• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Asian Caucasian Food Blog
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizers & Snacks

    Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

    January 31, 2022 · Published: May 10, 2019 By: Asian Caucasian 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    spicy baked shrimp balls on a round white plate being dipped in a sweet chili sauce
    spicy baked shrimp balls on a plate being dipped in a sweet chili sauce

    My Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls pin went viral recently and is absolutely one of the most visited posts on my blog, soooo here's the recipe again, reshot 📸, and better than ever! And today is "National Shrimp Day," so how perfect is that? Trust me, you're going to want to save this one for your recipe files!

    spicy baked shrimp balls on a round white plate being dipped in a sweet chili sauce

    These shrimp balls require very little prep time and are baked, not fried, meaning lower calories but with plenty of flavor! Serve them with sweet chili sauce for dipping, or your fave dipping sauce. These babies truly are to die for!

    Every time I serve these Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls at a dinner party they are gone before I can even grab everyone a cocktail! That's how good they are! You're definitely not going to slave over a hot stove or oven for this delicious appetizer. It's not even 20 minutes from start to finish!

    ingredients for making spicy baked shrimp balls recipe on top of a white wooden board

    Ingredients you'll need for this recipe

    Gather up these simple ingredients for shaping these shrimp meatballs.

    • Shrimp of course! 🦐 Depending on how many guests you want to serve, start with about one pound of peeled and deveined wild shrimp. Cut the shrimp coarsely and set aside.
    • A few garlic cloves, to your liking. I love garlic everything so I probably put in more that a few! Finely chop them for the mixture.
    • Finely chopped shallots. I used just two small shallots, which I think was enough.
    • Thai chili peppers. 🌶 These are super hot, so remove the seeds before chopping! And don't forget to have a rubber glove on because if you handle it with your bare hands you will regret it!
    • Juice from one lime. You will love the tangy, citrusy flavor from the lime!
    • Egg whites which helps to bind the mixture together.
    • Panko bread crumbs, again for binding. Using gluten-free Panko bread crumbs will not alter the taste.
    • Chopped green onions and cilantro. The green onions give the shrimp balls such a great pop of color!
    • Salt & pepper for the finishing touch!
    • Sweet chili sauce for dipping. The contrast of sweet and spicy is amazing with these shrimp balls! I get my sweet chili sauce from Trader Joe's but it's available at just about every grocery store!
    cut up shrimp inside a mini food processor ready to be chopped place on top of a white wooden board
    Chopped shrimp in a mini food processor with spatula inserted placed on top of a white wooden board

    I used a food processor to make it so much easier. It finely chops the raw shrimp with just a few pulses! So easy!

    raw shrimp balls in rows on a baking tray ready to be put in the oven for baking
    Spicy baked shrimp balls right out of the oven on a baking tray with tongs

    The shrimp balls don't take long at all to cook in the oven. Make sure to spray the tops of the balls so they can get golden brown.

    spicy baked shrimp balls piled hight with party toothpicks and a side of sweet chili sauce

    How to make this recipe

    1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Place shrimp in a food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
    2. In a small skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat and sauté garlic, shallots, and peppers until translucent, about 3 minutes. Transfer veggies to a bowl to cool. (This step is optional. I sometimes don't even sauté the veggies and they cook in the shrimp mixture just fine.)
    3. Meanwhile, add to the shrimp the egg whites, bread crumbs, green onion, cilantro, salt, chili peppers, and lime juice. When veggies have cooled, add to the mixture and combine all ingredients well.
    4. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Working in batches, form 1-inch balls with the shrimp mixture and place in rows on the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Spray the tops of the shrimp balls with cooking spray before putting in the oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Set oven to broil and brown the tops of the shrimp balls, about 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce.

    TIPS & TRICKS

    • Thai chili peppers are super hot, so remove the seeds before chopping! And don't forget to have a rubber glove on because if you handle it with your bare hands you will regret it!
    • Using a food processor to finely chop the shrimp will make your life so much easier! You'll thank me later! 😉
    • Make sure to spray the tops of the shrimp balls so they get golden brown when cooking in the oven. I put the oven on broil for the last few minutes to help that browning process along.
    • Sautéing the veggies is optional. I sometimes don't even sauté the veggies and they cook in the shrimp mixture just fine.
    • The shrimp balls can be made ahead a day in advance. Refrigerate overnight. Or freeze for up to two months.

    WANT MORE?

    If you like this recipe, you’re going to love my Thai Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp Meatballs. It's a delicious and healthy meal that will have you licking your plate!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on April 15, 2016, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like new images, step by step instructions, and tips in May 2019.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    spicy baked shrimp balls piled hight with party toothpicks and a side of sweet chili sauce

    Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

    ★★★★★

    5 from 6 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    These Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls pack so much flavor! They're sweet, spicy, healthy, and delicious -- the best appetizer!

    • Total Time: 35 min
    • Yield: 4-6 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 ½ 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
    • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
    • 2 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • Cooking spray
    • Sweet chili sauce

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Place shrimp in a food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
    2. In a small skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat and sauté garlic, shallots, and peppers until translucent, about 3 minutes. Transfer veggies to a bowl to cool. (This step is optional. I sometimes don't even sauté the veggies and they cook in the shrimp mixture just fine.)
    3. Meanwhile, add to the shrimp the egg whites, bread crumbs, green onion, cilantro, salt, chili peppers, and lime juice. When veggies have cooled, add to the mixture and combine all ingredients well.
    4. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Working in batches, form 1-inch balls with the shrimp mixture and place in rows on the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Spray the tops of the shrimp balls with cooking spray before putting in the oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Set oven to broil and brown the tops of the shrimp balls, about 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce.

    Notes

    • Thai chili peppers are super hot, so remove the seeds before chopping! And don't forget to have a rubber glove on because if you handle it with your bare hands you will regret it!
    • Using a food processor to finely chop the shrimp will make your life so much easier! You'll thank me later! 😉
    • Make sure to spray the tops of the shrimp balls so they get golden brown when cooking in the oven. I put the oven on broil for the last few minutes to help that browning process along.
    • Sautéing the veggies is optional. I sometimes don't even sauté the veggies and they cook in the shrimp mixture just fine.
    • The shrimp balls can be made ahead a day in advance. Refrigerate overnight. Or freeze for up to two months.
    • Author: Asian Caucasian
    • Prep Time: 20 min
    • Cook Time: 15-17 min
    • Category: Appetizer
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 175
    • Sugar: 2.4 g
    • Sodium: 429.3 mg
    • Fat: 3.6 g
    • Carbohydrates: 10.5 g
    • Protein: 25.8 g
    • Cholesterol: 182.5 mg

    Keywords: baked shrimp, shrimp appetizer, shrimp

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @AsianCaucasianBlog on Instagram and hashtag  #AsianCaucasianEats

    « Spicy Scallop Ceviche
    Boozy Coconut Chili Lime Popsicles »

    You may also like:

    A large black bowl filled with Chinese chicken salad featuring shredded chicken, shredded carrots, broccoli slaw, scallions, water chestnuts and chow mein noodles, with a pair of brown chopsticks on top and a linen napkin on the side.

    Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

    Two bowls filled with Chinese curry chicken and potatoes with whole red chili peppers on top all placed on a white wooden board with a white spoon on the side.

    25 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes

    Two white bowls with Spicy Thai Salad with Chicken with a fork on top placed on top of a marble surface.

    20 Healthy Asian Salad Recipes

    A bowl of Furikake chex mix with a linen napkin on the side and a baking tray in the background.

    Furikake Chex Mix Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julie

      May 23, 2019 at 10:12 am

      What a yummy twist on shrimp! Love all the tasty flavors you added to this! Can't wait to try.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 23, 2019 at 11:41 am

        Thanks, Julie! This appetizer is always a winner with my friends!

        Reply
    2. Beth Neels

      May 21, 2019 at 9:59 am

      Oooh! These look so delicious! Shrimp is one of my husbands and my favorites so I will definitely making these ASAP! I love that they are baked to to make them a bit healthier! No guilt!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 21, 2019 at 4:37 pm

        Thanks, Beth! My hubby loves these too! But when I serve them to my dinner guests they are gone in a flash!

        Reply
    3. Adrianne

      May 20, 2019 at 6:16 am

      What a great appetiser these are! I love that they cook quickly too. I wouldn't have thought to spray them but that is a handy tip also, cheers!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 20, 2019 at 12:40 pm

        Thank you, Adrianne! Spraying helps to brown them and of course, the broiling at the end! These are super delish!

        Reply
    4. Brian Jones

      May 20, 2019 at 1:56 am

      Oh boy these sound so very good, such wonderful flavour combinations. In other news I wish I would learn to wear gloves or rub my hands with oil when chopping chili, I always think I should just after I have chopped off the stalk... Then never bother and ALWAYS regret it 😉

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 20, 2019 at 12:41 pm

        Yeah, I've had way too many lessons learned with bare hands and spicy chilis! And if you rub your eyes right after handling it you're really in trouble!

        Reply
    5. Laura

      May 18, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      Congratulations on having a viral pin! This is a great recipe to use for a small gathering, and is definitely something everyone is likely to enjoy. Great tip on spraying the tops of the shrimp balls!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 20, 2019 at 12:42 pm

        Thanks, Laura! When I make these shrimp balls they are gone so quickly and I always forget to double up and freeze them!

        Reply
    6. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      May 18, 2019 at 7:00 am

      These look to die for! Love the idea of oven baking rather than lots of frying and perfect for parties!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 18, 2019 at 9:17 am

        Thanks, Amanda! These are just as good baked as they are fried, but with a lot less calories!

        Reply
    7. Patti Schmidt

      May 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

      These shrimp balls look amazing! I’m going to make these at my next dinner party! Healthy too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        May 13, 2019 at 8:25 am

        Thank you, Patti! These are so popular when I serve them. Gobbled up very quickly, for sure! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Lesli Schwartz.

    Hi, I'm Lesli! Welcome to Asian Caucasian, a healthy-ish food blog born out of a passion for home-cooked, Asian-inspired cuisine. I always cook with market-fresh ingredients and prepare simplistic, healthy Asian recipes so you can throw away those take-out menus! Come share my culinary love of beautiful Asian-fusion food, and get cooking in the kitchen! READ MORE!

    Let's Connect

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Reader Favorites!

    Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

    A large black bowl filled with Chinese chicken salad featuring shredded chicken, shredded carrots, broccoli slaw, scallions, water chestnuts and chow mein noodles, with a pair of brown chopsticks on top and a linen napkin on the side.

    25 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes

    Two bowls filled with Chinese curry chicken and potatoes with whole red chili peppers on top all placed on a white wooden board with a white spoon on the side.

    20 Healthy Asian Salad Recipes

    Two white bowls with Spicy Thai Salad with Chicken with a fork on top placed on top of a marble surface.

    Furikake Chex Mix Recipe

    A bowl of Furikake chex mix with a linen napkin on the side and a baking tray in the background.

    Christmas Popcorn Santa Munch

    Christmas popcorn Santa munch in a white bowl on top of a round wooden board with a green napkin on the side.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Work with Us
    • Featured In

    © 2016-2022 Asian Caucasian

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission.
    If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to this post for the original recipe.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT