These Garlic Shrimp Balls are crispy, savory bites of joy made with juicy shrimp, garlic, and herbs. A perfect appetizer or snack, they bring big flavor with minimal effort, making them ideal for weeknights or party platters. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by tender, flavorful shrimp that’s impossible to resist.
The great thing about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can serve them as a starter for a dinner party, enjoy them as a snack with friends, or pair them with rice or noodles for a full meal. Whether dipped in a tangy sauce or eaten as-is, these shrimp balls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 egg
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1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 green onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Oil for frying
Directions:
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Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped but not pureed.
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Transfer chopped shrimp to a mixing bowl and add egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, green onion, parsley, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Fry the shrimp balls in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili or garlic aioli.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp balls—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—are a beloved appetizer across many Asian cuisines. Whether you’re familiar with the Chinese dim sum version, Japanese ebi fry, or Thai shrimp cakes, there’s something universally irresistible about ground shrimp transformed into savory bite-sized snacks. Our take on Shrimp Balls with Crispy Garlic and Herbs combines traditional flavors with a fresh twist, giving you a deliciously crunchy appetizer that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love.
A Quick Background on Shrimp Balls
Shrimp balls have long been a staple in Asian street food culture and home kitchens. In countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand, you’ll find shrimp or prawn balls served with dipping sauces ranging from spicy sriracha to sweet and sour tamarind. Traditionally, they are deep-fried or boiled, and sometimes steamed, depending on the regional variation. What makes this dish popular is its simplicity, adaptability, and ability to elevate humble ingredients into gourmet bites.
What we love about this version is its fusion of fresh herbs and aromatic garlic, which brings new life to the classic shrimp ball. Instead of going the traditional route with water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for texture, we focus on fresh parsley, green onion, and panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe on repeat:
✅ 1. Packed With Flavor
These shrimp balls are full of bold garlic, fresh herbs, and umami notes from soy sauce and sesame oil. Every bite delivers a punch of flavor without needing an elaborate marinade.
✅ 2. Quick to Make
With just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, this dish comes together in half an hour. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
✅ 3. Great for Meal Prep
You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Or freeze uncooked shrimp balls and fry them whenever you’re ready—no defrosting needed.
✅ 4. Healthier Than You Think
While they are fried for a golden crust, these shrimp balls are actually light and protein-rich. Shrimp is low in calories but high in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. You can also air-fry or oven-bake them if you want to cut down on oil.
✅ 5. Incredibly Versatile
Serve them with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or sweet chili. You can even toss them into salads, noodle bowls, or wraps. Kids love them, adults love them—this recipe fits into just about any meal plan.
What Makes This Version Stand Out
Unlike many shrimp ball recipes that rely on fillers or processed ingredients, this version uses whole, fresh shrimp and lets them shine. The flavor is naturally savory, enhanced with garlic and herbs—not masked with heavy sauces or thickeners. Here’s what really sets it apart:
- Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions brighten the taste.
- Minced garlic adds a deep, aromatic richness that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Panko breadcrumbs keep the texture light and crispy instead of doughy.
- A touch of sesame oil brings that warm, nutty finish common in Asian cooking.
It’s a delicate balance between simplicity and complexity. You’re not overpowering the shrimp—you’re enhancing it.
Ingredient Highlights and Their Benefits
Let’s break down why the ingredients used here are not just flavorful, but also good for you:
Shrimp
Shrimp is a powerhouse of lean protein and essential nutrients. It’s low in fat, contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, and supports brain and heart health.
Garlic
Beyond its bold flavor, garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s been known to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness, color, and a slight peppery note. It’s also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Green Onion
Green onion adds depth to the flavor and helps round out the savory profile with a mild, sweet note.
Panko Breadcrumbs
These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a superior crunch while remaining lighter than regular breadcrumbs, allowing the shrimp to remain the star of the show.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp balls are incredibly adaptable. Here are a few delicious ways to serve them:
- With a Dipping Trio: Offer three dips like garlic mayo, sriracha-lime, and soy-honey for an interactive appetizer platter.
- Over Jasmine Rice: Make a full meal by pairing them with fluffy rice and steamed vegetables.
- As Party Appetizers: Stick toothpicks in them and arrange them on a platter with lime wedges and sauce on the side.
- In a Shrimp Ball Sub: Yes, it’s a thing. Add to a baguette with spicy mayo and lettuce for a fusion-style sandwich.
- Air-Fried in Lettuce Wraps: Healthy, crunchy, and refreshing—great for keto and low-carb eaters.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Don’t over-process the shrimp. You want a chunky paste, not a puree, to keep a nice bite and texture.
- Chill the mixture before frying. This helps the shrimp balls hold their shape and fry more evenly.
- Use neutral oil. Canola or vegetable oil works best—olive oil may burn or overpower the shrimp.
- Drain well. After frying, place on a wire rack or paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few tasty tweaks:
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap parsley for cilantro if you want a bolder, earthy flavor.
- Use coconut flakes instead of breadcrumbs for a tropical twist.
- Mix in grated ginger for a warm and zesty note.
- Try air-frying for a healthier version that’s just as crispy.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Balls with Crispy Garlic and Herbs is more than just an appetizer—it’s a go-to dish that combines flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a new favorite weeknight dish, these shrimp balls will not disappoint. They’re everything you want in a recipe: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum satisfaction.
So next time you see a bag of shrimp at the store, skip the standard scampi or stir-fry—and go for these golden bites of crispy, garlicky goodness. Once you try them, they might just become a permanent part of your recipe rotation.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress, these Shrimp Balls with Crispy Garlic and Herbs are it. From the juicy, tender center to the crispy, golden exterior, every bite offers a delicious blend of textures and savory goodness. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or part of a main meal, these shrimp balls are a versatile and reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining, this dish proves that with a few fresh ingredients and a little creativity, you can turn everyday meals into something truly special. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.