Golden, crispy on the outside and tender, juicy inside—Shrimp Balls are the ultimate bite-sized delight! Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish, these little seafood treasures combine the delicate sweetness of shrimp with savory seasonings for a flavor-packed experience that’s guaranteed to impress.
What makes shrimp balls so irresistible is their versatility. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, serve them over rice, or add them to a party platter—they’re always a hit. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet delicious enough to wow your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Crispy & Juicy – A golden crust gives way to a tender, flavorful shrimp filling.
✨ Easy & Quick – Ready in about 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
✨ Customizable – Adjust the seasonings, add herbs, or even mix in veggies.
✨ Perfect for Any Occasion – Appetizers, family dinners, or party snacks.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful shrimp balls:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, helps binding)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Shrimp Mixture
- Chop Shrimp – Roughly chop the shrimp or pulse in a food processor (don’t over-blend).
- Mix Ingredients – In a bowl, combine shrimp, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add cornstarch if mixture feels too loose.
- Shape – With slightly wet hands, roll mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls. Makes about 20–25 balls.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp Balls
- Heat Oil – In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high.
- Cook – Fry shrimp balls in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain – Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Tips for Success
- ✅ Don’t overmix shrimp—this keeps the texture light.
- ✅ Chill mixture for 20 minutes before frying if too soft.
- ✅ For a healthier option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- ✅ Want extra crunch? Double coat balls in egg + breadcrumbs before frying.
Recipe Variations
🌶 Spicy Shrimp Balls – Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
🥥 Coconut Shrimp Balls – Roll in shredded coconut before frying.
🍋 Lemon Shrimp Balls – Add zest and a splash of lemon juice.
🧀 Cheesy Shrimp Balls – Stuff with mozzarella or parmesan.
🌿 Herb Shrimp Balls – Mix in fresh dill, basil, or parsley.
Serving Ideas
- As a party appetizer with dipping sauces.
- Over a bed of jasmine or brown rice.
- With a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- On a party platter with spring rolls and dumplings.
Storage & Freezing
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freeze: Arrange uncooked shrimp balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a bag. Fry or bake straight from frozen.
Nutrition (per serving, 4–6 servings)
- Calories: 200–250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 12g
Final Thoughts
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Shrimp Balls are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or a fun appetizer, they always deliver on taste and texture. With endless variations and easy prep, they’re a go-to recipe every seafood lover should try.
Serve them fresh and hot, snap a picture, and enjoy every flavorful bite—you’ll be hooked