Shrimp Ball(Scampi Palle)
Creamy shrimp balls with a hint of lemon and onion, coated in parsley or ground nuts, perfect as an elegant appetizer or party treat for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the can of shrimp and mash them thoroughly.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add wet mustard, grated onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese and mix well.
- Combine the mixture with the mashed shrimp and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into a large ball.
- Roll the shrimp ball in parsley flakes or ground nuts.
- Chill the shrimp ball until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers or fresh cut vegetables if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of regular. If you don't have wet mustard, Dijon mustard is a great substitute. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices in the mixture for added flavor. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, use reduced-fat cream cheese. This shrimp ball is a versatile dish that can be adapted to various seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp ball with an assortment of crackers or fresh cut vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Cracker Snacks for a fun appetizer spread. For a more elegant presentation, consider serving it on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or citrus slices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on low power in short increments, checking frequently to avoid overheating. It can also be served cold, so it's great for make-ahead entertaining.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Ball(Scampi Palle) contains roughly 150 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2173mg per serving (94% 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp! Cook and chop the shrimp into small pieces before mashing. Just make sure to season them well and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this shrimp ball gluten-free, simply ensure that any crackers you serve alongside are certified gluten-free. Most fresh vegetables are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect accompaniment.
What can I use instead of parsley for coating?
If you prefer not to use parsley, you can coat the shrimp ball with finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or even crushed crackers for added texture and flavor.
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).