Shrimp balls are a go-to Asian appetizer—light, crunchy, juicy, and packed with savory umami flavor. Whether you want to serve them at parties, as part of a dim sum feast, or even in soups, this shrimp balls recipe will become your favorite. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make shrimp balls that are restaurant-worthy yet simple enough for weeknights.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Shrimp Balls
Shrimp balls are popular across Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines. These round, golden bites are made from finely minced shrimp mixed with aromatics, starch, and sometimes pork fat. Once shaped, they’re either boiled for a soft bite or deep-fried for irresistible crispiness.
Homemade shrimp balls are fresher, cleaner, and way tastier than store-bought. And best of all? You don’t need any special tools—just fresh ingredients and simple techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Quick & Easy: 25 minutes from prep to plate
- Versatile: Boil, steam, air-fry, or deep-fry
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavor, dippable, and fun to eat
- Perfect for Freezing: Make ahead and store for later
Ingredients and Ingredient Highlights
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Raw Shrimp (1 lb) | Base flavor and protein |
| Egg White (1) | Binds the mixture |
| Cornstarch (1 tbsp) | Helps texture and binding |
| Garlic Powder | Adds depth of flavor |
| Sesame Oil (1 tsp) | Classic Asian aroma |
| Salt & White Pepper | Seasoning |
| Optional: Pork Fat | Boosts bounce and juiciness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making shrimp balls at home is easier than you think, and once you’ve got the method down, you’ll be turning them out in batches for every occasion. Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown to guide you from prep to plate.
Step 1: Get the Shrimp Ready
Start with fresh or thawed raw shrimp. Give them a good rinse, pat them dry with paper towels, and then chop them into tiny pieces. If you prefer a finer texture, feel free to use a food processor. Just pulse gently—overprocessing will make the texture gummy instead of bouncy.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with the rest of the ingredients. These usually include:
- Finely sliced green onions
- Minced garlic and fresh ginger
- A beaten egg for binding
- A dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for that umami depth
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning
- Some soft breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and hold everything together
If the mix feels a bit runny or hard to work with, sprinkle in about a tablespoon of cornstarch. It will tighten the mixture just enough without making it dry.
Step 3: Shape into Perfect Balls
Wet your hands lightly with cold water or a drop of oil. Scoop up a bit of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms into round balls—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You’ll end up with around 20 to 25 shrimp balls depending on size. Uniform shapes cook more evenly, so try to keep them consistent.
Step 4: Time to Fry
Place a large skillet or non-stick pan on the stove and pour in enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom generously. Turn the heat to medium-high and wait until the oil shimmers—this means it’s hot enough.
Working in batches, gently lay the shrimp balls into the pan. Don’t overcrowd; give each ball space to brown. Let them fry for about 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust and a cooked-through interior.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
Once your shrimp balls are evenly golden and crisp, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps soak up any extra oil and keeps the texture light, not greasy.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Serve your shrimp balls hot—fresh out of the pan is best. For an extra touch, you can top them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro. As for dips, they go wonderfully with:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Classic soy sauce
- Spicy mayo
- A squeeze of fresh lemon with aioli
How to Serve Shrimp Balls Recipe
Shrimp balls are extremely flexible. You can serve them:
- With dipping sauces like chili, hoisin, or spicy mayo
- As a starter or main with rice or noodles
- In hot pot, ramen, or clear soups
- In party platters alongside spring rolls
Additional Tips for Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Chill the mixture before shaping to make it easier to handle
- Use ice water when mixing for a firmer texture
- Add baking powder (1/4 tsp) for extra puffiness
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer—work in batches
- For extra crunch, roll shaped balls in Panko breadcrumbs before frying
Recipe Variations for Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Thai-style: Add lemongrass and chopped chili
- Vietnamese: Add fish sauce and shallots
- Japanese: Dip in tempura batter
- Low-carb: Use almond flour instead of starch
- Vegetarian: Try tofu + seaweed instead of shrimp
Freezing and Storage
Shrimp balls freeze beautifully. Here’s how to do it right:
To Freeze (Before Cooking):
- Lay shaped balls on a tray
- Freeze for 2 hours
- Transfer to zip-top bags
To Cook from Frozen:
- Fry: Add 2 more minutes
- Boil: Drop directly into boiling water
- Air-fry: Spray lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes
Storage
- Cooked balls: Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat: Use oven, air fryer, or microwave with damp towel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you get batter to stick to shrimp?
Pat shrimp dry, then coat in cornstarch before dipping into egg and breadcrumbs. The starch acts like glue to hold everything in place.
What to do with frozen shrimp balls?
Boil, fry, or air-fry them straight from the freezer. Add them to soups or rice bowls, or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to make shrimp bouncy like Chinese restaurants?
Pound or stir the shrimp paste in one direction, add cold water, and chill before shaping. Pork fat and cornstarch also help achieve bounce.
How long to boil shrimp balls?
About 5–7 minutes, or until they float and turn opaque. Internal temp should reach 165°F.
How long should you boil shrimp to be good?
Whole shrimp need just 2–3 minutes in boiling water. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
Conclusion
Now you have the ultimate shrimp balls recipe—simple, customizable, and freezer-friendly. These savory bites are perfect for quick meals, family dinners, or party snacks. With a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you’ll turn everyday ingredients into crispy, juicy magic.
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