If you’re on the hunt for a dish that packs a punch of flavors and leaves everyone asking for seconds, you are going to love this Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls with Chili Lime Sauce Recipe. These little flavor-packed spheres marry the natural sweetness of shrimp with the tangy zest of lime and the vibrant kick of chili peppers. Baked to perfection and served with a luscious chili lime sauce, this recipe is not just easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re planning a fancy appetizer or a fun main course, these spicy baked shrimp balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, fresh ingredients like shrimp and aromatic herbs is key to making this recipe sing. Each element is simple yet indispensable, combining textures from the crunchy panko to the juicy shrimp and flavors from fragrant garlic to fiery Thai chilis.
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient that offers a tender, sweet base for your shrimp balls.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a mild, neutral flavor without overpowering the spices.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and aroma that complements the seafood beautifully.
- 2 shallots, chopped: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to balance the heat.
- 3 Thai chili peppers, seeded and chopped: Supplies a vibrant and fiery kick that defines the dish’s spicy character.
- Juice of one lime: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- 2 egg whites: The binding agent that holds your shrimp balls together without extra heaviness.
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs: Creates lightness and crispness in texture.
- 2 green onions, chopped (green parts only): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: Brings herbaceous freshness and a hint of citrusy perfume.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements but doesn’t overpower.
- Cooking spray: For lightly coating the baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Sweet chili sauce: The perfect dipping companion that adds a sweet-spicy finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls with Chili Lime Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This step ensures your oven is at the ideal temperature to cook the shrimp balls evenly, giving them that perfect golden color and juicy interior.
Step 2: Chop the Shrimp
Using a food processor, finely chop the peeled and deveined shrimp until you reach a coarse, paste-like texture. This fine chopping allows the shrimp balls to hold together while giving you that tender bite.
Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with egg whites, panko bread crumbs, green onions, fresh cilantro, salt, and the juice of one lime. Each ingredient plays a role – the egg whites act as a binder, panko adds texture, herbs bring layers of flavor, and lime juice brightens the whole mix.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Chilies
Heat canola oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and Thai chili peppers until they become translucent and fragrant. This step enhances the flavors and mellows the raw bite of these ingredients. Allow this mixture to cool before adding it to your shrimp bowl.
Step 5: Combine and Shape
Add the cooled sautéed vegetables and chilies to the shrimp mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until you have an even, well-incorporated batter. Then, with clean hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake and Broil
Bake your shrimp balls in the oven for 15 to 17 minutes, so they cook through and firm up beautifully. Follow this with a quick 2-minute broil to get that irresistible golden-brown crust, adding a delightful crunch to the tender insides.
Step 7: Serve with Sweet Chili Sauce
Once out of the oven, serve these spicy baked shrimp balls with a side of sweet chili sauce. The sauce adds a lovely contrast of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that elevate the entire dish.
How to Serve Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls with Chili Lime Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped cilantro leaves or green onions over the shrimp balls before serving to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. You can also add lime wedges on the side to encourage a fresh squeeze right before eating.
Side Dishes
These shrimp balls pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, jasmine rice, or a simple leafy green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette. The freshness counterbalances the spicy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve these spicy baked shrimp balls on a bed of shredded lettuce with toothpicks for easy picking. Alternatively, slide them into soft slider buns with a drizzle of additional chili lime sauce for irresistible shrimp sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days and maintain their flavor and texture when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these shrimp balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place shrimp balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps preserve their crisp exterior better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture before chopping. This will help the mixture hold together and prevent sogginess.
How spicy are these shrimp balls?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by adding more or fewer Thai chilies or leaving in the seeds for extra fire. They deliver a noticeable but balanced spice that complements the lime and sweetness.
Can I bake these shrimp balls instead of frying?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be baked and then briefly broiled for a crispy finish. This method is healthier and less messy than frying, and still results in wonderfully flavorful shrimp balls.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for shrimp in this recipe?
While shrimp is central to the dish’s flavor, you could experiment with chopped mushrooms or finely chopped cauliflower to keep a similar texture, though the taste will be different.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
If sweet chili sauce isn’t available, a mix of honey, a bit of hot sauce, and a splash of soy sauce can create a similar sweet and spicy dipping sauce to complement the shrimp balls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that excites the palate and feels a bit special but is surprisingly simple to make, the Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls with Chili Lime Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Their perfect balance of spice, citrus brightness, and sweet heat from the dipping sauce makes them an absolute joy to eat. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious bite of this fantastic recipe!
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Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls with Chili Lime Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes (17 minutes baking + 2 minutes broiling)
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4-6 shrimp balls per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls are a flavorful and healthy appetizer featuring finely chopped shrimp combined with aromatic garlic, shallots, Thai chili peppers, and fresh herbs. Lightly baked to perfection and served with sweet chili sauce, they make a delightful snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Shrimp Ball Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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
- Juice of one lime
Sautéed Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 3 Thai chili peppers, seeded and chopped
Additional
- Cooking spray
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the shrimp balls.
- Prepare shrimp mixture: Finely chop the shrimp in a food processor until they reach a minced consistency. Transfer to a bowl and add the egg whites, Panko bread crumbs, chopped green onions, cilantro, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix these together thoroughly to combine.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shallots, and seeded chopped Thai chili peppers. Sauté until the mixture becomes translucent and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Combine sautéed veggies: Add the cooled sautéed garlic, shallots, and chili peppers into the shrimp mixture. Mix well until evenly incorporated to ensure every bite has balanced flavor.
- Shape shrimp balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the shrimp mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place the formed balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake and broil: Bake the shrimp balls in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes. For extra color and crispness, switch to the broiler for an additional 2 minutes until the shrimp balls turn golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with sweet chili sauce for dipping, adding a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor to complement the shrimp balls.
Notes
- Make sure to seed the Thai chili peppers if you prefer less heat.
- You can substitute canola oil with any neutral oil such as vegetable oil or grapeseed oil.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the shrimp mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, replace Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Do not over-process shrimp; the mixture should be finely chopped but not pureed for a better texture.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.
