Description
These Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls are a flavorful and easy appetizer combining fresh shrimp with aromatic garlic, shallots, and Thai chili peppers. Baked to golden perfection and served with sweet chili sauce, they offer a perfect balance of spice and zest in a healthy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure it’s ready for baking the shrimp balls.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: Finely chop the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor until finely minced. Transfer the chopped shrimp to a mixing bowl and add egg whites, Panko bread crumbs, chopped green onions, cilantro, salt, and the juice of one lime. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): Heat canola oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and seeded Thai chili peppers. Sauté until the mixture becomes translucent and fragrant, then remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the sautéed aromatics have cooled, add them to the shrimp mixture. Stir well to incorporate the flavors throughout the mixture.
- Form Shrimp Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
- Bake and Broil: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp balls for 15 to 17 minutes until cooked through. For a golden-brown finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp balls from the oven and serve warm with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this spicy and savory appetizer as a perfect party treat or snack.
Notes
- For milder heat, reduce the amount of Thai chili peppers or remove seeds completely.
- You can substitute Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs if needed.
- Ensure shrimp is finely chopped to help the balls hold together well during baking.
- For extra crispiness, spray the shrimp balls lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- These shrimp balls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
