These fried shrimp balls are a classic, crispy dim sum appetizer that always reminds me of my childhood. My family always orders this at the restaurant and it's one of my favorite bites.
Wrapped in spring roll strips and deep fried until golden, these deep fried shrimp balls are perfect for parties, appetizers, or anytime you want something extra fun to snack on.
What Are Fried Shrimp Balls?
Fried shrimp balls are a classic dim sum appetizer made from finely chopped shrimp mixed with seasonings, shaped into balls, then coated and fried.
Unlike breaded versions, these use thin strips of spring roll wrappers for that signature spiky, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love Fried Shrimp Balls
- Crispy outside, juicy inside: The contrast in texture is completely addictive.
- Restaurant-style at home: These taste just like dim sum fried shrimp balls from your favorite restaurant.
- Perfect for dipping: Sweet chili sauce or sriracha mayo pairs perfectly with these delicious bites.
- Great for gatherings: Easy to fry in batches and always a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Knife or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Scissors
- Heavy pot or deep pan
- Thermometer or wooden chopstick
- Wire rack or paper towels
Ingredients
- Shrimp: The main protein, finely chopped for a springy texture
- Egg white: Helps bind the shrimp mixture
- Green onion (green parts)
- Corn starch
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Grated ginger
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- White pepper
- Spring roll wrappers: Used to created the ultra-crispy exterior. Make sure to use spring roll wrappers, not rice paper for this recipe!
- Oil: for frying
Customizations
- Extra crunch: Add finely chopped water chestnuts to the shrimp mixture for more texture.
- Garlic boost: Mix in a small amount of minced garlic for deeper savory flavor.
- Spicy kick: Stir in chili oil or chili crisp if you like heat.
- Herb swap: Replace green onion with finely chopped chives for a slightly milder onion flavor.
How to Make Fried Shrimp Balls
Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Finely chop the shrimp with a knife or pulse briefly in a food processor, leaving some texture.
Transfer to a bowl and add the egg white, green onions, corn starch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix until the mixture becomes sticky and paste-like.
Shape and Coat the Fried Shrimp Balls
Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture and roll into a golf ball–sized ball.
Roll the shrimp ball in the spring roll wrapper strips until fully coated, gently pressing so they stick. Trim any extra-long pieces if needed.
Fry Until Crispy
Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the shrimp balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve
Serve hot with sweet chili sauce and sriracha mayo for dipping.
Storage
Fried shrimp balls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
Tips to Make the Best Fried Shrimp Balls
- Don’t over-process the shrimp: Some texture keeps the shrimp balls juicy.
- Wet your hands: Makes shaping easier and less sticky.
- Watch the oil temperature: Consistent heat ensures even browning.
- Fry in batches: Prevents the oil temperature from dropping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of wrapper should I use?
Use spring roll wrappers, not rice paper. Spring roll wrappers are wheat-based and fry up crisp, while rice paper turns chewy and won’t give the same crunch.
How do you cut the wrappers?
Stack a few sheets of spring roll wrappers and cut them into ½-inch thick strips using a knife or kitchen scissors. Slightly uneven strips are totally fine.
Can I make fried shrimp balls ahead of time?
You can shape and coat them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Fry just before serving for best results.
Can I air fry or bake them?
Deep frying gives the best texture, but you can air fry at 375°F, lightly spraying with oil and turning halfway through.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Fried Shrimp Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
Shrimp Balls
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1 green onion green parts only, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 dashes white pepper
- 15-20 spring roll wrappers cut into ½-inch thick strips
- Oil for frying
Dipping Sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Finely chop the shrimp with a knife or pulse briefly in a food processor, leaving some texture. Transfer to a bowl and add the egg white, green onions, corn starch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until the mixture becomes sticky and paste-like.1 pound shrimp, 1 egg white, 1 green onion, 1 tablespoon corn starch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon salt, 2-3 dashes white pepper
- Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoon of the shrimp mixture and roll it into a golf ball–sized ball (a small cookie or ice cream scoop works well here). Place the shrimp ball onto a plate of spring roll wrapper strips and gently roll until fully coated. Lightly squeeze to compact the ball and the wrappers stick to it. Trim any overly long wrapper pieces with scissors if needed.15-20 spring roll wrappers
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F. (If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a wooden chopstick and when small bubbles form around it, the oil should be ready.) Fry the shrimp balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on wire racks or paper towels.Oil for frying
- Serve hot with sweet chili sauce and/or sriracha mayo for dipping.Sweet chili sauce, Sriracha mayo
thehairstylistrhee says
I’m in LOVE with this recipe!!! It’s so easy and fun to make and the best part is that it’s soooo delicious! Will be making this again for my family during our Christmas party. Yum!
Herman says
Amazing!! so glad you liked this recipe. Thanks for the review!
Desi Natalia Anglia says
Thank you for the recipe! These fried shrimp balls are a huge family favorite. We always order them at restaurants, so I’m so happy to finally find a great recipe to try at home. They look so crispy and delicious!
Herman says
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed this one!
Desi Natalia Anglia says
[email protected]
Herman says
appreciate the review!
Daniela says
It's stuffed with shrimps and wrapped in crunchy fried tagliatelle like pasta! Looks very yummy!
Herman says
It's definitely a tasty one and one of my favorites at dim sum. Thanks for the review!
Lucy says
Wow! These look amazing! Will be trying ASAP! 😋
Herman says
Thank you, enjoy!