Name: Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb. shrimp, defrosted, shelled and deveined; 1 egg white, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt or fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon oil or pork fat; 3 dashes white pepper powder; 8 pieces spring roll wrapper, 8-inch square

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for something crunchy, juicy, and downright addictive, you’ve gotta try this Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe. Imagine juicy shrimp blended into a silky paste, wrapped in delicate spring roll strips, then fried until gloriously crispy on the outside – it’s pure magic. This recipe isn’t just another fried appetizer; it’s a crowd-pleaser that scores big every time I make it. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through my simplest tips to nail these shrimp balls perfectly at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture: Combining shrimp paste with spring roll strips creates a crispy shell while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Balanced Flavors: A pinch of salt or fish sauce, sugar, and sesame oil blend to give just enough savory and subtle sweetness without overpowering.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples makes this recipe easy to prepare anytime without hunting for specialty items.
Versatile and Fun: You can customize the coating or dipping sauce to your liking, making it your own signature snack or appetizer.

Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls, Shrimp Balls Recipe, Crispy Shrimp Appetizer, How to Make Shrimp Balls, Easy Shrimp Balls - The image shows a rectangular metal tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are ten golden-orange crispy balls that look like they are wrapped in thin strips, giving a textured and crunchy appearance. In the top right corner of the tray, there is a small white round bowl filled with a dark brown sauce topped with white sesame seeds, adding a contrast to the crispy balls. A green fabric is partially visible on the left side of the tray. The overall look is neat and appetizing, with the crispy balls clustered but not touching each other, showing off their detailed layers of golden strips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe lies in its short ingredient list, yet each plays a crucial role in balance and texture. Whether you’re buying fresh or frozen shrimp, quality matters because shrimp is the star here. Plus, those spring roll wrappers? They give you that addicting crunch every bite demands.

Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls, Shrimp Balls Recipe, Crispy Shrimp Appetizer, How to Make Shrimp Balls, Easy Shrimp Balls - Flat lay of a small heap of fresh peeled and deveined raw shrimp, a single whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing light golden sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear cooking oil, a few delicate white peppercorns scattered neatly, and several neatly stacked square spring roll wrappers placed beside some thinly cut spring roll wrapper strips, arranged symmetrically 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

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp ensure a clean, sweet flavor and smooth texture for the paste.
Egg White: Helps bind the shrimp paste without adding heaviness or color changes.
Salt or Fish Sauce: Fish sauce adds umami punch, but salt works perfectly if you prefer a milder taste.
Sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness to round out the flavor.
Cornstarch: Binds moisture and improves the texture for smooth shrimp balls that hold their shape during frying.
Sesame Oil: A dash introduces a subtle nutty fragrance that elevates the shrimp flavor.
Oil or Pork Fat: Adds richness and keeps the shrimp balls moist on the inside.
White Pepper Powder: Brings gentle heat and a slight peppery aroma fitting for seafood dishes.
Spring Roll Wrappers: These strips are the secret to that signature crispy, crackly exterior that hugs each shrimp ball tightly.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes flexible, so when I make this crispy fried shrimp balls recipe, sometimes I add a little minced garlic or chopped scallions for extra bite. Feel free to play around with seasonings or even the wrapping. It’s your kitchen adventure!

Variation: I’ve tried swapping out spring roll wrappers for wonton skins for an even crispier texture, and it’s fantastic.
Dietary Mods: Want to keep it lighter? Use olive oil for frying, or bake the shrimp balls for about 15 minutes at 400°F, turning halfway through.
Spice it Up: Adding finely diced chili or a splash of chili oil into the shrimp paste brings a pleasant heat wave to the bites.

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

Step 1: Blend the Shrimp Paste

Start by popping your shrimp, egg white, salt or fish sauce, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, oil, and white pepper into a mini food processor. Pulse until you get a smooth shrimp paste. Don’t rush this step; smooth paste means tender shrimp balls without any gritty bits. If your processor isn’t powerful, pause a few times and scrape down the sides to get an even blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Spring Roll Strips

Next, fold the spring roll wrappers and carefully cut them into thin strips using scissors. Aim for around 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide strips. Lay these on a flat surface – you’ll be rolling your shrimp balls in these to get that signature crisp crust. I like to cut extra to reuse trimmed bits later.

Step 3: Shape and Wrap

Wet your hands lightly with water to stop sticking, then scoop out about a tablespoon of shrimp paste and shape it into a tight ball. Roll the shrimp ball around in the spring roll strips so they cling and wrap it evenly. Trim any loose ends with scissors for a tidy finish. This step takes patience, but trust me, the crispy texture is worth it!

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep fryer or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Gently lower the shrimp balls in batches and deep-fry them until golden brown and puffed – around 5 minutes should do it. Don’t overcrowd the pan or temp will drop, leaving you with soggy crusts. Remove and drain on paper towels, then serve hot.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Keep Your Hands Wet: Wetting your hands prevents the shrimp paste from sticking and helps shape smooth balls.
Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady for an even, crisp crust.
Use Fresh Wrappers: Spring roll wrappers can dry out fast, so keep them covered with a damp towel while working.
Trim the Strips Evenly: Trimming helps with uniform cooking and a neat presentation that looks restaurant-worthy.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe

Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls, Shrimp Balls Recipe, Crispy Shrimp Appetizer, How to Make Shrimp Balls, Easy Shrimp Balls - The image shows several golden brown balls made from shredded, fried potato layers, giving them a textured and crispy look. One ball is held above a small white bowl filled with dark brown dipping sauce that appears glossy and smooth, with a few sesame seeds floating on top. The balls are arranged on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the warm tones of the potato balls. The focus is sharp on the ball being held, showing the thin, curly potato strands wrapped around tightly, while the other balls and bowl fade softly into the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime over the shrimp balls—it adds a bright pop that cuts through the fried richness. Serve alongside a bowl of Thai sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo for dipping. A few slices of fresh cucumber on the side never hurt either for a cool contrast.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as an appetizer with a simple cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw. When serving as part of a meal, try pairing the shrimp balls with jasmine rice and steamed bok choy or stir-fried greens to round it out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged shrimp balls on a banana leaf-lined platter with carved carrot flowers and fresh mint leaves. It was a hit at a dinner party! You could also skewer the balls with toothpicks for easy finger food, perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and believe me, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Lay them carefully so that the crispy coating doesn’t get crushed.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these shrimp balls raw after wrapping, placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to freezer bags. They keep well for about a month. When you’re ready, just fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to cooking time.

Reheating

To keep that crispy crunch, I always reheat leftover shrimp balls in a hot oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, or you’ll end up with soggy shells.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw, peel, and devein your shrimp before processing them into the paste. Pat them dry well to avoid excess moisture — that’ll help your shrimp balls hold together better.
What oil is best for frying shrimp balls?

I recommend neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for crispy, evenly cooked shrimp balls. You can also use pork fat for extra flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative but the texture will be less crispy. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, turning halfway for the best results, but frying still yields the classic crunch everyone loves.
How do I keep the spring roll strips stuck to the shrimp balls?

Make sure your shrimp paste is smooth and a bit sticky. Wet your hands lightly when shaping the balls to help the strips cling better. Trimming loose ends also ensures strips won’t unravel during frying.
What dipping sauces pair well with crispy fried shrimp balls?

Thai sweet chili sauce is my go-to, but spicy mayo, soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar, or even garlic aioli work beautifully too. Feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe has become one of my favorite easy snacks to whip up when friends come over or when I fancy a delicious homemade treat. It’s simple yet impressive, and the crispy exterior contrasted with the tender shrimp inside always brings me joy. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you dive into these crispy bites, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!