Go Back
For this recipe, you need 1 pound of fresh shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp adds a sweet taste and a nice texture. You can find them at your local market or seafood shop. Here’s a list of other ingredients you will need: - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetable oil, for frying These ingredients help create a mixture that is flavorful and holds together well. To make the sweet chili sauce, gather these ingredients: - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat) The sweet chili sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp balls, adding a tangy touch. You can adjust the heat by adding or skipping the sriracha. For the full recipe, check the entire article. To start, gather your ingredients. Place the fresh shrimp, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it combines well. It should still have some texture, not a smooth paste. This mix gives the shrimp balls great flavor. Now, take a small amount of the shrimp mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for a size close to a golf ball. It’s fun to do this by hand. You can feel the mix and shape it just right. Place each ball on a plate as you go. This step helps them hold together when frying. Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Get it to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the shrimp balls in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan; this helps them fry evenly. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on paper towels to drain. This frying method gives you that crispy texture that is so satisfying. For the complete details on how to make these crispy shrimp balls, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best crunch, use fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp gives a better texture than frozen. When mixing, pulse just enough to keep some chunkiness. This helps with the crispiness when frying. Coat your shrimp balls evenly with breadcrumbs. The more coverage, the crunchier they will be. For an extra layer, you can double coat them. First, dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs again. Use hot oil for frying. The right temperature is key. Aim for 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the balls will soak up oil and become soggy. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot. Prep your shrimp mixture ahead of time. You can make it the night before and store it in the fridge. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything is ready to go. Use a food processor for quick chopping. It saves time on mixing the shrimp and veggies. Just pulse until you see a good blend. Consider using store-bought sweet chili sauce. It cuts down on prep time. You can still add lime juice and sesame oil for a personal touch. Making your own sweet chili sauce is easy. Just mix sweet chili sauce with lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha if you like heat. This simple blend adds a fresh zing. Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the sweetness or heat to suit your taste. If it's too sweet, a dash of lime juice will balance it out. Serve the sauce in a small bowl next to your shrimp balls. This way, it’s easy to dip and enjoy. Don’t forget to use the Full Recipe for more tips on preparation! {{image_2}} If you want a kick, add more heat to your shrimp balls. Use fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Mix them into the shrimp mixture. This will give your dish a nice spicy punch. You can also try using spicy sriracha in the sweet chili sauce. Adjust it to your taste. Want a healthier option? You can bake the shrimp balls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and crisp. This method cuts down on oil and calories. You can switch some ingredients if you need to. If you don’t have shrimp, try using crab or a firm fish. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free version. These swaps keep the flavors rich while catering to your needs. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your crispy shrimp balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before you store them. Layer parchment paper between the shrimp balls to prevent sticking. Keep them in the fridge if you plan to eat them within three days. For longer storage, consider freezing. When reheating shrimp balls, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp balls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some shrimp balls for later. After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen shrimp balls to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to your frying time. Follow the full recipe for tips on cooking from frozen. You can tell the shrimp balls are cooked when they are golden brown. They should feel firm and bounce back when you press them lightly. If you cut one open, it should be opaque inside, not translucent. Cooking usually takes about 4-5 minutes in hot oil. Always use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. This helps ensure even cooking. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp balls in advance. After forming them, place the balls on a tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to store them longer, freeze the balls on the tray first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. Crispy shrimp balls pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fresh salad with a light dressing - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - A side of vegetable stir-fry - Sliced cucumbers or carrots for crunch - Extra sweet chili sauce for dipping Feel free to explore different combinations! You learned how to make delicious shrimp balls from fresh shrimp and other key ingredients. We covered how to prepare, form, and fry these tasty treats. Remember the tips for maximum crispiness and variations like spicy or baked shrimp balls. Proper storage and reheating keep them fresh. Feel free to make them ahead and serve with your favorite sauces. Enjoy your cooking tips and new recipes!

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Indulge in the perfect appetizer with our crispy shrimp balls paired with sweet chili sauce! This delightful recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, using fresh shrimp and easy ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether for a gathering or a tasty snack, these crispy bites are sure to impress. Click through to get the full recipe and unleash your culinary skills for a dish that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil, for frying

For Sweet Chili Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: In a food processor, combine the fresh shrimp, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.

    Form the Balls: Using your hands, take a small amount of the shrimp mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into balls, placing them on a plate.

      Coat the Balls: Roll each shrimp ball in additional breadcrumbs until evenly coated. This will help achieve extra crispiness.

        Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Set aside for dipping.

          Fry the Shrimp Balls: In a large, deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the shrimp balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.

            Serve: Arrange the crispy shrimp balls on a serving plate, alongside the sweet chili sauce for dipping.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4