Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure! Today, we’re diving into the world of shrimp with a scrumptious recipe for crispy shrimp balls. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, these bite-sized morsels are packed with flavor, featuring a harmonious blend of tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a hint of fresh ginger. The best part? They’re golden brown on the outside and bursting with deliciousness on the inside. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir in the beaten egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a flavorful mixture.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until all the ingredients are well combined and cohesive.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for popping in your mouth!
- Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it’s shimmering, but not smoking.
- Carefully add the shrimp balls in batches to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This allows for even cooking and perfect crispiness.
- Fry the shrimp balls for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp balls from the pan and drain them on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.
- Serve these delightful shrimp balls hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes or Tips
For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for a subtle kick. If you want to make these shrimp balls even more vibrant, incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for a pop of color and crunch!
Cooking Techniques
Frying shrimp balls is all about managing the heat. Medium heat is ideal to achieve the perfect crispy exterior while ensuring that the insides cook properly. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the shrimp is cooked through. Always test a small batch first to gauge the temperature! Additionally, you can bake these shrimp balls if you’re looking for a healthier option—just toss them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
FAQ
Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
What dipping sauces go well with shrimp balls?
These shrimp balls pair wonderfully with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a tangy cilantro lime sauce for a refreshing twist.
Conclusion
There you have it—crispy shrimp balls that are sure to impress friends and family alike! They’re quick to make and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights in. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and indulge in the delightful experience of homemade shrimp goodness. Enjoy!