Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong! These Chinese Dim Sum Crispy Shrimp Balls are not just a dish, they're a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece that promises to revolutionize your appetizer game. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful shrimp center - a texture so divine it'll make your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help remove excess moisture.
- Chop the shrimp into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size. You can also use a food processor for a finer texture, but be careful not to over-process; you want some texture in the shrimp balls.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, beaten egg, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
- Using your hands, form the shrimp mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to submerge the shrimp balls, about 2-3 inches deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the shrimp mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Carefully add the shrimp balls to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining shrimp balls until all are cooked. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
- Serve the crispy shrimp balls hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before chopping to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy balls.
- Keep your oil temperature consistent around 350-375°F for the perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Don't overprocess the shrimp - you want small chunks for the best texture and mouthfeel.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most robust flavor.
- Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before forming balls to help ingredients bind together.
- Serve immediately after frying to maintain maximum crispiness and temperature.
- For a healthier alternative, you can also bake these at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, though they won't be as crispy as the deep-fried version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 118kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 111mg
