Description
This Shrimp Balls recipe offers a crispy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or a delicious snack. Made with fresh shrimp, aromatic herbs, and seasonings, these golden-fried balls are served hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
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)
- 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 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 bind.
- Form the Balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then roll the shrimp mixture into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This will yield around 20-25 shrimp balls.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat, enough to cover the pan bottom for even frying.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place balls into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry in batches as needed, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove cooked shrimp balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with dipping sauces such as sweet chili, soy sauce, or lemon aioli.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
- If the mixture is too wet, adding cornstarch helps hold the balls together.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve shrimp balls hot for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftover shrimp balls can be reheated in an oven for crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 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: 150 mg
