Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe: Crunchy, Juicy, and Perfect for Parties

If you love seafood appetizers, Crispy Shrimp Balls are a must-try! These crunchy, golden bites are filled with juicy, flavorful shrimp and are perfect as a starter, party snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic seasonings, and a crispy exterior makes them irresistible to both kids and adults.

Whether you’re cooking for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a casual weeknight snack, these shrimp balls are quick, easy, and full of flavor. Plus, they are visually stunning — perfect for plating on a small appetizer tray or alongside a dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Shrimp Balls

1. Crunchy Exterior: Each ball is coated in breadcrumbs for the perfect golden crust.
2. Juicy Shrimp Filling: The center is soft, tender, and packed with savory shrimp flavor.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
4. Party-Perfect: Ideal finger food for gatherings or potlucks.
5. Customizable: Add herbs, garlic, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, finely chopped for the filling.
• Breadcrumbs: For coating the exterior to get that golden crunch.
• Egg: Helps bind the shrimp mixture and allows the coating to stick.
• Garlic & green onions: Aromatic flavor for the shrimp filling.
• Soy sauce & sesame oil: Adds umami and depth.
• Cornstarch: Helps keep the shrimp balls crispy during frying.
• Oil for frying: Use vegetable or canola oil for even cooking.

These simple ingredients come together to create crispy, flavorful bites your family and guests will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Shrimp Filling
In a food processor or finely chop shrimp by hand. Combine shrimp with minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a beaten egg in a mixing bowl. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 2 – Shape the Balls
Scoop small portions of the shrimp mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

Step 3 – Coat the Shrimp Balls
Place cornstarch or flour on a plate. Roll each shrimp ball in cornstarch, then dip in a lightly beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. This triple-layer ensures maximum crunch.

Step 4 – Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add shrimp balls in batches and fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5 – Serve Hot
Serve crispy shrimp balls immediately with dipping sauces like sweet chili, aioli, or soy-ginger sauce.

Crispy Shrimp Balls

Golden, crunchy, and juicy Crispy Shrimp Balls 🍤✨ — perfect appetizer or party snack with a flavorful shrimp filling and crunchy breadcrumb coating.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 balls

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Asian, Seafood

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shrimp Filling

• 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp green onions chopped
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Deep frying pan or fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Plate or tray
• Paper towels

Method

 

1. Chop shrimp finely and mix with garlic, green onions, egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Coat each ball in cornstarch, dip in beaten egg, and then roll in breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry shrimp balls in batches until golden, 3–4 minutes per batch.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels, serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Notes

Shape shrimp balls ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry. Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Shrimp Balls

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.
• Keep shrimp cold: This helps maintain shape and prevents them from falling apart.
• Check seasoning: Taste a small portion of the filling before shaping all balls.
• Optional baking: For a healthier version, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, brushing with oil.

Nutrition Benefits

While these shrimp balls are fried, shrimp itself is a lean protein and packed with nutrients: iodine, selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Approximate nutrition per serving (4 shrimp balls):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Meal Prep and Storage

• Make-ahead: Shape shrimp balls in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Storage: Cooked shrimp balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness.