Golden Potato Shrimp Balls are a delightful fusion of tender shrimp and fluffy potatoes wrapped in a crisp, golden shell. This savory snack offers a perfect balance of textures a crunchy outer layer giving way to a creamy, flavorful center bursting with juicy shrimp and aromatic seasonings. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a party treat, these shrimp balls promise to be the star of the table.
The versatility of this dish allows you to serve it with a variety of dipping sauces, from spicy chili to creamy mayo blends. The simple yet elegant presentation makes these Golden Potato Shrimp Balls suitable for festive occasions or casual family dinners. Their kid-friendly flavor and irresistible crunch ensure they’ll disappear quickly so be sure to make plenty!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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250 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
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4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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Salt to taste
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Pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped scallions
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
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Cooking oil (for frying)
Directions:
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Finely chop or process the shrimp until it becomes a paste-like texture.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shrimp paste, minced garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and chopped scallions. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
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Take a spoonful of the mixture and shape it into small balls using your hands.
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Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
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Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
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Fry the shrimp balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
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Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per ball (approximate) | Servings: 4 servings (makes about 12 balls)
Golden Potato Shrimp Ball
Golden Potato Shrimp Balls are an irresistible treat that combine the creamy softness of mashed potatoes with the delicate flavor and texture of minced shrimp. This delightful fusion dish stands out not only because of its harmonious combination of two familiar ingredients but also because of its perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party, a casual family meal, or a festive gathering, these shrimp balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They are also ideal as appetizers, snacks, or as part of a multi-course Asian-inspired meal.
What Makes Golden Potato Shrimp Balls Special?
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. The recipe uses basic, easily accessible ingredients shrimp, potatoes, garlic, and breadcrumbs but brings them together in a way that elevates the overall flavor profile. The shrimp adds a gentle sweetness and protein-packed punch, while the mashed potatoes create a creamy, smooth base that holds everything together. This combination results in a savory, hearty filling that’s encased in a thin, crisp layer of breadcrumbs, which turns perfectly golden when fried.
Shrimp balls are a popular delicacy across various Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian street food cultures. They are beloved for their versatility, ease of preparation, and the comforting flavors they deliver. The addition of mashed potatoes to this traditional dish gives it a unique twist, adding an extra layer of richness that makes every bite more satisfying. The end result is a snack that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing with its golden-brown exterior and creamy, flavorful interior.
The Ingredients’ Role in the Recipe
Each ingredient in Golden Potato Shrimp Balls plays a vital role in shaping the dish’s flavor, texture, and overall appeal:
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Shrimp: The star protein of the dish, shrimp is finely minced into a paste that integrates smoothly with the potatoes. Its mild sweetness and tender texture enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
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Potatoes: Boiled and mashed until smooth, potatoes provide body and a creamy texture to the shrimp mixture. They act as a natural binder, eliminating the need for excessive flour or filler, keeping the flavor pure and clean.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the mixture with aromatic warmth, balancing the natural sweetness of shrimp and the blandness of potatoes.
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Oyster Sauce & Soy Sauce: These sauces introduce savory umami flavors, giving the shrimp balls depth and complexity. The oyster sauce provides a hint of sweetness, while soy sauce adds saltiness and richness.
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Sesame Oil: Just a small amount of sesame oil can transform the entire mixture by adding a subtle nutty aroma that’s characteristic of many Asian dishes.
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Cornstarch & Egg: These binding agents help maintain the shape of the shrimp balls, ensuring they don’t break apart during frying. The egg also adds moisture and richness.
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Scallions: Chopped scallions provide a pop of freshness and slight pungency, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy potato-shrimp mixture.
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Breadcrumbs: The final coating gives the shrimp balls their signature crispy crust, making each bite texturally exciting.
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Oil for Frying: A neutral oil such as canola or sunflower oil ensures the shrimp balls fry evenly to a golden perfection without imparting any additional flavor.
Versatility and Customization
One of the greatest features of this dish is its versatility. While the basic recipe is straightforward and delicious as is, there are many ways to customize Golden Potato Shrimp Balls to suit different dietary preferences and culinary tastes:
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Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes to the shrimp mixture for a spicy variation that’s sure to excite heat lovers.
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Cheese Filling: Insert a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar into the center of each shrimp ball before coating and frying to create a gooey, melty surprise inside.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill can be mixed into the potato and shrimp mixture to impart a garden-fresh flavor.
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Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp balls in the oven instead of frying them. Simply brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the coating to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
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Sauce Pairings: These shrimp balls pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or soy-vinegar dips.
Serving Suggestions
Golden Potato Shrimp Balls are best enjoyed fresh and hot, right out of the frying pan when they are at their crispiest. Here are some serving ideas to make the dish shine:
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Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside other bite-sized delights like spring rolls, dumplings, and tempura vegetables for an impressive appetizer spread at parties.
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Main Course Accent: Pair with a light Asian salad made with fresh greens, sesame dressing, and pickled vegetables to turn the dish into a light lunch or dinner.
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Kids’ Snack: These shrimp balls are perfect for kids as they are mild in flavor and fun to eat. Serve with ketchup or a mild dipping sauce for a snack that’s sure to please even picky eaters.
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Lunchbox Favorite: The shrimp balls can be prepared in advance and packed into lunchboxes as a filling protein addition.
Health Benefits
While they are indulgent and comforting, Golden Potato Shrimp Balls also offer some nutritional benefits. Shrimp is a low-calorie source of protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and provides essential vitamins and minerals like selenium and vitamin B12. Potatoes, when not overloaded with butter or cream, are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. By frying the balls in healthy oils or opting for a baked version, you can enjoy this dish with minimal guilt.
For those watching their intake of carbs or fried foods, air-frying is also an excellent alternative that maintains the crispiness while reducing fat content.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Golden Potato Shrimp Balls store well and can be enjoyed even after a day or two:
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Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Uncooked shrimp balls can be frozen on a tray and then transferred into a freezer bag for long-term storage (up to a month). Fry them straight from frozen without thawing to maintain their shape.
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Reheating: To bring back their crispiness, reheat cooked shrimp balls in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Cultural Context and Popularity
Shrimp balls have a deep-rooted presence in Asian cuisine, often served in dim sum restaurants or as street snacks across countries like China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The addition of potatoes is a more modern, fusion-style twist that adds heartiness to the traditional version. This variation reflects the evolving nature of global cuisine where East meets West, creating new, exciting flavor experiences for home cooks and food lovers worldwide.
Golden Potato Shrimp Balls are also perfect for those interested in experimenting with Asian flavors at home without using complex or hard-to-find ingredients. They are approachable for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress guests.
Conclusion
Golden Potato Shrimp Balls are the perfect embodiment of simplicity meeting flavor. They showcase how basic kitchen staples like shrimp and potatoes can be transformed into something extraordinary with the right seasonings and techniques. From their creamy, savory filling to their crispy, golden crust, these balls are an absolute joy to eat.
Whether you’re serving them as part of a casual family dinner, an elegant appetizer spread, or a festive party platter, these shrimp balls are guaranteed to disappear fast they are that delicious. Plus, their adaptability means you can tweak the recipe to your personal taste or dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture.
So why not give this recipe a try? Prepare a batch of Golden Potato Shrimp Balls and let their crispy goodness bring smiles to your table. You might just find that they become a new family favorite, requested time and again.