Description
These Shrimp Balls are crispy, flavorful bites made from fresh shrimp combined with fragrant ginger, garlic, and green onions. Lightly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, they make a perfect appetizer or snack served with a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Ball Mixture
- 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 Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a better texture for the shrimp balls.
- Make the Shrimp Paste: In a food processor, pulse the shrimp until finely chopped but not completely pureed. You want a coarse paste that will hold together when formed into balls.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the shrimp paste to a mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, chopped cilantro (if using), and cornstarch if using. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to form balls that hold their shape.
- Form the Balls: With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into small uniform balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test readiness by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls in batches into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp balls at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before forming the balls can help them hold their shape better during frying.
- Customize the seasoning by adding chili flakes for a spicy kick or lemon zest for freshness.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp, if used, should be fully thawed and dried.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent to prevent greasy shrimp balls.
Keywords: shrimp balls, fried shrimp appetizer, seafood snacks, Asian appetizer, crispy shrimp balls