Meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser: Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls! These irresistible little bites are everything you love about plump, juicy shrimp, but with a punchy heat and a golden, lightly crisped finish—no frying required! Whether you’re hosting a party, need an easy weeknight appetizer, or just want to spice up your dinner routine, these shrimp balls will have every hand reaching for seconds (and thirds).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Big Flavors: Fresh shrimp, zesty lime, fiery Thai peppers, and aromatic herbs come together for tiny bites that deliver huge taste.
- Light & Guilt-Free: Skip the fryer—these shrimp balls are baked, so you get all the crispy satisfaction with less oil and cleanup.
- Easy Entertaining: Make them in advance, pop them in the oven at go-time, and serve with sweet chili sauce—effortless, stress-free snacking.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adjust the heat, play with garnishes, or offer as appetizers or main—these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls fit every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This vibrant dish leans on a handful of fresh, punchy ingredients that work magic together—from juicy shrimp to fiery chilies and herby cilantro. Each one adds layers of flavor, color, or texture, making these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls a true snack-time sensation.
- Shrimp (1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! Opt for fresh or thawed shrimp to keep the texture light and the flavor sweet.
- Canola Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté the aromatics for even deeper flavor; feel free to swap in another neutral oil.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and herbs.
- Shallots (2, chopped): Their mild sweetness balances out the chili and brightens the mix.
- Thai Chili Peppers (3, seeded and chopped): The secret to that fiery kick! Seed them for manageable heat, or leave some seeds if you like extra spice.
- Lime Juice (from 1 lime): Squeezed in for lift, acidity, and brightness that keeps each bite fresh.
- Egg Whites (2): These pull everything together and keep your shrimp balls airy, never dense.
- Panko Bread Crumbs (½ cup): For the lightest, crispest texture (regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko really shines).
- Green Onion (green parts only, 2): Adds a vibrant crunch and a pop of color, perfect for finishing and folding in.
- Fresh Cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings garden-fresh brightness and a hint of citrus.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) & Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors—don’t skip them!
- Cooking Spray: Essential for getting that beautiful golden finish in the oven (no sticking, no greasy residue).
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For dipping—this adds a sweet heat that really makes those Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls sing.
Variations
Part of the magic of Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls is how easily you can make them your own. Don’t hesitate to riff—there are so many ways to tweak this recipe for what you have on hand or how spicy you dare to go!
- Milder Version: Swap Thai chilies for jalapeños or bell pepper to keep flavor but tone down the fire.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the same tender bite.
- Herb Swap: Not a cilantro fan? Fresh parsley or Thai basil are wonderful substitutes that add their own unique twist.
- Extra Crunch: Roll formed shrimp balls in a bit of extra panko before baking for a more textured crust.
How to Make Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls
Step 1: Chop and Prep the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a food processor. Pulse gently—just enough to finely chop, but don’t overdo it! You want pieces, not a shrimp paste. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—a sharp knife and a little patience work too. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the canola oil in a small skillet over medium. Sauté the minced garlic, shallots, and Thai chili peppers until they’re fragrant and just translucent—about three minutes. This step mellows the sharpness, infuses the oil, and gives your shrimp balls a truly restaurant-worthy aroma. Let the mixture cool before adding it to the shrimp (or skip the sauté for a sharper, fresher flavor; both ways work!).
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Add the cooled aromatics, egg whites, panko, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to your chopped shrimp. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to combine everything until well mixed but not compacted—this ensures each shrimp ball is full of light, fluffy goodness.
Step 4: Shape and Place
Spray a baking sheet generously with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Scoop and roll 1-inch balls from the mixture (a small cookie scoop is a game-changer here) and arrange them in rows, about an inch apart. Give the tops a final mist of cooking spray for extra browning potential.
Step 5: Bake (and Broil!)
Slide your tray into a preheated 350℉ oven and bake for 15-17 minutes—the shrimp balls will feel firm and be just barely golden. For that irresistible crust, crank on the broiler for the last 2 minutes, watching closely until the tops turn golden and caramelized (it happens fast!). Remove, cool slightly, and serve with plenty of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls
- Chop, Don’t Pulverize: Pulsing shrimp in the food processor just until finely chopped—not a paste—ensures juicy, meaty shrimp balls, not mushy ones.
- Sauté for Sweeter Heat: Sautéing garlic, shallots, and chilies develops their flavor and tames the spice, making the shrimp balls perfectly balanced, not overwhelming.
- Spray for Crunch: Be generous with cooking spray on both the pan and the tops of the shrimp balls before baking; this is the secret to that golden, irresistible finish without deep frying.
- Broil for the Win: The final broil transforms each spicy ball from pale to gloriously browned in minutes—don’t skip this if you want next-level flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a scattering of chopped green onion over your Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls amps up both color and aroma. For a little zing, add a sprinkle of lime zest or a few slices of extra fresh chili for those who love the heat!
Side Dishes
Pair these savory shrimp bites with a bright, crunchy cabbage slaw or cool cucumber salad to balance the spice. Jasmine rice, steamed bao buns, or even a platter of quick-pickled veggies also make fantastic sides to round out your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread them onto skewers for party-perfect finger food, arrange over a salad for an elegant starter, or serve in lettuce cups with a drizzle of chili sauce. If you’re serving a crowd, pile them high on a tray with individual dipping cups—guaranteed to be the talk of the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container—they’ll be just as tasty for next-day snacking or lunch boxes.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead? Arrange cooled shrimp balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. They reheat beautifully for easy appetizers or meal prep!
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp balls straight from the fridge or freezer! Pop them on a lined baking sheet in a 350℉ oven until hot and sizzling—about 8–10 minutes for refrigerated, 13–15 minutes from frozen. Avoid microwaving; the oven keeps them crispy and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I prepare Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These shrimp balls can be assembled in advance—simply refrigerate the shaped (unbaked) balls on a tray, covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed.
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How spicy are these shrimp balls, and how can I adjust the heat?
Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls have a noticeable but manageable kick, thanks to the Thai chilis. For milder bites, remove all the chili seeds or swap in a milder pepper. If you want more heat, add extra chili or leave in some seeds.
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Is there a substitute for panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed Rice Chex for a gluten-free option, or even finely crushed saltine crackers for a similar texture.
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls?
For best results, use raw shrimp—pre-cooked shrimp can make the balls rubbery and dry after baking. Raw shrimp yields a tender, juicy texture every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to turn up the flavor on your next get-together or give your weeknight dinners a delightful twist, these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls are a can’t-miss. They’re so easy, unbelievably tasty, and sure to make you and your guests swoon. Don’t wait—give them a try, and let the flavor fireworks begin!
Print
Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15-17 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls are packed with flavor and make a perfect appetizer or main dish. The combination of shrimp, Thai chili peppers, and fresh herbs creates a delightful burst of taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp Balls:
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 3 Thai chili peppers, seeded and chopped
- Juice of one lime
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Cooking spray
- Sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare shrimp: Preheat oven to 350℉. Pulse shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, sauté garlic, shallots, and chili peppers until translucent. Set aside to cool.
- Mix ingredients: Combine shrimp, egg whites, bread crumbs, green onion, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Add sautéed veggies and mix well.
- Form and bake shrimp balls: Shape shrimp mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve with sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- Thai chili peppers are very spicy, so remove the seeds before using.
- Using a food processor to chop the shrimp makes the process easier.
- Spray the tops of the shrimp balls for a golden brown finish.
- Sautéing veggies is optional, as they will cook in the shrimp mixture.
- Shrimp balls can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shrimp ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
