Shrimp Balls
Juicy shrimp balls bursting with flavors of chili, water chestnuts, and herbs, perfect for appetizer platters or light snacks for seafood lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cooked ground shrimp ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp. finely minced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sieved ⓘ
- 3 oz. softened cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1/16 tsp. red pepper (cayenne pepper) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- dry parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in dry parsley.
- Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to the mixture. If you prefer a crunchier texture, substitute half of the ground shrimp with finely chopped raw shrimp. Ensure the mixture is well combined to help the balls hold together during cooking. These shrimp balls can also be served with a dipping sauce for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these shrimp balls as a delightful appetizer or party snack. They pair beautifully with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside Stir-Fried Pineapple Rice or a fresh salad. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, arrange the shrimp balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method ensures they maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Balls contains roughly 604 calories, with 11g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 910mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked ground shrimp?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp, but be sure to cook them first and then grind them to the desired consistency. This will add a fresher flavor and firmer texture to your shrimp balls.
Can these shrimp balls be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked shrimp balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with shrimp balls?
Shrimp balls are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. They go well with dipping sauces, fresh salads, or even alongside dishes like Shrimp And Broccoli for a more substantial meal. Pairing with rice or noodles can also complement their flavors nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).