Vietnamese Shrimp Balls Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the main ingredient, providing a tender and flavorful base.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the shrimp balls.

Fish sauce: This essential Vietnamese condiment adds a deep umami flavor.

Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the savory flavors.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the shrimp balls.

Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.

Cornstarch: Helps bind the mixture and gives the shrimp balls a crispy texture.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it ensures the shrimp balls are golden brown and crispy.

When blending the shrimp mixture in the food processor, make sure to pulse the ingredients rather than running the machine continuously. This helps to achieve a smoother texture without over-processing the shrimp, which can make the shrimp balls too dense.

• shrimp - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative for those who do not consume seafood.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish similarly to garlic.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty umami flavor, though it lacks the fishy undertones of fish sauce. Adding a bit of lime juice can help mimic the tanginess.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, which can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can provide the same level of heat and spice.

• cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch has similar thickening properties and can help bind the shrimp balls just as effectively.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for frying.

• Allow the shrimp balls to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For storing in the refrigerator:

  • Place the shrimp balls in an airtight container.
  • Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For freezing:

  • Arrange the shrimp balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Freeze for 1-2 hours until they are firm to the touch.
  • Transfer the frozen shrimp balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
  • Label the container with the date and contents.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating from the refrigerator:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the shrimp balls on a baking sheet.
  • Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

• Reheating from frozen:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the frozen shrimp balls on a baking sheet.
  • Heat for 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy.

• For a quick reheat option:

  • Microwave the shrimp balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  • Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• To maintain crispiness:

  • Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp balls soggy.
  • Opt for oven or air fryer methods for the best texture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the shrimp balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly brush them with a bit of vegetable oil to keep them moist.
  4. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through, turning them halfway to ensure even reheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Place the shrimp balls in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the shrimp balls in the steamer basket in a single layer.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly spray the shrimp balls with vegetable oil.
  3. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Air fry for about 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• Food processor: Used to blend the shrimp, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• Mixing bowl: Used to transfer the blended mixture and stir in the cornstarch until well combined.

• Frying pan: Used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the shrimp balls.

• Spatula: Used to shape the mixture into small balls and to turn the shrimp balls while frying.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried shrimp balls.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and cornstarch accurately.

• Knife: Used to mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to mince the garlic.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Save time by buying shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.

Minced garlic paste: Use store-bought minced garlic to avoid chopping.

Food processor efficiency: Blend all ingredients in the food processor at once for a quicker mix.

Preheat oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while shaping the shrimp balls to save time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple shrimp balls at once to reduce cooking time.