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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
