Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe: Irresistible Bites

Whipping up these crispy shrimp balls will transport you to a flavor-packed culinary adventure.

Seafood enthusiasts adore how perfectly golden and crunchy these bite-sized delights turn out.

Delicate shrimp meat blends seamlessly with aromatic herbs and spices for an irresistible appetizer.

Each morsel promises a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth with incredible tenderness.

Paired with a zesty sweet chili sauce, these shrimp balls offer an explosion of tangy and savory notes.

Small gatherings or casual dinner parties become extraordinary when you serve these delectable morsels.

Prepare to impress and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure gastronomic excitement.

Shrimp Balls & Chili Sauce Ingredient List

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the core of the dish, best when peeled and deveined, sweet and tender.
• Egg White: Helps bind the shrimp mixture, creates a smooth texture.

• Garlic: Adds sharp and aromatic flavor, gives depth to the shrimp mixture.
• Green Onion: Provides mild onion freshness and light green color.
• Ginger: Offers warm, slightly spicy undertone.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, enhances overall taste.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty and rich Asian-style flavor.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies other seasonings.
• White Pepper: Gives subtle heat and complexity.

• Cornstarch: Helps bind ingredients and creates smooth texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensures crispy and light golden exterior.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy dipping sauce base.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright and acidic note to the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish with nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce Cooking Guide

Step 1: Blend Shrimp Into Silky Mixture

Toss shrimp into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped green onions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Grated ginger
• Egg white
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• White pepper

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive and slightly sticky texture.

Step 2: Transform Mixture Into Perfect Spheres

Wet your hands with cool water to prevent sticking.

Gently roll the shrimp mixture into small round balls, each approximately the size of a golf ball.

Generously coat each sphere with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete and even coverage.

Step 3: Create Golden Crispy Exterior

Pour cooking oil into a deep skillet or wok, heating to 350°F.

Carefully lower the shrimp balls into the hot oil, working in small batches.

Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown color.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Whip Up Tangy Accompaniment

• Sweet chili sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Soy sauce

Whisk the ingredients until well blended, creating a vibrant and zesty dipping sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the crispy shrimp balls for additional texture and visual appeal.

Arrange on a serving platter alongside the prepared dipping sauce.

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Crispy Shrimp Balls Frying Hints

• Pulse shrimp in food processor until ultra-fine for a silky, uniform texture that binds perfectly.
• Roll shrimp balls in panko breadcrumbs generously and pat gently to ensure even, golden-brown crunch.
• Maintain consistent 350°F heat to prevent greasy balls and guarantee crisp, light exterior without burning.
• Add fresh ginger and green onions to the mixture for bright, aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste profile.
• Adjust sweet chili sauce with extra lime juice for a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of fried shrimp.

Keeping Shrimp Balls Crispy and Fresh

• Store leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm cold shrimp balls at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread on a baking sheet lined with foil to maintain texture.
• Zap for 30 seconds if you're in a hurry, but expect softer texture. Best used when you need a quick bite.
• Shrimp balls lose their crispy coating and become soggy when frozen, so consume within recommended refrigeration time.

What to Serve With Shrimp Balls

• Pair Crisp White Wines that cut through the richness of fried shrimp, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright, citrusy notes that complement the sweet chili sauce.
• Refreshing Beer Match: Choose light Asian-style lagers such as Tsingtao or Singha which provide a clean, crisp backdrop that won't overpower the delicate shrimp flavors.
• Zesty Citrus Sidekick: Add fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to balance the deep-fried texture and provide a cool, light counterpoint to the crispy shrimp balls.
• Asian Herb Accent: Garnish with fresh Thai basil or cilantro to introduce an herbal brightness that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness and echoes the sauce's complexity.

Shrimp Balls with Easy Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Shrimp Balls: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a crispy coating that's safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute cornstarch with ground pork rinds and use a low-sugar chili sauce to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp with finely chopped hearts of palm or jackfruit, adding extra seasonings to mimic seafood texture and taste.
• Baked Option: Instead of deep-frying, arrange shrimp balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal. Use medium or large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Raw shrimp will give you the most tender and juicy result.

• How do I ensure my shrimp balls are properly mixed?

Use a food processor to finely mince the shrimp and mix the ingredients thoroughly. The mixture should be sticky and well combined, which helps the balls hold their shape during frying.

• Can I prepare the shrimp balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture and shape the balls in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying. This helps the mixture firm up and makes shaping easier.

• Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps bind the ingredients together, creates a smoother texture, and provides a light, crispy exterior when fried. It also helps prevent the shrimp balls from falling apart during cooking.

Why Crispy Shrimp Balls Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Crush Kitchen Comfort: A Crowd-Pleasing Delight

• Speed Demon Cooking: Whip up these shrimp balls in just 20 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute party appetizers.
• Crispy Texture Paradise: Panko breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crunchy exterior that guarantees a satisfying bite every single time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Kids and adults will love these bite-sized treats that pack a delicious punch without complicated ingredients or techniques.
• Versatile Party Starter: Excellent for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme and everyone wants something deliciously addictive.

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy shrimp balls with sweet chili sauce bring delightful flavors from Southeast Asian street food culture. Crunchy exterior and succulent interior create an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatic and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Seasoning and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for rolling)

Oil and Frying:

• Oil for frying

Sweet Chili Sauce:

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a finely textured shrimp mixture by pulsing seafood in a food processor until uniformly minced, releasing its natural moisture and developing a cohesive texture.
2. Incorporate aromatic elements like minced garlic, chopped green onions, ginger, and seasonings including soy sauce, sesame oil, egg white, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the processed shrimp.
3. Thoroughly blend ingredients until the mixture becomes adhesive and develops a smooth, consistent composition that will hold together when shaped.
4. Use moistened palms to carefully form compact, uniform spherical portions approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring each ball maintains structural integrity.
5. Generously coat each delicate shrimp sphere with panko breadcrumbs, creating a protective, crisp exterior that will transform during cooking.
6. Prepare a deep cooking vessel with oil, heating to precise temperature around 350°F, which allows for efficient and even thermal transmission.
7. Carefully introduce shrimp balls into hot oil, cooking in strategic batches to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overcrowding.
8. Fry until exterior develops a rich golden-brown coloration and achieves a perfectly crisp texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
9. Transfer cooked shrimp balls onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil and maintain crispness.
10. Craft a complementary dipping sauce by whisking sweet chili sauce with tangy lime juice and additional soy sauce.
11. Optionally garnish with delicate sesame seeds for enhanced visual appeal and subtle nutty undertone.
12. Present immediately while maintaining maximum crispness and temperature, accompanied by prepared dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use super fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re deveined and patted completely dry before processing.
• Chill the shrimp mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help balls hold their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Keep oil temperature consistent at 350°F to achieve golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excessive oil or becoming greasy.
• For gluten-free version, swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg