Easy Shrimp Balls Recipe – Quick Appetizer Idea

Shrimp Balls Recipe: Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this utterly irresistible Shrimp Balls Recipe! These little golden spheres of deliciousness are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even just a delightful snack. What’s not to love about tender, succulent shrimp encased in a perfectly crispy, seasoned coating? They boast an incredible texture contrast – a satisfying crunch that gives way to a juicy, flavorful bite. This particular Shrimp Balls Recipe stands out because it’s remarkably simple to master, yet delivers a gourmet-quality taste that will have everyone asking for the secret. We’re talking about a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and exciting, making them a true culinary triumph you’ll want to whip up again and again.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup breadcrum extractbs (preferably panko)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh gin extractger, 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)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparing the Shrimp Mixture

Let’s start by getting our shrimp ready for these delicious shrimp balls. The first step is to ensure your shrimp are properly prepped. You’ll want to take your 1 pound of raw shrimp, making sure they are fully peeled and deveined. If you bought them already peeled and deveined, fantastic! If not, take a moment to do this. For the best texture and ease of processing, it’s helpful if the shrimp are chilled but not frozen solid. Once prepped, we need to finely chop them. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife, or if you prefer a quicker method, pulse them a few times in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process them into a paste; we’re looking for a finely minced texture that still has a little bit of bite to it. This will give our shrimp balls a lovely, succulent interior.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp with the other ingredients for the base of our mixture. Add the 1/2 cup of pankrum extractreadcrumbs, which will act as a binder and contribute to a wonderful crispy exterior when fried. Pour in the 1 beaten egg, which will further help bind everything together. Now, let’s add the aromatics and seasonings that will give our shrimp balls so much flavor. Stir in the 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions for a fresh, oniony bite. Add the 2 minced cloves of garlic for that pungent depth. The 1 tablespoon of grategin extractresh ginger will provide a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the shrimp beautifully. For umami and saltiness, incorporate the 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Don’t forget the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a little heat. If you’re a cilantro lover, now is the time to add the 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for an extra layer of herbaceous freshness. For those who want an even firmer ball, especially if your shrimp are a bit on the wetter side, you can also mix in the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch at this stage; it acts as an excellent binder.

Forming and Cooking the Shrimp Balls

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, it’s time to mix them thoroughly. Use a spoon or your hands to combine everything until it’s well incorporated. You want to makerum extractre the breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the minced shrimp. The mixture should hold together when you squeeze it. If it feels too wet, you can add a tablesprum extract more of panko breadcrumbs. Conversely, if it seems too dry, you can add another tiny splash of soy sauce or even a little more egg, but be cautious not to make it too wet, as this will make forming the balls difficult.

Now for the fun part: shaping our shrimp balls! Lightly wet your hands with water or oil. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Take about one to two tablespoons of the shrimp mixture and roll it between your palms to form a neat, compact ball. Aim for a consistent size for all your shrimp balls so they cook evenly. You should be able to get about 15-20 shrimp balls from this recipe, depending on how large you make them. Place the formed shrimp balls onto a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you make them.

Frying to Golden Perfection

It’s time to get ready for frying. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a deep fryer, pour in enough vegetable oil to come up about 1 to 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when you drop a tiny piece of the shrimp mixture into it, and it sizzles immediately and floats to the surface. A good temperature for frying is around 350-360°F (175-180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the sizzle test is a reliable indicator. Be careful when adding the shrimp balls to the hot oil; do so in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp balls instead of crispy ones.

Carefully lower 4-6 shrimp balls into the hot oil at a time. Let them fry undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and cooked through. The shrimp inside will turn opaque and pink when they’re done. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to gently turn the shrimp balls to ensure they get evenly browned on all sides. Once they are perfectly golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows any excess oil to drain off, keeping them nice and crisp. Repeat the frying process with the remaining shrimp balls, making sure to let the oil return to the correct temperature between batches if necessary.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delightful and surprisingly simple Shrimp Balls Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! We’ve explored how to create these flavorful bites, from selecting the freshest shrimp to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior. These Shrimp Balls are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic appetizer for parties, a light lunch, or even a unique addition to a seafood-focused dinner. For serving suggestions, consider pairing them with a zesty lemon-aioli, a sweet chili sauce for a kick, or even a creamy dill dip. The possibilities are truly endless!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You can incorporate finely chopped chives or parsley into the shrimp mixture for an herbaceous note, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces to find your personal favorite. We encourage you to give this Shrimp Balls Recipe a try; we’re confident you’ll love the results and impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make the Shrimp Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture and form the balls a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. For best results, fry them just before serving to ensure optimal crispiness.

What kind of shrimp is best for this Shrimp Balls Recipe?

Medium to large shrimp work best for this Shrimp Balls Recipe. Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and preferably raw. Frozen shrimp are perfectly fine, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before use.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying yields the signature crispiness, you can try baking them. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at around 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. They may not be quite as crispy as fried, but they will still be delicious.

Easy Shrimp Balls Recipe – Quick Appetizer Idea

Delicious and easy shrimp balls that are perfect as a quick appetizer, offering a crispy exterior and succulent interior.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
15-20 shrimp balls

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 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)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Finely chop the peeled and deveined shrimp by hand or in a food processor until minced, but not a paste.
2. Step 2
   In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and optional cilantro and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
3. Step 3
   Lightly wet your hands with water or oil. Take 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture and roll it between your palms to form compact balls. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Step 4
   Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-360°F (175-180°C).
5. Step 5
   Carefully fry 4-6 shrimp balls at a time for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Turn gently to ensure even browning.
6. Step 6
   Remove the cooked shrimp balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness. Repeat with remaining batches.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.