If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and impresses with every bite, the Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. These tender, juicy shrimp balls coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce perfectly balance savory and fresh notes, making them a show-stopping appetizer or a delightful main course. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly memorable and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect combination of taste, texture, and aroma. These are everyday staples, but once combined, they create a harmony that turns ordinary shrimp into irresistible bites of goodness.
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely chopped): The star of the dish, offering a sweet and delicate seafood flavor.
- 2 green onions (finely chopped): Adds a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the shrimp balls with a subtle yet unmistakable garlic essence.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Helps bind the mixture and provides a light, airy texture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the shrimp balls perfectly shaped and tender.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory umami punch with a slight hint of saltiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Introduces a toasty note that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into balance.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky base for the garlic butter sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced for sauce): Packs the sauce with a vibrant, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a touch of tang to lighten the buttery sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A fresh herb finish that adds color and a hint of earthiness.
How to Make Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Start by finely chopping your cleaned shrimp so they bind easily and cook evenly. Combine the chopped shrimp with green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients come together in a sticky, cohesive mixture. This ensures your shrimp balls hold their shape during cooking without falling apart.
Step 2: Shape the Shrimp Balls
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls. The size is important because it allows the shrimp balls to cook quickly and evenly, preserving their juiciness inside while achieving a nice golden outside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Balls
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Cook the shrimp balls in batches, turning occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are fully cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside while you prepare the sauce. Cooking in batches maintains the pan’s temperature, ensuring even color and texture.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce and Combine
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and turns lightly golden — watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Stir in the lemon juice, then return the cooked shrimp balls to the skillet. Gently toss them to coat every surface with the rich, garlicky butter sauce for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a subtle freshness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the garlic butter. You could also use thinly sliced green onions or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to accompaniments. Serve these shrimp balls over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce, or pair them with simple garlic noodles to keep things feeling comforting yet elegant. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works perfectly to offer balance to the richer elements.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress guests, consider skewering two or three shrimp balls on small bamboo sticks for an elegant appetizer presentation. Alternatively, serve them nestled atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside grilled vegetables. The garlic butter sauce also makes these shrimp balls a great topping for crusty bread slices or even a fluffy baked potato.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your shrimp balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy second meals. Keep the garlic butter sauce with the shrimp balls to preserve their flavor and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these shrimp balls in advance, you can freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed. This method makes it easy to have a flavorful meal ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp balls gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil to restore their crispy exterior and succulent interior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Reheating in the skillet also revitalizes the garlic butter sauce, keeping every bite as delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before chopping to avoid excess moisture that can affect the texture of the shrimp balls.
What can I substitute if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, panko, or even ground oats as a binder. Each option brings a slightly different texture but will help the shrimp balls hold together nicely.
Is sesame oil really necessary?
Sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the soy sauce and shrimp well, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, you can simply omit it without losing too much taste.
Can I bake or air-fry the shrimp balls instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F, lightly brush the shrimp balls with oil, and cook until golden and cooked through. This method is a great alternative if you want a healthier or hands-off approach.
How do I know when the shrimp balls are fully cooked?
They’re done when they turn golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. Since the shrimp are finely chopped, 5 to 6 minutes of cooking is usually sufficient to ensure they’re cooked through.
Final Thoughts
If you want to delight your family or guests with a comforting yet elegant dish, don’t hesitate to try the Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s easy to make, combines familiar ingredients in an exciting way, and delivers bold flavors that everyone will love. Once you taste these succulent shrimp balls drenched in that garlicky buttery goodness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you come back to again and again.
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Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce are a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring finely chopped shrimp mixed with green onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs, formed into bite-sized balls and cooked to golden perfection. These shrimp balls are then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, making them a perfect appetizer or main course. The recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp Balls
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Cook the Shrimp Balls: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Cook the shrimp balls in batches, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly, for about 5 to 6 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the cooked shrimp balls from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss Shrimp Balls in Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, then return the shrimp balls to the skillet. Gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp balls if desired. Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside rice or noodles for a main dish.
Notes
- These shrimp balls pair well with rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.
- For a healthier alternative, you can air-fry or bake the shrimp balls. To do this, brush them lightly with oil and cook at 375°F until golden and firm.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor but is optional.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp balls to keep them juicy and tender.
