Chinese Shrimp Balls Recipe
There’s something truly irresistible about Chinese Shrimp Balls: plump, golden nuggets with a crisp, delicate exterior that yields to a juicy, flavorful center loaded with ginger, green onion, and tender shrimp. This dish brings a burst of bright seafood flavor and boasts that perfect blend of savory, aromatic, and just a hint of peppery warmth. Whether you’re serving them up as finger food for a party or making them the star of a family dinner, these shrimp balls are a surefire crowd-pleaser that always leaves guests reaching for one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for Chinese Shrimp Balls plays a crucial role in delivering authentic flavor and irresistible texture. With just a handful of staples, you’ll be amazed how they come together to create something so special—every item brings out the best in the shrimp or adds its own distinct flair.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The heart and soul of the dish; using fresh, high-quality shrimp gives unbeatable sweetness and tender texture.
- Green onions (2, finely chopped): These add a lovely, fresh crunch along with a pop of color and mild onion flavor to every bite.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): A touch of grated ginger brings warm, zesty undertones that brighten the whole dish.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the umami in the shrimp balls and gives them a savory edge.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash goes a long way—this fragrant oil gives every ball a rich, nutty aroma.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps bind the mixture and keeps each shrimp ball irresistibly tender.
- Egg white (1): Lightens the mix and acts as a gentle binder, ensuring an airy yet cohesive texture.
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Perfectly balances the flavors and enhances every ingredient.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly crisp, golden exteriors.
How to Make Chinese Shrimp Balls
Step 1: Mince the Shrimp
Place your shrimp in a food processor and pulse until the pieces are very finely chopped—you want them sticky and cohesive, but not a total paste. Keeping a bit of texture adds wonderful bite and ensures the shrimp still shines through after cooking.
Step 2: Mix in Aromatics and Seasonings
Scoop the minced shrimp into a mixing bowl and add the green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, egg white, white pepper, and salt. Mix vigorously with a spoon or your hands until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture feels quite sticky. This stickiness means everything will hold together beautifully during cooking.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
With lightly dampened hands (this keeps the mixture from sticking), scoop up about a tablespoon at a time and gently roll the shrimp paste into 1-inch balls. Setting them on a tray as you go keeps things tidy and makes frying a breeze!
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat, testing the temperature with a small piece of the mixture—it should sizzle immediately. Carefully add a few shrimp balls at a time, letting them fry until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally for even color. Drain the finished balls on a paper towel–lined plate to keep them crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the hot Chinese Shrimp Balls on a platter and serve them immediately, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili or a tangy soy-vinegar blend. Their aroma, color, and irresistible crunch will have everyone eagerly reaching in for a taste.
How to Serve Chinese Shrimp Balls
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or even a few thin slices of red chili atop your Chinese Shrimp Balls platter—the extra color and aroma deliver instant appeal. A few sprigs of cilantro give a pop of freshness, while a squeeze of lime adds brightness that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Side Dishes
These shrimp balls are wonderfully versatile and go perfectly alongside steamed white rice, garlicky sautéed greens like bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad. For a dim sum spread, serve alongside dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or delicate soups for a feast to remember.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, skewer the Chinese Shrimp Balls on toothpicks for pass-around appetizers, or set them atop mini lettuce cups with a drizzle of sauce for delightful finger food. You can even serve them in a bento box or tuck them into steamed buns for a playful, modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chinese Shrimp Balls, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating them later is easy, and they make a delicious next-day snack or lunch addition.
Freezing
To freeze, spread out the uncooked, shaped shrimp balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their best quality for up to two months—just fry or steam straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to restore that just-fried texture is a quick reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works if you’re short on time, but the balls might lose some of their signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Chinese Shrimp Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the raw balls up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry or steam. This makes party prep a breeze and lets you focus on enjoying your guests.
What dipping sauce is best with Chinese Shrimp Balls?
A sweet chili sauce, soy-vinegar dip, or a light garlic and ginger soy sauce all complement the shrimp beautifully. Feel free to get creative—whatever you love with seafood works well here!
Can I steam instead of fry?
Definitely. Steaming makes the shrimp balls lighter and extra bouncy. Just arrange them in a parchment-lined steamer basket and cook for about 6–8 minutes until firm and opaque.
How do I prevent the shrimp balls from falling apart?
Make sure you mix the shrimp mixture until it becomes sticky, and use a light hand when shaping the balls. Wetting your hands before rolling also helps create smooth, tightly packed portions that hold together perfectly during cooking.
Are Chinese Shrimp Balls gluten-free?
As written, the recipe is almost gluten-free—just swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative to ensure the whole dish is safe for those avoiding gluten. Always check your other condiments as well!
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give Chinese Shrimp Balls a try—they’re such a treat, and the whole process is as satisfying as the end result. If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s full of flavor and fun to make, a weeknight dinner to brighten your routine, or a party snack that guests will rave about, this recipe just might become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Chinese Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these Chinese Shrimp Balls, a crispy and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. These shrimp balls are packed with a combination of fresh shrimp, aromatic ginger, and savory soy sauce, creating a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Whether you serve them as a starter or as part of a main meal, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Shrimp Balls:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: Place the shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Combine with green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, egg white, white pepper, and salt.
- Form the Shrimp Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using wet hands.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, then fry the shrimp balls until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain the shrimp balls on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can opt to steam the shrimp balls for a healthier alternative.
- For added texture, consider incorporating chopped water chestnuts into the mixture.
- Enjoy as an appetizer or pair with rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
