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
Scale
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.
