Fried Shrimp Balls

Fried Shrimp Balls are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with savory shrimp flavor. Made with a smooth shrimp paste and coated in crunchy spring roll wrapper strips, these Fried Shrimp Balls are a popular appetizer that’s easy to make at home and perfect for parties or family snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-crispy texture with tender shrimp inside
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps
• Perfect appetizer or finger food
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly
• Halal-friendly with simple substitutions

Fried Shrimp Balls

Fried Shrimp Balls are crispy outside and juicy inside.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp defrosted, shelled, and deveined
• 1 egg white lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt or fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil replace pork fat with oil for halal-friendly cooking
• 3 dashes white pepper powder
• 8 spring roll wrappers 8-inch square
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions

 

• In a mini food processor, add the shrimp, egg white, salt or fish sauce, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, oil, and white pepper. Blend until a smooth shrimp paste forms.
• Stack the spring roll wrappers, fold them, and cut into thin strips using scissors. Cut the strips into shorter lengths and spread them on a flat surface.
• Wet your hands lightly. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste and shape it into a ball.
• Roll each shrimp ball in the spring roll strips until fully coated. Press gently so the strips adhere.
• Trim excess wrapper strips with scissors if needed and reuse the trimmings.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or wok to 350°F (175°C).
• Deep-fry the shrimp balls for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with Thai sweet chili sauce or your favorite chili sauce.

Notes

These Fried Shrimp Balls can be shaped and coated ahead of time, then refrigerated for up to 12 hours before frying. Serve them fresh for maximum crunch.

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, defrosted, shelled, and deveined
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt or fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (replace pork fat with oil for halal-friendly cooking)
• 3 dashes white pepper powder
• 8 spring roll wrappers (8-inch square)
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions

1. In a mini food processor, add the shrimp, egg white, salt or fish sauce, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, oil, and white pepper. Blend until a smooth shrimp paste forms.
2. Stack the spring roll wrappers, fold them, and cut into thin strips using scissors. Cut the strips into shorter lengths and spread them on a flat surface.
3. Wet your hands lightly. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste and shape it into a ball.
4. Roll each shrimp ball in the spring roll strips until fully coated. Press gently so the strips adhere.
5. Trim excess wrapper strips with scissors if needed and reuse the trimmings.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or wok to 350°F (175°C).
7. Deep-fry the shrimp balls for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with Thai sweet chili sauce or your favorite chili sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Keep shrimp very cold for the best paste texture
• Do not over-process; blend just until smooth
• Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature
• Use kitchen scissors for quick and even coating
• Neutral oils like canola or sunflower work best

Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 20 shrimp balls
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Deep Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, dairy-free

Notes

These Fried Shrimp Balls can be shaped and coated ahead of time, then refrigerated for up to 12 hours before frying. Serve them fresh for maximum crunch.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 14g

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just fully thaw and pat dry before blending.

Can I bake or air-fry shrimp balls?
Deep frying gives the best texture, but air frying at 375°F works with less crispiness.

What dipping sauces pair well with this?
Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic chili sauce, or spicy mayo.

Can I freeze shrimp balls?
Yes, freeze before frying and cook directly from frozen.

Why are my shrimp balls not crispy?
Oil temperature may be too low or the coating too thick.

Storage

Store leftover Fried Shrimp Balls in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.

Similar Recipes

• Easy Chicken Poblano Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)
• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Conclusion

These Fried Shrimp Balls are crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With their golden crunch and juicy shrimp center, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a fun homemade appetizer.