bind.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  • Prep the dipping sauces ahead for a quick serving experience.
  • Leftover shrimp balls can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg

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