Name: Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 cup egg roll wrappers, cut into thin strips; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

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These Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce are perfect for any occasion where you want a crispy, flavorful bite that’s just bursting with fresh shrimp goodness. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving a tasty snack, these shrimp balls will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know you’re going to fall in love with these shrimp balls! They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with that perfect shrimp flavor that’s just irresistible. The sweet chili sauce brings the right amount of tangy-sweet heat, making each bite even more delicious. Plus, these little bites are so easy to make and will disappear fast!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the sweet chili sauce:

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce

Find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by finely chopping the shrimp. You want them to be small enough to form into balls but still have a little texture. If you prefer a smoother shrimp ball, you can pulse the shrimp in a food processor.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky mixture. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it’s easy to shape into balls.

Step 3: Form the Shrimp Balls

Take a small portion of the shrimp mixture and roll it between your palms to form small, bite-sized balls. You should get about 12-15 balls, depending on the size you make them.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp Balls

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully drop the shrimp balls into the oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. This will give you a tangy, slightly sweet dipping sauce that complements the crispy shrimp balls perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crispy shrimp balls hot, with the sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy them as an appetizer, a party snack, or even as part of a main meal!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Be sure to chop the shrimp finely, or pulse them in the food processor. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together but not too wet.
If you want extra crispy shrimp balls, you can double-coat them in breadcrumbs before frying.
Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the shrimp balls may burn on the outside before cooking through. Too low, and they’ll be greasy.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture.
If you’re not a fan of breadcrumbs, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Feel free to substitute the shrimp with crab meat or a mix of fish for a different seafood flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These shrimp balls are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a fresh cucumber salad or a side of steamed rice. For a complete meal, serve them with a light Asian-inspired dipping sauce like soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. They also make a great addition to any appetizer spread, especially at parties or family gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little oil, but be careful not to overcook them.

4 FAQs

Can I make the shrimp balls ahead of time? Yes! You can form the shrimp balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I freeze these shrimp balls? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked shrimp balls. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To cook, fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce? You can use a combination of honey, ketchup, and hot sauce to create a similar sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Conclusion

These Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce are so delicious and easy to make! They’re crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for any time you want something special. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or snack, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce

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Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce are a delightful appetizer, featuring succulent shrimp encased in a crunchy exterior, perfectly complemented by a tangy and sweet dipping sauce. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through preparing this delectable dish.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, fish sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Shrimp Balls:
- In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped shrimp with minced garlic, grated ginger, green onions, cilantro, fish sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, cornstarch, and the beaten egg.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined and has a sticky consistency.
- Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Coat the Shrimp Balls:
- Roll each shrimp ball in the thin strips of egg roll wrapper, pressing gently to adhere the strips evenly around the ball.
Fry the Shrimp Balls:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the coated shrimp balls into the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp balls and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve:
- Arrange the crispy shrimp balls on a serving platter.
- Serve with the prepared sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Storage: These shrimp balls are best enjoyed fresh while they’re crispy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness.
Dipping Sauce Variations: For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or a sliced red chili pepper to the dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions: These shrimp balls pair well with a side of steamed rice or a light Asian-inspired salad.