Shrimp Balls Recipe

One of my absolute favorite things about being a mom of three is seeing the pure joy on my kids’ faces when they genuinely love something I’ve cooked. And let me tell you, getting three active, opinionated kids to agree on a meal can sometimes feel like winning the lottery! That’s why I cherish recipes like this Shrimp Balls Recipe.

It’s a guaranteed hit, every single time. I remember the first time I whipped up these homemade shrimp balls. My youngest, who usually dissects every morsel on her plate, devoured them without a single complaint, asking for “more of those yummy shrimp bites!” My older two were equally thrilled.

It was such a relief and a testament to how simple, nourishing food can truly bring smiles around the dinner table. This easy shrimp balls recipe isn’t just about feeding them; it’s about creating a moment of shared happiness.

Over the years, this particular shrimp balls recipe has become a staple in our home, evolving from a quick appetizer to a delightful main course. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, delicious, and genuinely wholesome meal that even the pickiest eaters will adore, then this family-friendly shrimp balls recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will discover so many reasons to adore this Shrimp Balls Recipe. First, it is incredibly simple. As a busy mom, I always look for recipes that do not require hours in the kitchen, and this one fits the bill perfectly.

You will appreciate the minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps. Second, these homemade shrimp balls are amazingly versatile. Serve them as a light appetizer for guests, a fun snack for the kids, or a main dish with your favorite sides.

They are truly adaptable! Third, this shrimp balls recipe focuses on wholesome, fresh ingredients. We use lean shrimp, fresh herbs, and simple binders, making these shrimp balls a nourishing choice you can feel great about serving your family.

You avoid all the mystery ingredients found in store-bought options. This recipe is also fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the mixture ahead of time or even cook a big batch of shrimp balls and freeze them for later.

Imagine having delicious, homemade shrimp balls ready for a quick weeknight dinner! Finally, the flavor is simply irresistible. These savory shrimp balls boast a delicate, tender texture with a burst of fresh shrimp flavor in every bite.

They are perfectly seasoned, offering a delightful balance that appeals to both adults and children. You truly cannot go wrong with this amazing shrimp balls recipe; it will become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these delectable Shrimp Balls Recipe requires a few key ingredients, all readily available at your local grocery store. We keep things simple and fresh for the best flavor.

* 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (about 31/40 count)
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup cornstarch (or tapioca starch for a crispier texture)
* 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Vegetable oil, for frying

This Shrimp Balls Recipe offers wonderful flexibility for substitutions and variations, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. For more seafood delight, you might want to check out our Lobster Crab Shrimp Mac And Cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this delicious Shrimp Balls Recipe is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: First, ensure your raw shrimp are thoroughly peeled, deveined, and have their tails removed. Then, pat them very dry with paper towels.

Excess moisture will make the shrimp balls soggy. Place the dried shrimp in the bowl of a food processor.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the egg, cornstarch, finely chopped chives, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor with the shrimp.
3. Process the Mixture: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor.

You want to achieve a coarse, paste-like consistency, but do not over-process. A few small pieces of shrimp remaining will give the shrimp balls a nice texture. Avoid making a smooth purée.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything combines evenly.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling and firmer shrimp balls, transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This step helps the flavors meld and the mixture firm up. This is a great tip for any homemade shrimp balls recipe.
5. Form the Shrimp Balls: Lightly oil your hands or keep a small bowl of water nearby to moisten your palms. Scoop about a tablespoon of the shrimp mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed shrimp balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Continue until you use all the mixture for this shrimp balls recipe.
6. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 to 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep pan.

Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture; it should sizzle immediately.
7. Cook the Shrimp Balls: Carefully place the shrimp balls into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

The internal temperature of the shrimp balls should reach 145°F (63°C).
8. Drain and Serve: Once golden and cooked, remove the shrimp balls from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider.

Place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve these delicious shrimp balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving perfect, flavorful shrimp balls is easy when you follow a few simple pro tips for this Shrimp Balls Recipe. These small adjustments make a big difference in the final outcome.

* Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Excess moisture in the shrimp will lead to soggy, hard-to-form shrimp balls. After peeling and deveining, pat the shrimp aggressively dry with paper towels.

You want them as dry as possible.
* Do Not Over-Process: When using the food processor, pulse the shrimp mixture. You aim for a coarse paste with some small pieces of shrimp still visible.

Over-processing results in a rubbery texture, so pulse just until combined and slightly sticky. This ensures a delightful chewiness in your homemade shrimp balls.
* Chill the Mixture: Chilling the shrimp mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, firms it up significantly.

This makes the shrimp balls much easier to roll and helps them hold their shape better during cooking. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
* Uniform Size: Try to make all your shrimp balls roughly the same size.

This ensures even cooking, so you avoid some being undercooked while others are overdone. A small cookie scoop can help you achieve consistency.
* Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for frying.

If the oil is too cool, the shrimp balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside before cooking through on the inside. A kitchen thermometer is very useful here.

* Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp balls in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much. Overcrowding also prevents even browning and makes them stick together. Give each shrimp ball space to sizzle and brown.

* Test One First: Before frying a whole batch, cook just one shrimp ball. Taste it and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, ginger, etc.) if needed. This quick test ensures your entire batch of shrimp balls tastes exactly how you want it.

* Drain Properly: After frying, transfer the cooked shrimp balls to a wire rack set over paper towels. This allows air to circulate, keeping them crisp and preventing them from sitting in excess oil.
* Freezing Uncooked: You can form the shrimp balls and then freeze them raw on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Achieving perfect, flavorful shrimp balls is easy when you follow a few simple pro tips for this Shrimp Balls Recipe. Enhance your shrimp preparation skills with our guide on Creamy Shrimp and Grits.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating ensure your delicious Shrimp Balls Recipe remains enjoyable days after cooking. Follow these tips to keep them fresh and tasty.

* Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before transferring them to the container to prevent condensation.
* Freezing Cooked Shrimp Balls: These homemade shrimp balls freeze beautifully once cooked.

Arrange the cooled shrimp balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2-3 months.

Label the container with the date.
* Reheating from Refrigerator:
* Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shrimp balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Reheat for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. This method works best for restoring crispness.
* Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

This is an excellent method for quickly achieving a crispy exterior for your shrimp balls.
* Microwave (Least Recommended for Texture): While you can microwave shrimp balls, they will lose their crispness and might become a bit chewy. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

* Reheating from Freezer:
* Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen shrimp balls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and golden.
* Air Fryer: Air fry frozen shrimp balls at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until hot and crispy.

* Thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating is also an option, which will speed up the reheating time slightly. Enjoy your reheated shrimp balls recipe!

What to Serve With This Recipe

This versatile Shrimp Balls Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, transforming it from a simple appetizer into a complete, satisfying meal.

* Dipping Sauces: A good dipping sauce is essential!
* Sweet Chili Sauce: A classic choice, offering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
* Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy, zesty kick.

* Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil.
* Lime Cilantro Dressing: A fresh, zesty option for a lighter feel.
* Rice Dishes: Serve these homemade shrimp balls alongside:
* Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple, comforting base.

* Fried Rice: A flavorful, heartier option that makes it a full meal.
* Coconut Rice: For a subtle sweetness that complements the shrimp.
* Noodle Dishes:
* Stir-fried Noodles: Lightly stir-fried noodles with vegetables create a balanced meal.

* Cold Sesame Noodles: A refreshing contrast, especially on warmer days.
* Vegetable Sides:
* Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: Simple and healthy.
* Sautéed Asparagus or Green Beans: Quick to prepare and nutritious.

* Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy, vibrant side with a tangy dressing.
* Soup:
* Clear Broth Soup: A light complement, especially during cooler weather.
* Hot and Sour Soup: For those who enjoy bold flavors.

* Salads:
* Simple Green Salad: With a light vinaigrette.
* Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crisp addition.

No matter how you serve them, these delicious shrimp balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

This versatile Shrimp Balls Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, transforming it from a simple appetizer into a complete, satisfying meal. To complement your shrimp balls, consider trying our Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta Recipe.

FAQs

Can I make the shrimp balls mixture ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.

This actually helps the flavors meld and the mixture firm up, making it easier to form the shrimp balls. This is a great tip for anyone making this easy shrimp balls recipe.

How do I prevent the shrimp balls from sticking when frying?

Several factors help prevent sticking. First, ensure your oil is adequately hot (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the shrimp balls. If the oil is too cool, they will stick.

Second, do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches, leaving space between each shrimp ball. Third, ensure the pan surface is clean and not damaged. Finally, use a non-stick skillet if possible, or ensure your regular pan is well-seasoned.

Are these shrimp balls gluten-free?

Yes, this specific Shrimp Balls Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use cornstarch or tapioca starch as the binder. Always double-check your sesame oil and other seasonings to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy. This makes it an accessible option for many.

What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized raw shrimp, such as 31/40 count, work best for this shrimp balls recipe. They offer a good balance of size and texture. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure frozen shrimp are completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry before processing. Quality shrimp truly make a difference in your homemade shrimp balls.

Can I bake or air fry these shrimp balls instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter version of this shrimp balls recipe, you can bake or air fry them. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the shrimp balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until crispy and cooked. Both methods yield delicious results.

Shrimp balls are a delightful seafood dish that combines shrimp with various seasonings and binders to create bite-sized treats. They are often served as appetizers or snacks and can be found in many culinary traditions, including Asian cuisines, where they are enjoyed for their texture and flavor. Learn more about shrimp in this seafood context.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	20 g
Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	7 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	380 mg
Cholesterol	160 mg

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