Deep-Fried Shrimp Balls

Deep-fried shrimp balls are a classic appetizer in many Asian cuisines, loved for their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. These bite-sized delights combine finely minced shrimp, flavorful seasonings, and a touch of crunch from water chestnuts or breadcrumbs. Perfect as a party snack, appetizer, or even a main course when paired with a fresh salad, these shrimp balls are both versatile and utterly irresistible. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce, soy-based dipping sauce, or even a creamy aioli, they offer a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create golden, crispy shrimp balls that are packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of deep-fried shrimp balls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Flavorful: These shrimp balls have a perfectly crunchy exterior with a juicy, savory interior.
2. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh shrimp, this recipe is budget-friendly and accessible.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners, parties, or potlucks, shrimp balls are always a hit.
4. Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or fillings to suit your taste preferences.
5. Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even a part of a main course.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 shrimp balls
• Serving Size: 4-5 shrimp balls

Nutritional Information (per serving of 4 shrimp balls)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

Shrimp Balls

• 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
• 2 tablespoons water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional, for crunch)
• 1 egg white (for binding)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)

For Frying

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy-based dipping sauce (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey)
• Garlic aioli
• Spicy sriracha mayo

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp Mixture

1. Chop or Blend the Shrimp: Using a sharp knife, finely chop the shrimp until it becomes almost paste-like. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to pulse the shrimp into a coarse paste.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, minced garlic, green onion, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, chopped water chestnuts (if using), and egg white. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add Breadcrumbs: Gradually add the breadcrumbs to the mixture and stir until it holds together. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.

2. Chill the Mixture

1. Shape and Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.

3. Shape the Shrimp Balls

1. Form the Balls: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
2. Optional Coating: For extra crunch, roll the formed shrimp balls in panko breadcrumbs before frying.

4. Fry the Shrimp Balls

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or wok, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the temperature.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully add 4-5 shrimp balls to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp balls are golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining shrimp balls in batches.

5. Serve

1. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the shrimp balls on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
2. Add Dipping Sauce: Serve with your choice of dipping sauces on the side.
3. Enjoy Warm: These shrimp balls are best enjoyed hot and crispy straight out of the fryer.

Ingredient Background

Shrimp

Shrimp is the star ingredient of this dish, offering a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. Using fresh, high-quality shrimp ensures the best flavor. Frozen shrimp works well, too, as long as it’s thawed and patted dry.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps bind the mixture and adds a light, crisp texture to the shrimp balls when fried.

Water Chestnuts

These optional add-ins provide a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, elevating the texture of the shrimp balls.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs act as a binder and ensure the shrimp balls hold their shape during frying. Panko breadcrumbs are especially effective for a crispy finish.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

Soy sauce adds a savory depth to the shrimp mixture, while sesame oil enhances the overall flavor with its nutty aroma.

Technique Tips

• Cold Shrimp: Keep the shrimp cold throughout the preparation process to maintain their freshness and texture.
• Chill the Mixture: Chilling helps firm up the shrimp mixture, making it easier to shape into balls.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Monitor the oil temperature while frying to ensure the shrimp balls cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
• Test Frying: Fry a small test ball first to check the seasoning and cooking time. Adjust seasoning or frying time if needed.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shrimp Ball Skewers: Thread the fried shrimp balls onto skewers and serve them as a unique appetizer.
• Shrimp Ball Soup: Add the cooked shrimp balls to a light, flavorful broth with noodles and vegetables for a hearty soup.
• Taco Fillings: Serve the shrimp balls in tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for shrimp tacos.
• Salad Toppers: Use the shrimp balls as a protein-packed topping for a fresh green salad.
• Dim Sum Platter: Pair the shrimp balls with other dim sum favorites like dumplings, spring rolls, and steamed buns.

Additional Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Frying too many shrimp balls at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in small batches for the crispiest outcome.
• Use a Thermometer: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature with a kitchen thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Roll the shrimp balls in breadcrumbs before frying for a crispier exterior.
• Serve Fresh: Shrimp balls are best enjoyed immediately after frying for optimal crispiness.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Balls: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or finely chopped red chilies to the shrimp mixture for a spicy kick.
• Thai-Inspired Shrimp Balls: Add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste, lime zest, and fresh cilantro to the mixture for bold, zesty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free recipe.
• Cheesy Shrimp Balls: Incorporate shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Vegetable Shrimp Balls: Mix finely chopped bell peppers or carrots into the shrimp mixture for added color and texture.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Freezing

• Before Cooking: Shape the shrimp balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• After Cooking: Freeze cooked shrimp balls in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best results.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Bake Instead of Frying: Bake the shrimp balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook the shrimp balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil.
• Use Whole Grains: Replace regular breadcrumbs with whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt for a heart-healthier version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Party Appetizers: Serve the shrimp balls on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
• Dim Sum Night: Include shrimp balls in a dim sum spread with steamed buns, dumplings, and spring rolls.
• Game Day Snacks: Pair the shrimp balls with spicy dipping sauces for a fun and flavorful snack.
• Family Dinner: Serve the shrimp balls alongside rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a soy-based dipping sauce for a complete meal.

Special Equipment

• Food Processor: Optional, for quickly mincing the shrimp.
• Kitchen Thermometer: Essential for maintaining oil temperature while frying.
• Cookie Scoop: Helpful for forming evenly sized shrimp balls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Raw shrimp is preferred for this recipe, as it binds better and creates a tender texture. Pre-cooked shrimp will not work as well.

2. How do I keep the shrimp balls from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well-chilled and not too wet. Adding an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs can help bind the mixture.

3. Can I make these shrimp balls in advance?
Yes! Prepare and shape the shrimp balls, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook.

4. What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for deep frying.

5. Can I bake these shrimp balls instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter alternative.

6. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before using.

7. How do I know when the shrimp balls are cooked?
The shrimp balls will be golden brown and cooked through when their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

8. What dipping sauces go well with shrimp balls?
Sweet chili sauce, soy-based sauces, spicy mayo, and garlic aioli are all excellent options.

Conclusion

Deep-fried shrimp balls are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with shrimp flavor, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself, shrimp balls are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and savor every golden, flavorful bite!

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