Name: Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding); Vegetable oil, for frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside yet juicy and flavorful inside, you’ve got to try this Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I love to whip up for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner — plus, you’ll be amazed at how easy they are to make. Trust me, once you try these golden little balls of goodness, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Crunchy Exterior: Panko breadcrumbs create the perfect crispiness every single time.
Juicy Shrimp Center: Using fresh shrimp and just enough binder keeps these balls tender inside.
Balanced Flavor: The combo of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil adds depth without overpowering the shrimp.
Simple Prep: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for any skill level.

Crispy Shrimp Balls, shrimp snack recipes, easy appetizer ideas, crunchy seafood bites, homemade shrimp appetizer - The image shows a close-up of round fried balls with a crisp golden-brown texture, some with small bits of orange inside, possibly shrimp or carrot. They are garnished with small pieces of chopped green onions on top, adding a fresh contrast in color. These balls sit closely together in a white bowl with a smooth green sauce at the bottom, enhancing the look with a fresh layer beneath the fried pieces. The background surface is white marble, clean and bright, making the dish stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe plays a star role, from the seafood itself to the subtle seasoning. Using fresh shrimp ensures natural sweetness and firmness, while breadcrumbs give the crunch we love. Plus, those little aromatics like garlic and ginger bring everything alive.

Crispy Shrimp Balls, shrimp snack recipes, easy appetizer ideas, crunchy seafood bites, homemade shrimp appetizer - Flat lay of raw peeled and deveined shrimp, a small bowl of panko breadcrumbs, a whole uncracked brown egg, finely chopped green onions scattered loosely, two peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden sesame oil, a small pile of coarse salt, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a small handful of chopped fresh cilantro, a small pile of white cornstarch powder, and a small white bowl of clear vegetable oil placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw shrimp: I always choose fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Breadcrumbs (panko): Panko’s light texture delivers that unbeatable crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the balls together without making them heavy.
Green onions: Adds a mild freshness that pairs well with shrimp.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses a punch of savory flavor.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger gives a subtle zing and warmth.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and slight saltiness.
Sesame oil: Just a splash to introduce a toasty aroma that ties everything.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential seasoning for balance.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh herbaceous note that lifts the flavors.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps if your mixture feels too loose — trust me, it keeps the balls perfectly shaped.
Vegetable oil: For frying; I usually go with neutral oils with a high smoke point for safety and flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe my own by playing around with herbs and dipping sauces — after all, cooking should be fun and reflect your palate. You can easily customize it to be spicier, milder, or even gluten-free.

Variation: Adding a bit of chopped chili or sriracha into the mixture gives the shrimp balls a nice kick—I always get compliments when I serve mine this way.
Gluten-free option: Swap panko crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers; just make sure they’re dry enough for that crispy texture.
Herb swaps: If you’re not a cilantro fan, finely chopped basil or parsley works beautifully too.
Milder version: Skipping or reducing the garlic and ginger tones down the boldness if you want something more subtle.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Chop the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining fresh shrimp if you haven’t done that already. Then, roughly chop the shrimp into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse them a few times in a food processor but be careful not to overblend — you want tiny chunks, not shrimp paste! This step sets the foundation for tender, juicy balls.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture feels too wet and sticky, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind it better — this little tweak makes the rolling process much easier!

Step 3: Form and Shape the Shrimp Balls

Wet your hands slightly — this prevents sticking — then roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches across. Depending on how big you like them, you’ll get around 20-25 balls from this recipe. Don’t worry about perfection; a rustic shape only adds to the charm!

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry

In a skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom generously. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp balls—don’t overcrowd the pan or they won’t crisp up properly. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; you want a lovely crust without burning.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra oil. Then, serve immediately while they’re still piping hot and crispy. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sesame seeds right before serving for that extra pop of color and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

Don’t Overprocess the Shrimp: Leaving some texture in the shrimp keeps the balls juicy, so pulse lightly if using a processor.
Oil Temperature Matters: Heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C) so the balls cook evenly and develop that signature crunch without soaking up too much oil.
Work in Batches: Fry your shrimp balls in small batches to avoid temperature drops in the oil, which cause sogginess.
Rest Before Frying: Let the formed balls sit 5-10 minutes before frying to firm up and hold their shape better.

How to Serve Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe

Crispy Shrimp Balls, shrimp snack recipes, easy appetizer ideas, crunchy seafood bites, homemade shrimp appetizer - The image shows a close-up of a golden-brown fried ball that is cut open to reveal a soft, white and pink inside texture that looks like shrimp or seafood. The crispy outside is rough and crunchy with small green herb bits sprinkled on top for color contrast. The inside looks tender and moist with small layers of white and light pink inside. The fried balls fill the frame with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my crispy shrimp balls with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — it adds freshness and a subtle crunch. If you want a bit of heat, a drizzle of sriracha mayo on top is a total game changer!

Side Dishes

These shrimp balls pair beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian slaw. When I serve these for parties, I like to include a variety of dipping sauces — sweet chili, soy garlic, and a tangy lemon aioli all work wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try skewering the shrimp balls on bamboo sticks and presenting them as elegant appetizers. You can also serve them nestled on a bed of lettuce leaves with dipping bowls for an interactive family-style experience. I once set them out with a trio of colorful sauces — it’s fun and keeps guests coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover crispy shrimp balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I layer them between paper towels. This simple step really helps maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

If you want to prep these ahead of time, freeze the formed but uncooked shrimp balls on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to 2 months. When ready, fry them straight from frozen — just add a couple extra minutes to cook through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method crisps them back up nicely without drying them out like a microwave can. If you’re in a rush, a quick pan-fry on medium heat also works great.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This prevents the mixture from becoming too wet and ensures the shrimp balls hold together properly.
How do I know when the shrimp balls are fully cooked?

Cook them until they’re golden brown on the outside (about 3-4 minutes per side) and no longer translucent inside—shrimp cook quickly and should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Can I bake the shrimp balls instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, can yield a lighter version, though they won’t be quite as crispy as fried. Using a convection oven helps boost crispiness.
What dipping sauces work best with these shrimp balls?

Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with a touch of lime, tangy lemon aioli, or spicy mayo all complement the crispy shrimp balls beautifully. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite!
How do I prevent the shrimp balls from falling apart?

Make sure your mixture isn’t too wet—if it is, add a little cornstarch or more breadcrumbs. Also, don’t skip the resting step before frying, which helps the balls firm up and hold their shape during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Shrimp Balls Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels special but is totally manageable to make. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or friends. Give it a shot, and I have a feeling you’ll find yourself making these again and again — just like I do!