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- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon lime juice - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Vegetable oil for frying To make crispy shrimp balls, you need fresh ingredients. Start with raw shrimp. Peel and devein them for the best flavor. The breadcrumbs give your shrimp balls a perfect crunch. Use fresh green onions for a mild onion taste. Minced garlic and grated ginger add warmth and depth. For the sauce, sweet chili sauce brings sweetness. Rice vinegar and lime juice add tang. Adjust the heat with crushed red pepper flakes. This combo makes a delightful dip. You can find the full recipe at the end. Let’s get cooking! Start by placing the raw shrimp in a food processor. Pulse until the shrimp are finely chopped, but do not puree them. You want a coarse paste that holds together. Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped shrimp with the following ingredients: - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix everything well until it is fully combined. This mixture creates the base for your shrimp balls. Now it's time to shape the shrimp mixture into small balls. Use your hands to form them into 1-inch balls, making sure they are compact. Place each ball on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. This helps to prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup later. In a separate bowl, prepare the sweet chili sauce. Mix together: - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon lime juice - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Stir until everything is well blended. This sauce adds a nice kick to your crispy shrimp balls. Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You want the oil hot, about 350°F or 175°C. Carefully lower the shrimp balls into the oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. For the full recipe, check back at the beginning of this article. Enjoy your crispy shrimp balls with that delicious sweet chili sauce! - Best oil for frying: I recommend using vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point, perfect for frying. Peanut oil is another great option with a nice flavor. - Tips for maintaining oil temperature: To keep the oil hot, use a thermometer. Aim for about 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches to avoid cooling the oil. If the oil cools too much, the shrimp balls won't get crispy. - Suggestions for adding spices or herbs: Feel free to mix in some chopped cilantro or parsley. Adding a bit of lime zest can brighten the shrimp balls. For a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika. - Ways to adjust sweetness or heat in the sauce: If you want a sweeter sauce, add more sweet chili sauce. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor. - Creative serving ideas: Arrange the shrimp balls in a circle on a large plate. Place the sweet chili sauce in the middle for easy dipping. You can also use small bowls for individual servings. - Garnishing tips for visual appeal: Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch as well. This creates a colorful and inviting dish that looks great on any table. For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier sections! {{image_2}} You can switch out shrimp for other seafood. Crab works well in this recipe. You can also use firm fish like cod or tilapia. Each option brings a unique flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using mashed chickpeas instead. For gluten-free diets, you can use almond flour or crushed rice cereal instead of breadcrumbs. These alternatives will keep your shrimp balls crispy without the gluten. While sweet chili sauce shines, you can try different dips. A tangy soy sauce with lime adds a zesty kick. You can also mix in some peanut butter for a creamy texture. If you like heat, add sriracha or garlic chili sauce to the sweet chili sauce. For a fresh twist, try adding herbs like cilantro or mint. They will brighten up the sauce and enhance the flavor. You can bake shrimp balls instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the balls on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. This method is healthier and still delicious. If you have an air fryer, use it for a crispy finish. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. This method reduces oil use while keeping the flavor intact. Explore these variations to find your favorite way to enjoy crispy shrimp balls with sweet chili sauce! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your crispy shrimp balls fresh, follow these steps. First, let the shrimp balls cool down to room temperature. Next, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and tasty. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy leftover shrimp balls, you need to reheat them right. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp balls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for the same time and temperature. It gives a nice crunch. If you want to save shrimp balls for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze uncooked shrimp balls, shape them and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. For cooked shrimp balls, let them cool, then follow the same steps. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Enjoy your crispy delight anytime! To know if your shrimp balls are cooked, look for a few key signs. First, the shrimp balls should turn a golden brown color. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes of frying. Next, they should feel firm to the touch. If you press lightly, they should spring back. Lastly, you can cut one open; the shrimp should look opaque and not translucent anymore. This means they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Yes, you can make shrimp balls ahead of time! Preparing them in advance is a great idea for busy days. After shaping the shrimp balls, place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to store them longer, freeze the shaped balls. Just be sure to freeze them on the baking sheet first, then transfer them to a bag once solid. This way, they won’t stick together. Crispy shrimp balls pair well with many sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad, like a cucumber or mango salad, for a bright touch. Rice or noodles make a great base, too. For a fun twist, try serving them with spring rolls or a side of crispy vegetables. Don't forget to have extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping! If you want to skip deep frying, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp balls. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp balls on a lined baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden and firm when done. An air fryer is also a great option. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Both methods give you a crispy result without all the oil! This recipe for crispy shrimp balls combines fresh ingredients and a tasty sweet chili sauce. You learned how to prepare, fry, and serve these delicious bites. Remember, you can mix up flavors and experiment with sauces or cooking methods. Whether you choose to bake or fry, the goal is to enjoy your meal. These shrimp balls are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Now, gather your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll love the results.

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Craving a tasty snack? Learn how to make crispy shrimp balls with sweet chili sauce that will wow your taste buds! This easy recipe guides you through preparing golden, crunchy shrimp balls paired with a zesty, homemade sauce. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these bites promise flavor and fun. Click through to discover tips and variations that make this dish your new favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the raw shrimp in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely chopped but not pureed, resembling a coarse paste.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

      Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        In a separate bowl, prepare the sweet chili sauce by mixing the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.

          Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat to submerge the shrimp balls. Once hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully lower the shrimp balls into the oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.

            Fry the shrimp balls for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway for an even cook.

              Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked shrimp balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

                Serve the crispy shrimp balls hot, with the sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the shrimp balls on a platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color. Serve the sweet chili sauce in a small decorative bowl in the center for easy dipping.