If you’re searching for an appetizer that packs a punch of flavor, comes together in a flash, and never fails to impress at parties, let me introduce you to my Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe. These savory, tender shrimp meatballs are loaded with zippy green onion, fresh ginger, and a lively kick of sriracha, all baked to golden perfection instead of fried. They’re just as perfect for a casual weeknight snack as they are for a festive gathering, and I can guarantee they’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Whether you serve them with a favorite dipping sauce or tuck them into a bowl of steamed rice, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible seafood bites at home.
- Shrimp: The star of the show—use raw, peeled, deveined shrimp for the best texture and a sweet, briny flavor.
- Green onions: These bring a mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color.
- Garlic: Essential for aromatic depth and a savory backbone.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a fragrant zing that wakes up the palate.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: The source of that addictive, spicy heat—adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the shrimp balls with savory, umami richness.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash delivers nutty, toasty undertones.
- Egg: Binds everything together and keeps the shrimp balls moist and tender.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a light, airy texture inside, and extra crunch if you roll the balls before baking.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor note and balances the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and warmth to round out the seasoning.
- Optional: Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the finished dish and adds color.
How to Make Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of oil. This little step ensures your shrimp balls don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on the fun part—eating!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your finely chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture. Don’t be afraid to use your hands—this helps distribute the seasoning and ensures every shrimp ball is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Shrimp Balls
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If you love extra crunch, roll each ball lightly in a bit more panko before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. This not only adds texture but also gives each shrimp ball an extra golden finish once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the shrimp balls are firm and lightly golden. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will have everyone circling like sharks—trust me! Keep an eye on them; you want the outsides crisp and the insides juicy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, transfer your shrimp balls to a serving platter and shower them with a handful of chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them vanish!
How to Serve Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley does wonders for both flavor and visual appeal. For an extra flourish, thinly sliced green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds make a lovely finishing touch. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side—just a squeeze brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or even a chilled noodle salad. They also shine next to a platter of roasted vegetables or tucked into lettuce cups for a light, refreshing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, skewer each shrimp ball with a decorative pick and arrange on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces like sweet chili, sriracha mayo, and classic soy. If you’re feeling playful, serve them in small lettuce wraps or nestled atop cucumber slices for a bite-sized, gluten-free treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp balls will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing, and keep any garnishes separate until ready to serve to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
This Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe is an absolute lifesaver for make-ahead meal prep. Shape the shrimp balls and freeze them (uncooked) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, simply bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until hot throughout. They’ll regain their crisp exterior and be just as delicious as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before chopping. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the shrimp balls, so drying is key.
How spicy are these shrimp balls?
The heat level is moderate as written, but you can easily adjust it. For milder shrimp balls, reduce the sriracha or chili garlic sauce. If you love extra heat, add another teaspoon or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
Can I make the Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy option for those with dietary restrictions.
What dipping sauces work best with this appetizer?
Sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or a simple soy dipping sauce all complement the flavors beautifully. You can even whip up a quick citrusy ponzu for something a little different.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! The Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe scales up well. Just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet, so each shrimp ball gets nicely golden and cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with bright, bold flavors, give this Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that feels special every time, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it as much as I have!
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Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 shrimp balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls recipe offers a flavorful and healthy appetizer featuring finely chopped shrimp mixed with aromatic green onions, garlic, ginger, and a kick of sriracha. Baked to perfection, these shrimp balls are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them perfect for parties or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for rolling, if desired)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the finely chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper to create a uniform mixture.
- Form Shrimp Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. For an extra crispy texture, optionally roll each ball lightly in additional panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Bake the shrimp balls in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden brown on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Serve with sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or soy dipping sauce for added flavor.
- You can prepare shrimp balls ahead of time and freeze them uncooked; bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- These shrimp balls are great as a party appetizer or served over rice or noodles for a fuller meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp balls
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
