Craving the irresistible crunch of perfectly golden shrimp balls? Forget takeout – this recipe unlocks the secret to creating restaurant-quality crispy shrimp balls right in your own kitchen. Imagine the satisfying textural contrast between the airy, light interior and the gloriously crisp exterior, each bite bursting with succulent shrimp flavor. We'll guide you through creating a batter that's both delicate and robust, ensuring your shrimp balls achieve that coveted golden-brown perfection without becoming greasy. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible to even novice cooks.
Beyond the exquisite taste, these shrimp balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, a delightful addition to your favorite noodle soup, or even a fun and flavorful snack. Ready to transform your culinary skills and impress your friends and family? Let's dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions below, revealing all the secrets to making truly unforgettable crispy shrimp balls.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Frying pan
- Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 250g
- Chicken breast: 200g
- Onion: 1/2
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Green onion (white part): 2 stalks
- Tapioca flour: 100g (approx. 7 tsp)
- Wheat flour: 30g (approx. 2 tsp)
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- MSG: 1/2 tsp (or a pinch)
- Fish sauce: 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Beef/Chicken stock powder: 1 tbsp
- Pepper powder: 1 tsp
- Breadcrumbs: 100g
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp and Ingredients
- Clean shrimp, removing heads but leaving the last two segments and tail intact.
- Slice onion and crush garlic. Chop green onion (white part).
- Cut shrimp into pieces.
- Cut chicken breast into smaller pieces. Slice chicken skin.
- Blend shrimp and chicken meat (reserve chicken skin).
- Add sautéed onion and garlic, and chopped green onion to the blended meat. Blend until smooth.
Step 2. Mix and Shape the Shrimp Balls
- Transfer the mixture to a container. Add chopped chicken skin, tapioca flour, wheat flour, sesame oil, soy sauce, MSG, fish sauce, oyster sauce, beef/chicken stock powder, and pepper powder. Mix well.
- Add green onion and additional flour if needed to adjust consistency. Mix until firm but not runny.
- Shape the mixture into balls, placing the shrimp tail in the center of each.
Step 3. Bread and Fry the Shrimp Balls
- Coat the balls in breadcrumbs.
- Deep-fry the balls in hot oil over medium-low heat until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Leaving the last two segments of shrimp and the tail intact is important for aesthetics.
- The chicken skin adds extra chewiness.
- Use small breadcrumb flakes for better coating.
- Low to medium heat ensures the balls cook through without burning the breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. This helps achieve a crispier result.
2. How do I prevent my shrimp balls from becoming greasy?
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F/175°C). Don't overcrowd the pan, and fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Also, pat the shrimp balls dry after they're coated in batter.
With a little practice and these simple steps, you'll be making restaurant-quality crispy shrimp balls in no time. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious flavor of these homemade treats, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Happy cooking!