Crispy Shrimp Balls with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese
Courses: Appetizers, Snacks
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

These crispy shrimp balls with sweet chilli sauce are a perfect combination of juicy seafood and crunchy coating, paired with a sticky, tangy-sweet glaze. This easy appetizer is ideal for parties, snacks, or quick dinners, delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients
    For the Shrimp Balls
  • 300 g raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tsp ginger (finely minced)
  • 2 tbsp spring onions (finely chopped)
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp soy sauce
  • 0.5 tsp sesame oil
  • For the Coating
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
  • For Frying
  • Oil (for deep frying)
  • For Sweet Chilli Sauce
  • 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tsp cornflour (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
Instructions
    Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
  1. 1
    Finely chop the shrimp until it forms a slightly sticky paste but still has a bit of texture. Transfer it to a mixing bowl and add cornflour, all-purpose flour, egg white, garlic, ginger, spring onions, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and slightly sticky.
  2. Shape the Shrimp Balls
  3. 2
    Lightly grease your hands with oil. Take small portions of the shrimp mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Keep them uniform for even cooking.
  4. Coat the Balls
  5. 3
    Roll each shrimp ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Place them on a tray and let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
  6. Fry Until Crispy
  7. 4
    Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C. Carefully drop the shrimp balls into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. Prepare the Sweet Chilli Sauce
  9. 5
    In a small saucepan, combine sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cornflour slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  10. Toss and Serve
  11. 6
    Add the fried shrimp balls into the sauce and toss gently until evenly coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side as a dip for extra crispiness.
Note

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp should be fully thawed and dried before use.

Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature.

For a healthier option, you can air fry at 180°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Add a bit of chopped chili for extra heat if you prefer a spicy kick.

These shrimp balls can be frozen before frying for later use.

Keywords: quick, crispy, seafood, appetizer, party snack
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/crispy-shrimp-balls-with-sweet-chilli-sauce/