Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe – A Delicious and Easy Appetizer
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. Shrimp balls are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, infused with savory Asian-inspired flavors from soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or craving a delicious side dish, these shrimp balls are guaranteed to hit the spot.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make the perfect shrimp balls from scratch, including pro tips on getting the right texture, variations to customize the recipe to your liking, and the best sauces to serve them with. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick and Easy – This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
✅ Packed with Flavor – The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil gives the shrimp balls a delicious umami flavor.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even as part of a main course.
✅ Customizable – You can easily adjust the seasonings, swap out ingredients, or try different dipping sauces to make them your own.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy shrimp balls:
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1 lb raw shrimp – Peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Preferably panko for extra crispiness
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1 egg – Beaten, to bind the mixture
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1/4 cup green onions – Finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic – Minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger – Grated
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1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds savory depth
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1 teaspoon sesame oil – Provides a rich, nutty aroma
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup cilantro – Chopped (optional)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch – Optional, for better binding
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Vegetable oil – For frying
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔️ Cutting board
✔️ Sharp knife
✔️ Mixing bowl
✔️ Frying pan or skillet
✔️ Slotted spoon
✔️ Paper towels
How to Make Shrimp Balls
1. Chop the Shrimp
Start by roughly chopping the raw shrimp into small pieces. If you prefer a finer texture, pulse them in a food processor, but be careful not to overprocess — you want a slightly chunky texture for better bite.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture feels too loose, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind it together.
3. Form the Balls
Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. Roll the shrimp mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20–25 balls, depending on the size.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
5. Fry the Shrimp Balls
Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain Excess Oil
Once the shrimp balls are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy lemon aioli. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Balls
👉 Use Panko Breadcrumbs – Panko gives the shrimp balls a light and crispy coating. Regular breadcrumbs may make them heavier and less crispy.
👉 Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the shrimp balls dense instead of light and tender.
👉 Test the Oil Temperature – Drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
👉 Avoid Overcrowding – Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Recipe Variations
🌶️ Spicy Shrimp Balls – Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the mixture for a spicy kick.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Shrimp Balls – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and an extra clove of garlic for a fresh, zesty flavor.
🥦 Vegetable Shrimp Balls – Mix in finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.
🍤 Air Fryer Shrimp Balls – Cook the shrimp balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these crispy shrimp balls with:
🍜 Steamed White Rice – A simple side to balance the bold flavors.
🥗 Asian Slaw – A crunchy, tangy salad with cabbage and a sesame dressing.
🍶 Miso Soup – A warm and comforting pairing that complements the shrimp balls’ savory taste.
🍹 Cold Beer or Sake – The crispness of a cold drink enhances the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.
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Freezing: You can freeze uncooked shrimp balls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
A: No, pre-cooked shrimp won’t hold together well and may become rubbery when fried. Always use raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Q: What’s the best dipping sauce for shrimp balls?
A: Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with a dash of lime juice, or a spicy mayo work perfectly.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
These crispy shrimp balls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Perfect for parties, snacks, or even a light meal, these shrimp balls are sure to impress.
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