Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe

If ever there was a crowd-pleasing party bite that disappears as soon as it hits the table, it’s these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls! Bursting with juicy shrimp, fresh herbs, and just the right hit of chili heat, they’re irresistibly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and positively made for dipping in sweet chili sauce. I can never make enough!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls is that you start with humble, accessible ingredients, each one playing a starring role in the taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few helpful tips along the way!

• Shrimp (1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp are the heart of these balls—go for medium size so it’s easy to pulse in the food processor.
• Canola Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the garlic, shallots, and chilies, building that signature flavor right from the start.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives your shrimp balls a satisfyingly savory aroma and taste.
• Shallots (2, chopped): These add sweet, mild onion notes and extra juiciness.
• Thai Chili Peppers (3, seeded and chopped): Bring all the fiery heat! Adjust to your spice comfort level, and remember—wear gloves when handling.
• Lime Juice (from 1 lime): Lifts the flavors and gives your shrimp balls an irresistibly fresh brightness.
• Egg Whites (2): Acts as a binder to keep everything perfectly together and light.
• Panko Bread Crumbs (½ cup): Ensures each ball stays tender but with a lovely, lightly crisp bite.
• Green Onions (2, green parts only, chopped): Brings a pop of color and extra freshness.
• Fresh Cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Lends that earthy, citrusy lift you want in every bite.
• Salt & Pepper (½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper): Balances and highlights all the other flavors.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the shrimp balls brown beautifully in the oven without any sticking.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Perfect as a decadent, tangy dipping side for serving.

Variations

One of the absolute joys of Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls is how adaptable the recipe is. Feel free to riff on it—swap an ingredient, boost an herb, dial the heat up or down—to suit your cravings and kitchen supplies!

• Mild Version: Replace Thai chilies with a milder pepper like jalapeño, or even omit entirely for family-friendly bites.
• Rice Cracker Crunch: Swap the panko for crushed rice crackers for a gluten-free, extra-crispy twist.
• Add Veggies: Stir in finely chopped water chestnuts or carrots for crunch, color, and extra nutrition.
• Tropical Flavor Upgrade: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and a bit of chopped pineapple for a Southeast Asian-inspired twist.

How to Make Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor. Give it a few pulses—just enough to achieve a finely chopped, chunky paste. You don’t want puree, just tiny shrimp bits for the perfect bite. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Heat the canola oil in a small skillet over medium. Toss in your minced garlic, shallots, and Thai chili peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes, just until translucent and fragrant. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step—the aromatics will gently cook in the oven anyway. Set them aside to cool so they don’t scramble your egg whites later!

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Toss the cooled aromatics into the bowl with the chopped shrimp. Add the egg whites, panko bread crumbs, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or clean hands to gently mix everything until well combined—don’t overwork it, just enough to distribute all those spicy, herby flavors.

Step 4: Shape & Bake

Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Scoop out portions of the shrimp mixture (about one heaping tablespoon each), and roll them gently into 1-inch balls. Place them in neat rows, leaving a little breathing room between each. Give the tops another mist of cooking spray to help with browning. Bake at 350°F for 15–17 minutes, then finish under the broiler for 2 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Serve!

Carefully transfer your Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls to a platter. They’re best hot and fresh out of the oven, ready to be dipped in sweet chili sauce and devoured!

How to Serve Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, scatter a few extra slices of green onion or a shower of freshly chopped cilantro over your platter. A squeeze of fresh lime or a tiny sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds flavor and sparkle.

Side Dishes

These Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls pair perfectly with a simple cucumber salad, jasmine rice, or crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping. If you’re building a party platter, think crunchy spring rolls, edamame, and a few extra dipping sauces for a complete spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering the shrimp balls onto toothpicks for easy cocktail-hour grazing, or pile them into lettuce cups with crunchy veggies for a fun, build-your-own appetizer bar. For a festive centerpiece, mound them in a bowl with a little cup of sweet chili sauce for dipping right in the center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls keep beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay juicy and flavorful, making them a wonderful snack or protein-packed lunch addition.

Freezing

To freeze, let the shrimp balls cool completely, then arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen for a lightning-fast appetizer or dinner addition.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls in a preheated 350℉ oven for 7–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the edges. The microwave works too, though you’ll lose a touch of the original crispness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls a try—I promise, they’re as easy as they are crowd-pleasing. You’ll love the bright flavors and just the right level of heat, whether you’re serving for a relaxed family dinner or an epic appetizer spread. Let me know if you make them; I always love to hear what you think!

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