Description
Delicious and easy-to-make shrimp balls cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. These golden-brown shrimp balls are infused with herbs and spices, then sautéed to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Perfect as an appetizer 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 the 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 well incorporated to form a cohesive mixture.
- Form Shrimp Balls: Shape the shrimp mixture into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during cooking.
- Fry Shrimp Balls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp balls in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked shrimp balls and set aside on a plate.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, and in the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic (3 cloves). Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Lemon Juice and Combine: Stir in the lemon juice, then return the shrimp balls to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce to evenly coat, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp balls for a fresh finish. Serve the shrimp balls warm as an appetizer or alongside rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook for convenience.
- Serve as an elegant appetizer or pair with rice or pasta to create a hearty main course.
- To ensure even cooking, do not overcrowd the skillet when frying the shrimp balls.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture.
