SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE Recipe
If you’re looking for something irresistible to wow your guests or simply treat yourself, SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE is about to become your new obsession. Plump, juicy shrimp are blended with savory seasonings, crisped to perfection, and then drenched in luscious garlic butter. Every bite is a pop of zesty, buttery bliss, perfect as an appetizer or the main star of any meal. Let’s dig into what makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser and so easy to fall in love with!

Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a short list of pantry staples and fresh ingredients can make something so show-stopping. Every element in this recipe has a specific job—bringing irresistible flavor, dreamy texture, or a pop of color to the plate. Here’s what you’ll need for SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE.
- Raw shrimp: The star of the show! Fresh or thawed shrimp gives these balls their sweet, seafood flavor and tender bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These add lightness and a bit of crunch, keeping the shrimp balls delicate rather than dense.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder that keeps everything together without drying out the mixture.
- Green onions: Their subtle bite and freshness lift the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Essential for both the shrimp mixture and the sauce, it infuses each bite with aromatic depth.
- Soy sauce: A splash for umami and just the right amount of saltiness to balance the seafood notes.
- Sesame oil: Adds an unmistakable nutty, toasty undertone that screams “Asian appetizer.”
- Salt and black pepper: The backbone seasonings; don’t skip or skimp for best flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Just a dusting helps develop that beautiful golden crust when frying.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral oil is perfect for frying, ensuring a crisp outside without overpowering flavors.
- Unsalted butter: The key to GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE. It turns everything rich and decadent.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and livens up each bite.
- Chopped parsley: Sprinkled in and on top for a fresh, herby contrast you’ll taste in every bite.
How to Make SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp Mixture
Grab your food processor and pulse the raw shrimp until finely chopped—you want texture, not paste! This step sets the groundwork for shrimp balls that are both juicy and tender, not gummy. Transfer the chopped shrimp to a mixing bowl and get ready for some magic.
Step 2: Combine and Shape
Add the panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the shrimp. Mix it all together until well combined—you’re looking for a mixture that holds together but isn’t overly sticky. Now, shape that glorious mixture into little balls about 1 to 1.5 inches across. Roll each gently in flour for a touch of exterior crispness in the next step.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, fry the shrimp balls in batches. Don’t overcrowd—that’s the key to even golden-brown color. Turn them occasionally and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per batch, until deliciously crispy and cooked through. Set them aside on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a clean skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just a minute of sizzle brings out its sweet, nutty edge. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley for a gleaming, herby sauce that makes the kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Return the golden shrimp balls to the skillet, gently tossing them in the buttery, garlicky sauce until they’re glistening. Serve your SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE warm. Trust me, this is where the magic happens!
How to Serve SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and a pop of color, making every plate feel restaurant-worthy. Don’t be shy—squeeze a little more lemon juice over the top, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. A dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving can really make the flavors sing!
Side Dishes
This dish is stunning on its own but even better with a few trusty sides. A simple jasmine rice or buttered noodles soak up extra sauce, while a crisp Asian cucumber salad or sautéed greens offer a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these shrimp balls skewered on toothpicks for party appetizers, tucked inside slider buns with a drizzle of extra sauce for savory shrimp sliders, or nestled over a salad with extra lemon and herbs for a light but decadent lunch. SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE are that versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (honestly, that’s a big if), keep them covered in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be just as delightful for up to two days, retaining their flavor and texture with minimal fuss.
Freezing
Want to stash a batch for another time? You can freeze the cooked shrimp balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Just don’t freeze them in sauce—for best results, make the garlic butter fresh when you reheat.
Reheating
The best way to reheat SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE is to warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter, or in the oven at a low temperature. Add a splash of water or more lemon juice to revive the sauce and keep the shrimp juicy.
FAQs
Can I make the shrimp balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can form the shrimp balls and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This makes entertaining a breeze—just fry and sauce when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko really gives the lightest, crispiest texture. You could also try crushed rice crackers or even finely ground oats for a gluten-free option.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp balls at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, turning once. They come out juicy, though you’ll miss a bit of that golden fried crunch, but the flavor still shines through.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can make the mixture rubbery and lacking in flavor because it gets cooked twice. Raw shrimp ensures your SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE stay tender and flavorful.
How spicy can I make it?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or even a dash of sriracha to the shrimp mixture for a gentle kick. You’re in full control of the heat level to match your crowd’s cravings!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a surefire way to impress at your next gathering or simply looking for a cozy treat on a weeknight, give these SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE a whirl. They’re packed with big flavors and a touch of elegance—just the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!
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SHRIMP BALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Shrimp Balls in Garlic Butter Sauce. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, these shrimp balls make a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
For Shrimp Balls:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp Balls: In a food processor, pulse shrimp until finely chopped. Mix with breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Shape into balls, dust with flour.
- Fry Shrimp Balls: Fry in oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add lemon juice and parsley. Toss cooked shrimp balls in the sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the shrimp balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 shrimp balls
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 145mg