Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce are a fantastic appetizer that combines the savory taste of shrimp with a delightful crunchy exterior. Perfect for any gathering, these shrimp balls are a hit with their succulent interior and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the accompanying sauce. This article provides a step-by-step guide to making these delicious bites at home, covering ingredient selection, preparation, and frying techniques for the ultimate crispiness. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this mouthwatering dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Balls:

1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 egg, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon lime juice

Optional: 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp Mixture:

- Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a food processor. Pulse the shrimp until coarsely chopped, ensuring it is not blended to a puree.

- Add the breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, cornstarch, and the lightly beaten egg to the processor. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then pulse a few times until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Shape the Balls:

- Dampen your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the shrimp mixture and roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Heat the Oil:

- In a deep frying pan or wok, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Shrimp Balls:

- Carefully lower the shrimp balls into the hot oil, working in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry the balls for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked, turning them halfway through for even browning.

- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce:

- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and lime juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Serve:

- Arrange the crispy shrimp balls on a serving platter. Drizzle with the sweet chili sauce or serve it in a small bowl on the side for dipping. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4-6 servings

Enjoy this delectable appetizer that brings a burst of flavor with every bite! 🍤✨