Shrimp balls are a beloved appetizer and snack found in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cultures. These bite-sized delights are known for their tender, springy texture and savory seafood flavor. Typically deep-fried to golden perfection, shrimp balls are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, often served with dipping sauces or as part of a noodle or rice dish. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or craving something crispy and comforting, these homemade shrimp balls are guaranteed to impress.
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 (as appetizer/snack)
Ingredients
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250 g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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1 egg
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2 spring onions, finely chopped
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Place the shrimp in a food processor and pulse until a sticky paste forms.
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Add the egg, spring onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Pulse until fully combined.
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Scoop the mixture out and form small balls about the size of a walnut.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Gently place the shrimp balls into the oil in batches. Do not overcrowd.
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Fry for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as sweet chili, garlic mayo, or soy-sesame dip.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 16g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 560mg
The Origins and Popularity of Shrimp Balls
Shrimp balls have deep culinary roots in many coastal regions across Asia. In Chinese dim sum, they’re served steamed or fried. In Thailand, they may be skewered and grilled. In Vietnam, they can appear in soups or noodle bowls. Their versatility, simplicity, and umami-packed flavor have made shrimp balls globally popular—not just in Asian households but in Western fusion restaurants and street food markets around the world.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
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Quick to make (under 30 minutes!)
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Kid-friendly and family-approved
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Perfect for meal prep or party platters
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Works as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal
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Can be pan-fried, deep-fried, or even air-fried
Health Benefits
Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. These nutrients support thyroid function, brain health, and muscle recovery. This recipe avoids heavy breading or flour, making it lighter than most deep-fried snacks. For an even healthier version, try baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces
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Add to noodle soups or broth bowls
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Wrap in lettuce with pickled vegetables for a light bite
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Pair with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables
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Include in a bento box or lunch prep container
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overprocessing the shrimp—blend until sticky, not mushy
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Not draining excess moisture—pat shrimp dry before blending
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Using low-heat oil—make sure the oil is hot enough to prevent greasy balls
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Overcrowding the pan—this lowers oil temperature and affects crispiness
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Skipping seasoning—shrimp need salt and umami to shine
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverage: Jasmine tea, sparkling water with lime, or light beer
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Sauce: Sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, soy-lime dipping sauce
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Side dish: Cucumber salad, garlic noodles, or stir-fried bok choy
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Carbs: Steamed jasmine rice, vermicelli, or sticky rice
Cooking Tips
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For extra bounce in texture, stir the shrimp paste vigorously in one direction for a few minutes before shaping
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Freeze raw shrimp balls on a tray and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months—fry straight from frozen
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You can substitute half of the shrimp with white fish or scallops for variety
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Use a small ice cream scoop or wet hands to shape the balls evenly
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Double the recipe and keep some uncooked in the fridge for up to 2 days
Similar Recipes to Try
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Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Sauce
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Chinese Pork and Shrimp Dumplings (Siu Mai)
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Crispy Tofu Balls with Hoisin Dip
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Garlic Shrimp Toasts
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Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls
Variations to Try
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Add finely chopped water chestnuts or carrots for crunch
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Mix in a dash of chili flakes for heat
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Make mini shrimp burgers using the same mixture
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Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior coating
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Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version
Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp
Shrimp are a powerhouse ingredient in global cuisine. Low in calories but high in protein and minerals, they cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully. Their natural sweetness pairs especially well with garlic, soy, citrus, and spice. In this recipe, they serve as both the base and the flavor hero—providing texture, protein, and taste.
Conclusion Paragraph
Shrimp balls are the kind of recipe that’s easy to love and even easier to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, they deliver big on texture and flavor. Whether you’re craving an elegant appetizer, a fun finger food for guests, or a meal-prep-worthy snack, these shrimp balls check every box. Plus, their versatility lets you adapt them to your taste—spicy, garlicky, or herb-infused. Give them a try once, and they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them fully and pat them dry before processing.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your cornstarch brand.
Can I air-fry shrimp balls instead of deep-frying?
Yes! Air-fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I bake shrimp balls?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Why are my shrimp balls too soft?
You may have overprocessed the shrimp or added too much liquid. Next time, drain moisture well.
Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Yes—finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers add flavor and texture.
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Are shrimp balls spicy?
Not inherently, but you can make them spicy with chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeño.
Do I need to devein the shrimp?
Yes, for best flavor and texture, always devein shrimp before using.
What sauce goes best with shrimp balls?
Sweet chili, soy-sesame, or garlic aioli are all delicious choices.