Description
These spicy baked shrimp balls are a flavorful appetizer featuring finely chopped shrimp mixed with aromatic garlic, shallots, and Thai chili peppers. Baked to golden perfection and served with sweet chili sauce, they offer a delightful combination of spice and zest, perfect for entertaining or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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
- Juice of one lime
Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 3 Thai chili peppers, seeded and chopped
Other
- Cooking spray
- Sweet chili sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the shrimp balls.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: Finely chop the shrimp in a food processor until they are minced. Transfer to a bowl and add egg whites, Panko bread crumbs, chopped green onions, cilantro, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): Heat canola oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shallots, and seeded Thai chili peppers. Sauté until the mixture turns translucent and fragrant. Allow it to cool down before adding to the shrimp mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled sautéed aromatics into the shrimp mixture and mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Form Shrimp Balls: Shape the shrimp mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them on a baking sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake and Broil: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp balls for 15 to 17 minutes. After baking, switch the oven to broil and broil the shrimp balls for about 2 minutes or until they develop a golden brown color on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Seeding the Thai chili peppers helps control the heat level; include seeds if you prefer spicier shrimp balls.
- Sautéing the aromatics is optional but adds deeper flavors to the shrimp balls.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp balls during broiling to prevent burning.
- These shrimp balls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor.
