Description
These crispy shrimp balls are a flavorful and addictive snack that combine tender minced shrimp with aromatic herbs and spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or party finger food!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shrimp Mixture
- 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 chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra binding)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Roughly chop the shrimp with a knife or pulse in a food processor until finely minced but not pasty. This creates a textured mixture for better bite and flavor.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to integrate all the flavors.
- Bind the mixture: If the mixture feels too wet and difficult to shape, stir in the optional cornstarch gradually until it holds together well.
- Shape the shrimp balls: With slightly wet hands, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape into 1 to 1.5-inch round balls. Repeat until all mixture is used, yielding approximately 20–25 balls.
- Heat the oil: Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. To test, drop in a small piece of bread or the tip of a shrimp ball—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the shrimp balls: Carefully place the shaped shrimp balls in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Remove the shrimp balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired, alongside dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy, or lemon garlic aioli.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy exterior.
- Use slightly wet hands for shaping to prevent the mixture from sticking and to achieve smooth balls.
- These shrimp balls can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes as a healthier alternative—they won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili alongside other ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shrimp ball (about 15 grams)
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
