Shrimp Or Lobster Ball
Creamy, savory shrimp or lobster balls with a hint of lemon and onion, perfect as an appetizer or party finger food, easily customizable with herbs or bacon bits.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, minced onion, lemon juice, and drained, flaked shrimp or lobster until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Optional: roll the balls in chopped parsley or bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have shrimp or lobster, canned crab can be a tasty substitute. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning can enhance the flavor. For a different twist, consider incorporating some finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for additional crunch and heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp or lobster balls as an appetizer at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a light pasta dish or as part of a seafood platter. These flavors also complement well with Eddie Murn'S Crab Cakes for a delightful seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp or lobster balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Or Lobster Ball contains roughly 636 calories, with 22g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value) and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1200mg per serving (52% 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 make these balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day ahead. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to chill them for serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even tastier.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust seasoning as needed.
How can I make these balls spicier?
To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the base mixture. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or a sriracha mayo for an extra kick that complements the seafood flavors.
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).