Super Crunchy Fried Shrimp Balls are a fun and flavorful seafood appetizer, featuring a golden crispy exterior with tender, juicy shrimp inside. Paired with a tangy Yum Yum dipping sauce, these shrimp balls are perfect for any gathering or as a delicious snack. The recipe is simple enough for novice cooks yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Whether you’re looking to add a new dish to your snack lineup or serve a seafood favorite, these crispy delights are sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Balls:

• 15–18 shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp white pepper

• Cooking oil for frying

For the Coating:

• 1 egg, beaten

• 40g cornstarch

• 80–100g bread crumbs

For the Yum Yum Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tsp vinegar

• ½ tsp paprika powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside.

2. Coat the Shrimp:
   Dip each shrimp first in the beaten egg, then in the cornstarch, and finally coat in the bread crumbs. Ensure each shrimp is well coated.

3. Fry the Shrimp:
   Heat cooking oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Yum Yum Dipping Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, water, vinegar, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.

5. Serve:
   Serve the crispy shrimp balls hot with the Yum Yum dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~30g

• Fat: ~15g

• Sodium: ~600mg

The Perfect Shrimp Preparation

The key to the perfect shrimp ball starts with fresh, high-quality shrimp. These shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and patted dry to ensure that the coating sticks well. By seasoning the shrimp with salt, sugar, and white pepper, the shrimp absorb flavors that help bring out their natural sweetness while adding a subtle seasoning that complements the crispy exterior.

The shrimp are then cut or chopped into smaller pieces, allowing them to form uniform balls that fry evenly. This technique ensures the shrimp are juicy and tender inside while the outside becomes perfectly crunchy. If you prefer a finer texture for the shrimp balls, you can also pulse the shrimp in a food processor to achieve a smoother, more cohesive mixture.

Coating for the Ultimate Crunch

The coating process is what gives these shrimp balls their super-crunchy exterior. The shrimp are dipped in beaten egg, then coated with a layer of cornstarch and breadcrumbs. This two-layer approach ensures a satisfying crunch, with the cornstarch helping to create a crisp texture, while the breadcrumbs form a golden, crunchy crust.

The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the cornstarch and breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp. The combination of cornstarch and breadcrumbs creates a delicate crispness that’s both light and satisfying, giving the shrimp balls their irresistible texture. By ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated, you’ll achieve the perfect crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp inside.

Frying for Golden Perfection

The frying process is crucial to achieving that perfect crispy shrimp ball. Cooking the shrimp balls in batches ensures they cook evenly without overcrowding the pan, which could result in soggy shrimp balls. Frying at medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough to cook them through and get a beautiful golden brown color.

As the shrimp balls fry, the coating becomes golden and crispy, while the shrimp inside cooks just enough to remain tender and juicy. After frying, it’s important to drain the shrimp balls on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy and not greasy.

Yum Yum Dipping Sauce: The Perfect Accompaniment

No shrimp ball is complete without a dipping sauce, and the Yum Yum sauce is the perfect complement to these crispy delights. This easy-to-make sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, water, vinegar, paprika, and garlic powder to create a creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky dip.

The sauce adds a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the shrimp balls, while the vinegar gives it a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness. The paprika and garlic powder add a subtle depth to the sauce, making it the perfect pairing for these crunchy shrimp balls. Simply whisk all the ingredients together, and you’re ready to serve.

Serving Super Crunchy Fried Shrimp Balls

Super Crunchy Fried Shrimp Balls are best served hot, right out of the fryer, so the crispy coating stays intact and the shrimp inside remains juicy. Serve the shrimp balls with the Yum Yum dipping sauce on the side, allowing your guests to dip and enjoy them. For a more elegant presentation, arrange the shrimp balls on a platter, garnish with a little extra parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

These shrimp balls are versatile enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. They pair wonderfully with a cold drink or cocktail and can be enjoyed as part of a larger seafood spread or on their own.

Why These Shrimp Balls are a Hit

Super Crunchy Fried Shrimp Balls are a surefire hit because of their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the shrimp inside remain tender and juicy. The Yum Yum dipping sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the shrimp balls without overpowering them.

This dish is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and it’s easy to customize. You can add more heat to the dipping sauce by including chili flakes or hot sauce or even experiment with different herbs and spices in the shrimp mixture to make it your own. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or just for yourself, these shrimp balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Benefits

These shrimp balls offer a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Each serving provides approximately 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling option for seafood lovers. The crispy coating, while indulgent, provides a small amount of healthy fats, especially from the olive oil used for frying.

The Yum Yum sauce, although rich, is made with simple ingredients, and the dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugars, with only about 10 grams of carbs per serving. The shrimp balls are also high in sodium due to the seasoning and the Yum Yum sauce, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially for those watching their salt intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Super Crunchy Fried Shrimp Balls are a flavorful, fun, and easy-to-make seafood appetizer that will be a hit at any gathering. The crispy exterior, tender shrimp interior, and the tangy Yum Yum dipping sauce create a satisfying snack or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with a seafood favorite or simply enjoy a delicious bite, these shrimp balls are the perfect dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create an appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.