Description
Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce are a delicious Asian fusion appetizer featuring finely chopped shrimp mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, formed into bite-sized balls, fried until golden, and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Perfect as a starter or served over rice or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Balls
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp mixture: In a large bowl, combine finely chopped shrimp, 2 cloves minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, lightly beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form shrimp balls: Shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact for even cooking.
- Cook the shrimp balls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp balls in batches, frying them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat, add unsalted butter and 3 cloves minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce and mix well to combine the flavors.
- Coat shrimp balls in sauce: Return the cooked shrimp balls to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to fully coat each ball. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp balls and serve warm, either as an appetizer or alongside rice or pasta for a complete dish.
Notes
- You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Serve these shrimp balls as a delicious appetizer or over rice or pasta for a satisfying main course.
