Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and heat, these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls are a must-try! Each bite is juicy, herby, and delightfully spicy, making them an instant favorite for parties or nights when you just want something a little bit different from the usual fare.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion! Don’t skip on the details—each ingredient helps with texture, color, or heat, and brings the whole recipe to life.

• Shrimp (1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined): The clear star here! Using fresh, good-quality shrimp gives these balls their sweet, tender bite.
• Canola oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéeing the veggies, it adds a hint of richness without overpowering the shrimp.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Bright, aromatic, and essential for depth of flavor.
• Shallots (2, chopped): They add a gentle sweetness and complexity that scallions alone can’t mimic.
• Thai chili peppers (3, seeded and chopped): These pack that spicy punch! Adjust the quantity for more or less heat, but don’t skip the gloves—they’re fiery!
• Lime (juice of one): The freshness and tang tie everything together for a vibrant finish.
• Egg whites (2): They’re what hold the shrimp mixture together without weighing it down.
• Panko bread crumbs (½ cup): For structure and just the right amount of crunch after baking.
• Green onions (2, chopped, green parts only): These bring savory color and a bright, mild onion flavor.
• Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Perfectly herby and fresh—swap for parsley if you prefer.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to make the flavors pop.
• Cooking spray: For a golden, crisp exterior without frying.
• Sweet chili sauce: The perfect dipping companion with just the right sweet-spicy finish.

Variations

One of the things I adore about these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls is how adaptable they are. Whether you need to moderate the heat, avoid gluten, or just use up what you’ve got in the fridge, it’s easy to make these your own!

• Mild Version: Substitute milder peppers (like jalapeños) or use fewer Thai chilies for a tamer heat that’s still delicious.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the Panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even finely ground rice crackers for a celiac-friendly batch.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley or basil instead of cilantro if you (or your guests) aren’t cilantro fans.
• Citrus Twist: Lemon juice stands in beautifully for lime and gives a slightly different sunny zing.

How to Make Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor. Pulse them just a few times until finely chopped but not pureed—the texture should stay slightly chunky. Transfer the chopped shrimp to a large mixing bowl and set aside. This quick shortcut not only saves you time but makes the mixture easy to shape later!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional but Flavorful!)

Heat the canola oil in a small skillet over medium. Add the garlic, shallots, and Thai chili peppers, sautéing for about three minutes until the veggies are fragrant and translucent. This softens their bite and draws out even more flavor. When done, transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool—or skip this step if you prefer extra-fresh crunch; they’ll still cook just fine in the oven.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Add the egg whites, Panko, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the chopped shrimp. If you sautéed your veggies, let them cool first, then fold them in. Mix with a spatula (or your hands!) until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture feels cohesive and moist but not watery.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. With clean hands, scoop out heaping tablespoons of the shrimp mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Line them up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one for even cooking. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet them slightly for cleaner, easier rolling!

Step 5: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Spray the tops of the shrimp balls lightly with cooking spray for that crave-worthy golden exterior. Bake in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 15–17 minutes. For that irresistible finishing touch, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes—watch closely!—until the tops are beautifully browned. Serve warm, with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top makes these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls look as good as they taste! For extra zing, add a few curls of lime zest—the citrus aroma is so inviting and sets off the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep the vibe fresh and light with a crisp Asian-style slaw, or serve these alongside steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or cucumber salad. For party spreads, I love setting out a trio of dipping sauces—sweet chili, sriracha mayo, and soy-ginger—to let everyone mix and match.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and skewer each shrimp ball with a decorative toothpick for a gorgeous appetizer platter, or pile them onto a bed of lettuce leaves for a stunning hors d’oeuvre. You can even tuck them into lettuce wraps or slider buns with crunchy veggies for a fun, spicy twist on classic sliders!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls (lucky you!), simply cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, tender, and tasty for up to 3 days—just right for next-day snacking or a quick protein boost for lunch.

Freezing

Want shrimp balls on demand? No problem! Arrange cooled, baked shrimp balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw and reheat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked texture, reheat Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls in a 350℉ oven for about 5–8 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave also works, though the texture is best from the oven or an air fryer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly so much to love about these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls—they’re bold, bright, so easy to make, and always a hit with friends and family. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and let it spice up your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again!

Print