Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack? These shrimp balls are the perfect choice! With a crispy exterior and a juicy shrimp filling, this recipe is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh shrimp, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a flavorful bite.
- Quick prep time: These shrimp balls come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these shrimp balls ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and convenient snack or appetizer.
Ingredient Notes:
- Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Adds a crispy texture to the shrimp balls.
- Egg, beaten: Binds the ingredients together.
- Green onions, garlic, and ginger: Add aromatic flavors to the dish.
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper: Provide seasoning to enhance the taste.
- Cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Cornstarch (optional, for binding): Helps hold the ingredients together.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Used to fry the shrimp balls until golden brown.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shrimp, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and roll them in cornstarch, if using.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the shrimp balls until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp balls instead of frying them.
- To make the shrimp balls ahead of time, you can freeze them after shaping and fry them when ready to serve.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure the shrimp mixture is well-chilled before shaping the balls to prevent them from falling apart during frying.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the shrimp mixture for evenly sized balls.
Serving Suggestions:
These shrimp balls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce. Pair them with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover shrimp balls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw and drain them before using. - Can I make the shrimp balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the shrimp balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. - Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand. - Can I omit the cilantro in this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the cilantro if you’re not a fan of the herb.
Conclusion:
These shrimp balls are a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any party menu. Give this recipe a try and share your feedback with us! Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy shrimp filling in every bite.
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Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: Approximately 20 shrimp balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These flavorful shrimp balls are a perfect appetizer or snack, combining the freshness of shrimp with a blend of aromatic seasonings and crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Additional Ingredients:
- 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
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a food processor, pulse shrimp until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and cilantro (if using) to the shrimp. Mix well.
- Form Balls: Shape mixture into small balls, using cornstarch if needed for binding.
- Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry shrimp balls until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning by adding spices like chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp balls in the oven instead of frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shrimp ball
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg