Description
These crispy and flavorful Shrimp Balls are a perfect appetizer or snack made from fresh shrimp mixed with aromatic seasonings, lightly fried to a golden brown. Served with your favorite dipping sauce, they offer a delightful burst of taste and texture.
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)
For Frying
- 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, ensuring not to overprocess.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Add cornstarch if the mixture feels too loose to help bind it.
- Form the Balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and roll the mixture into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 20-25 balls.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large frying pan or skillet to cover the bottom and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil, frying in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried shrimp balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately with dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy sauce, or lemon aioli.
Notes
- If the mixture is too wet to handle, adding extra breadcrumbs helps firm it up.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Leftover shrimp balls can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven for best crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; including chili flakes can add a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
