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Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe: A Delicious Snack Idea!

Crispy on the outside, juicy and savory on the inside—these Golden Shrimp Balls are the ultimate bite-sized seafood snack. Infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Serve them as a party appetizer or weeknight treat with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra binding)

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Roughly chop the shrimp with a knife or pulse in a food processor until finely minced but not pasty.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  3. If the mixture feels too wet, stir in cornstarch to help bind.

  4. With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. You should get around 20 to 25 balls.

  5. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp balls in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

  6. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  7. Garnish with cilantro or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or lemon garlic aioli.

Notes

  • Do not overprocess the shrimp if using a food processor—texture is key!

  • These shrimp balls can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter option.

  • To freeze, shape the raw shrimp balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • Great for party platters, bento boxes, or as a main dish with steamed rice and vegetables.