If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, this Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp formed into delightful little balls, fried to a golden crisp, then draped in a luxuriously fragrant garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and fresh parsley. It’s a beautiful balance of texture and taste that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight treat. Trust me, once you make these shrimp balls, they’ll become a beloved recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to making these shrimp balls truly shine lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that each play an important role. Every item adds its own flair, whether it’s the delicate crunch from panko or the rich, silky notes of butter and garlic in the sauce.
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined: The star of the dish providing a sweet, tender seafood base.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and crunch to the shrimp balls without weighing them down.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the shrimp mixture together.
- 2 tablespoons green onions finely chopped: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses both the shrimp mixture and the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Introduces umami and a subtle saltiness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a tender yet firm texture for the shrimp balls.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying: Ensures a perfect golden crust without greasiness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich base for the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Enhance the sauce with a robust garlic punch.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and lightness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the butter.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh herbal note and cheerful color finish.
How to Make Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp Mixture
Start by finely chopping the shrimp or using a food processor to pulse them until coarsely minced. Be careful not to turn the shrimp into a puree; you want to keep some texture so the balls aren’t overly dense. Transfer this to a mixing bowl and combine with panko breadcrumbs, the egg, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors meld and the mixture holds together well.
Step 2: Shaping Your Shrimp Balls
With clean hands, shape the shrimp mixture into small balls roughly 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for quick frying and makes each bite feel like a delightful pop of flavor. Setting a consistent size ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation when served.
Step 3: Frying to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, gently add the shrimp balls, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Carefully remove the shrimp balls from the pan and set them aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet, letting it soak up any leftover shrimp bits for extra flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook it gently for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this is key to prevent bitterness. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring as the sauce simmers and thickens slightly over 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a bright, buttery coating that will cling beautifully to your shrimp balls.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serving
Return the golden shrimp balls to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them to ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. Let them cook together for another 2 minutes so the sauce can fully soak in. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley to add a refreshing pop of color and vibrancy. Now you’re ready to indulge!
How to Serve Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the dish, but you can also sprinkle thinly sliced green onions for an added mild bite. A light dusting of finely grated lemon zest can uplift the garlic butter sauce with a citrus twist, inviting your guest’s senses to fully enjoy every mouthful.
Side Dishes
These shrimp balls are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of that luscious garlic butter sauce. For a low-carb option, serve them alongside sautéed greens or roasted asparagus. They also work brilliantly over pasta tossed in olive oil and lemon for a satisfying seafood dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the shrimp balls as elegant bite-sized appetizers on skewers accompanied by a small dipping bowl of the garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, nestle them over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette for a light seafood salad. Their golden-glazed appearance makes them naturally inviting and a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any shrimp balls left after the celebration (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Make sure the sauce is cooled before sealing to preserve freshness and flavor. They’re perfect for a quick reheat snack or a second-round dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked shrimp balls by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freezing for a couple of hours. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, just adding a couple extra minutes to the frying time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your shrimp balls without losing their crispy edge is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water and a lid to steam gently, or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible as it tends to make them rubbery. Then, warm leftover garlic butter sauce separately and pour over before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the shrimp balls’ texture and cause splattering when frying.
How do I prevent the garlic in the sauce from burning?
Keep the heat at medium-low when cooking the minced garlic and watch closely. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly softened, usually about 1 minute.
Can I bake the shrimp balls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking is a great lighter option but won’t yield quite the same golden crispyness as frying.
What can I substitute for chicken broth in the garlic butter sauce?
Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt will work fine. You could also add a splash of white wine for added flavor complexity if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The shrimp balls and sauce can be made ahead and stored separately, making this recipe a convenient choice for quick, impressive meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe that turns a simple seafood dinner into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this dish delights with its wonderful balance of savory, buttery, and fresh flavors. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your go-to recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
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Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce is a delectable Asian-inspired appetizer featuring tender shrimp meatballs fried to a golden brown and served in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines savory shrimp with fragrant garlic, buttery goodness, and a hint of lemon for a perfectly balanced flavor. Ideal as a starter or paired over rice or pasta for a main course.
Ingredients
Shrimp Balls
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: Finely chop the shrimp by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor until coarsely minced but not pureed. Transfer the minced shrimp to a mixing bowl and add panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Shrimp Balls: Form the shrimp mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during cooking.
- Fry the Shrimp Balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the shrimp balls and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly reduces and thickens, concentrating the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp Balls with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp balls to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the shrimp balls and cook together for another 2 minutes to evenly coat and warm everything through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve the shrimp balls warm as an appetizer or with rice or pasta as a main dish.
Notes
- Do not over-process the shrimp to maintain a tender and desirable texture in the shrimp balls.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- These shrimp balls work great as an appetizer or can be served over rice or pasta for a more substantial meal.
