Shrimp Balls Recipe are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of shrimp with savory spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these flavorful bites are sure to impress. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior create an irresistible texture and taste that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tasty shrimp balls in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a buffet spread for gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce brings a burst of flavor that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Crispy Texture: Coating the shrimp mixture with breadcrumbs gives these balls a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with their tender filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These shrimp balls are loved by both kids and adults alike, making them an ideal choice for parties and family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious Shrimp Balls Recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for thoroughly mixing the shrimp mixture without spilling ingredients.
- Frying pan: A good-quality frying pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Knife and cutting board: Sharp knives make chopping herbs like green onions and cilantro quick and easy, enhancing your cooking efficiency.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Balls
- 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)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Shrimp Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp.
2. Incorporate breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, cilantro (if using), and cornstarch (if desired).
3. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Shrimp Balls
Using your hands:
1. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls.
2. Place each ball on a plate or tray as you form them.
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
In a frying pan:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
2. Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge half of each shrimp ball for even frying.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp Balls
Carefully:
1. Place the shrimp balls in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Garnish your shrimp balls with chopped parsley if desired:
1. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce for added flair.
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Balls Recipe!
How to Serve Shrimp Balls Recipe
Serving Shrimp Balls is all about creativity and presentation. These flavorful bites can be enjoyed in various ways, perfect for any occasion. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your shrimp balls experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This tangy and sweet sauce complements the shrimp’s flavor perfectly.
- Soy Sauce: A classic choice that adds a salty kick to your shrimp balls.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy and spicy dip.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Fresh Lettuce Leaves: Wrap shrimp balls in crisp lettuce for a light and refreshing bite.
- Herb Garnishes: Add cilantro or mint for an extra layer of flavor.
As Part of a Platter
- Appetizer Platter: Serve shrimp balls alongside other appetizers like spring rolls or mini egg rolls for variety.
- Garnished with Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon adds zest when squeezed over the shrimp balls just before eating.
How to Perfect Shrimp Balls Recipe
To achieve the best results with your shrimp balls, consider these simple yet effective tips.
- Bold Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and herbs for maximum flavor. Frozen shrimp may lack freshness.
- Bold Consistency Check: Ensure the mixture holds together before frying; add cornstarch if needed.
- Bold Oil Temperature: Heat oil properly before frying to achieve that crispy texture; too low oil will make them greasy.
- Bold Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Balls Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your shrimp balls can enhance your meal. Here are some side dishes that work wonderfully together.
- Coconut Rice: A subtly sweet side that complements the savory flavors of shrimp balls.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds freshness.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked vegetables in a light sauce provide color and nutrition alongside shrimp balls.
- Garlic Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in garlic butter offer a comforting side that’s easy to prepare.
- Mango Salsa: This fruity salsa adds brightness and sweetness, contrasting beautifully with savory shrimp.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame makes for a healthy, protein-packed snack to enjoy alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Shrimp Balls can be fun and rewarding, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using overcooked shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can lead to tough shrimp balls. Always ensure your shrimp are just cooked through before mixing.
- Skipping the binding agents: Not using enough breadcrumbs or eggs can make your mixture too loose. Make sure to add enough of these ingredients to help form the balls.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: If the oil is too hot or too cold, your shrimp balls may burn or not cook properly. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
- Not seasoning adequately: Shrimp can be bland without proper seasoning. Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance flavor.
- Crowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp balls at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy balls. Fry in batches for best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked shrimp balls in an airtight container.
- They will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Place uncooked shrimp balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet. Add shrimp balls and fry on medium heat until crispy and warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good dipping sauce for Shrimp Balls?
A sweet chili sauce pairs wonderfully with shrimp balls, adding a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
Can I make Shrimp Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance. Store them uncooked in the freezer and fry them fresh when ready to serve.
How do I know when Shrimp Balls are fully cooked?
Shrimp balls should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Use small, raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined for best results. Fresh or frozen both work well.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Balls Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these shrimp balls are sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful treat!

Shrimp Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Shrimp Balls are a scrumptious delight that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of shrimp with aromatic spices, making them an irresistible addition to any meal or gathering. These crispy bites feature a golden exterior and juicy interior, ensuring they are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Ideal for parties or as a quick weeknight dinner, they can be served with various dipping sauces or alongside fresh sides for an enhanced culinary experience. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create these flavor-packed morsels that are sure to impress your guests.
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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a tray.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the shrimp balls in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Shrimp Ball (45g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider including herbs such as cilantro or spices like chili flakes. Ensure the oil temperature is adequate for achieving that perfect crispy texture while frying.

