Description

These Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls are a flavorful and easy appetizer featuring succulent shrimp mixed with aromatic garlic, shallots, and Thai chili peppers. Baked to golden perfection and served with sweet chili sauce, they offer a delicious combination of spice and zest, perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Shrimp Balls

1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 shallots, chopped
3 Thai chili peppers, seeded and chopped
Juice of one lime
2 egg whites
½ cup Panko bread crumbs
2 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray

Serving

Sweet chili sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the shrimp balls.
Prepare Shrimp Mixture: Finely chop the shrimp in a food processor until finely minced. Transfer to a bowl and combine with egg whites, Panko bread crumbs, chopped green onions, cilantro, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix well to form a cohesive mixture.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional): In a small skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and seeded Thai chili peppers until translucent and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed aromatic mixture to the shrimp blend and stir thoroughly to evenly incorporate all flavors.
Form Shrimp Balls: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Using your hands or a scoop, shape the shrimp mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls and place them spaced apart on the sheet.
Bake: Bake the shrimp balls in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until they are cooked through and firm.
Broil: Switch the oven to broil and broil the shrimp balls for an additional 2 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are finely minced for the best texture that holds together well during baking.
Sautéing the garlic, shallots, and chilies adds depth and mellows harshness, but you can skip this step for a raw, fresher flavor.
Broiling at the end gives a crispy golden finish—watch carefully to prevent burning.
These shrimp balls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
To make this recipe gluten free, substitute Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Adjust the number of chili peppers based on desired spice level.