Name: Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb. shrimp, defrosted, shelled, and deveined; 1 egg white, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt or fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon oil or some pork fat; 3 dashes white pepper powder; 8 pieces spring roll wrapper, 8-inch square

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect appetizer that’s crispy, juicy, and packs a flavorful punch, then you’re going to love this Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe. It’s one of those gems that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, and trust me, once you try these golden shrimp balls coated in delicate spring roll strips, you’ll want to make them over and over again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect texture play: The shrimp balls stay juicy inside while the spring roll coating crisps to a satisfying crunch.
Simple yet elegant: Uses common ingredients but tastes restaurant-quality, great for impressing guests.
Quick to make: The whole process can be done in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or parties.
Versatile flavor base: The shrimp paste blends a balance of savory, sweet, and umami that you can easily tweak to your taste.

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating, Shrimp Balls appetizer, crispy shrimp appetizer, spring roll coated shrimp bites, easy seafood appetizers - The image shows a rectangular metal tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are ten golden-orange crispy balls that look like they are wrapped in thin strips, giving a textured and crunchy appearance. In the top right corner of the tray, there is a small white round bowl filled with a dark brown sauce topped with white sesame seeds, adding a contrast to the crispy balls. A green fabric is partially visible on the left side of the tray. The overall look is neat and appetizing, with the crispy balls clustered but not touching each other, showing off their detailed layers of golden strips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe plays its part in creating that irresistible bite. Choosing fresh shrimp and quality spring roll wrappers makes all the difference; plus, I’ll share tips on picking the best components so your shrimp balls come out just perfect every time.

Shrimp: Fresh or defrosted shrimp provides the sweet, tender base; make sure it’s well deveined for clean flavor and texture.
Egg white: Acts as the binder without adding heaviness, keeping the shrimp balls light and fluffy.
Salt or fish sauce: Adds savory depth—fish sauce gives an authentic umami punch if you like it.
Sugar: Just a touch balances flavors and enhances shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Cornstarch: Helps the mixture hold together nicely and gives a smooth texture.
Sesame oil: Adds subtle nuttiness that you might not instantly notice but definitely miss if left out.
Oil or pork fat: Boosts moisture and richness in the shrimp paste—if you want a leaner option, regular oil works fine.
White pepper powder: Offers a gentle heat that complements the shrimp without overpowering it.
Spring roll wrappers: This is the secret weapon—the thin strips turn ultra-crispy, giving each ball its signature crunch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to make it your own. I’ve played around with spices and sauces to suit my mood, and you’ll find plenty of ways to customize the texture and flavor without losing what makes it great.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the white pepper for a bit of cayenne if I want a spicy kick; it’s subtle but adds warmth without stealing the spotlight.
Make it gluten-free: Use rice paper strips instead of spring roll wrappers — just handle gently, as they’re a bit more delicate.
Herbs and aromatics: Adding minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or green onion to the shrimp paste can brighten the flavor if you prefer a fresher note.
Choose your dipping sauce: I’m a fan of sweet chili sauce, but soy sauce with a squeeze of lime works just as well and changes things up nicely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Shrimp Paste Until Smooth

Start by popping your shrimp, egg white, salt or fish sauce, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, oil, and white pepper powder into a mini food processor. Don’t rush this step—pulse everything until it forms a smooth, almost mousse-like paste. It helps get an even flavor and makes the balls super tender inside. If you don’t have a food processor, mincing the shrimp finely and mixing by hand can work, but it’s more effort!

Step 2: Prepare the Spring Roll Wrapper Strips

Lay out your spring roll wrappers on a clean flat surface. Using scissors, cut each into thin strips—think about the width of your pinky finger or a bit thinner. Then snip those strips into shorter lengths, about 2 inches each. This layering of crispy coating is what sets this shrimp ball recipe apart from your usual breaded bites.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Shrimp Balls

Wet your hands lightly to keep the shrimp paste from sticking, then scoop out roughly 1 tablespoon portions and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball generously in the spring roll strips, pressing gently so they stick well. Trim any uneven edges with your scissors and reuse any trimmed pieces for other balls. Remember, the coating has to fully cover the shrimp ball for that iconic crunch.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown and Crispy

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a wok to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated shrimp balls in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot or the temperature will drop, making them oily. Fry about 5 minutes each batch, or until a beautiful golden brown coats the balls and the spring roll strips are extra crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while the contrast of juicy center and crunchy shell is at its best.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Keep shrimp cold: I always keep my shrimp chilled until right before blending to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Wet your hands often: It prevents the paste from sticking to your fingers, making shaping smoother.
Oil temperature is key: Too hot and the coating burns before the shrimp cooks; too low and it absorbs oil. Using a thermometer saves the day.
Reuse trimmed strips: Don’t throw away leftover wrapper pieces—just roll them into the next ball’s coating for no waste!

How to Serve Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve these shrimp balls piled high with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for a splash of color and fresh brightness. Some thin slices of red chili or a dusting of toasted sesame seeds add a beautiful finishing touch. If I’m feeling fancy, a wedge of lime always brightens up the whole plate.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I love pairing this Crispy Shrimp Balls with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or a light Asian slaw. Jasmine rice or sticky rice on the side works well if you’re serving as part of a larger meal. For casual gatherings, these shrimp balls shine alongside a selection of dipping sauces, making finger food the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I like to serve these shrimp balls in mini bamboo steamers or on wooden skewers for easy grabbing. Another cute idea is placing them atop small crisp won-ton cups or lettuce leaves, sprinkled with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for a fusion style appetizer that wows visually and tastewise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the coating crispy, I recommend placing a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any moisture, but honestly, these rarely last that long once people start tasting.

Freezing

These shrimp balls freeze surprisingly well! I shape and coat the balls, then freeze them uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, I store them in a ziplock bag. When ready to cook, just fry them straight from frozen and add a minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To reheat and keep the crispiness, pop them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. Microwaving doesn’t do these any favors—it’ll make the coating soggy, so go the extra mile for the crunch!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before processing to avoid excess moisture, which can make the shrimp balls too soft and the coating less crispy.
What can I serve with these shrimp balls?

They pair wonderfully with sweet chili sauce, soy-based dips, or even a tangy tamarind sauce. For sides, think light salads, steamed rice, or a crisp vegetable stir-fry to keep the meal balanced.
Why use spring roll wrappers instead of breadcrumbs?

The spring roll strips fry to a uniquely light, airy crunch that breadcrumbs can’t quite replicate. They create a delicate lattice around the shrimp balls, making the texture stand out beautifully.
Can I bake the shrimp balls instead of frying?

Baking isn’t ideal because the spring roll coating crisps best in hot oil. However, if you want a lighter version, you can try baking at high heat with a spray of oil, but expect less crunch.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe always brings back memories of bustling dim sum spots and festive family dinners. It’s one of those dishes that’s comfort food with a touch of sophistication, and I love sharing it because it’s reliably delicious and fun to make. Give it a go—you’ll impress everyone from picky eaters to seasoned shrimp lovers and maybe even discover your new favorite appetizer.

Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Shrimp Balls with Spring Roll Coating Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Shrimp Paste Until Smooth