Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls Recipe - Chinese Cuisine
Introduction
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls are a delicious and crispy appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. These savory shrimp balls are packed with flavor and are perfect for any occasion.
History
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese and Thai cuisine. The combination of shrimp and crispy wonton skin makes for a delightful and addictive snack that is loved by many.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp salt or fish sauce
- 1 lb raw shrimp
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 lightly beaten egg white
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp oil
- wonton skins
- a few dashes of white pepper
How to prepare
- To cook, start by de-veining the shrimp and set it aside. Then, using a mini food processor, beat the egg white until it becomes frothy. Add the raw shrimp and the other seasonings to the processor. Carefully blend these ingredients until they form a shrimp paste.
- Next, cut the wonton skins into very small strips and place them on a flat surface.
- Form the shrimp paste into balls and roll them in a bed of wonton skin, ensuring that the wonton skin evenly coats the shrimp balls.
- Heat oil in a wok and deep fry the shrimp balls until they turn golden brown.
- Serve the shrimp balls with hot sauce or preferably Thai sweet chili sauce.
Variations
- Add minced garlic or ginger to the shrimp paste for extra flavor.
- Use ground pork or chicken instead of shrimp for a different variation.
- Add chopped water chestnuts or green onions for added crunch and freshness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to de-vein the shrimp properly before blending them into a paste.
- Be careful not to over-blend the shrimp paste, as it can become too sticky.
- Use a mini food processor for best results when blending the shrimp paste.
- Ensure that the shrimp balls are evenly coated with the wonton skin for a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls can be served as an appetizer with hot sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce. They can also be served with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Deep frying is the best technique for cooking Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls to achieve a crispy texture.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp balls to prevent them from becoming greasy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use store-bought shrimp paste instead of blending your own shrimp paste.
- Use store-bought wonton skins if you don't have the time to make your own.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the shrimp paste and shape the shrimp balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls pair well with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber salad or a green papaya salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until crispy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls contains approximately 8 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Alergens
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls contain shellfish (shrimp) and wheat (wonton skins).
Summary
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls are a balanced dish that provides a good amount of proteins and fats, with moderate carbohydrates and calories.
Summary
Fried Wonton Shrimp Balls are a delicious and crispy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful shrimp paste encased in crispy wonton skin, these shrimp balls are sure to be a hit with your guests.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. I remember watching my mother as she carefully prepared the ingredients and skillfully folded the wonton wrappers around the succulent shrimp filling. The aroma of the sizzling shrimp balls filled our small kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
I was always eager to learn new recipes from my mother, who was known in our village for her culinary skills. She learned to make these fried wonton shrimp balls from her own mother, who had learned it from a family friend many years before. The recipe had been passed down through generations, and now it was my turn to learn the secret to making these delicious treats.
As my mother worked, I watched intently, taking mental notes of each step in the process. She explained to me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and how the combination of shrimp, garlic, ginger, and green onions created a harmonious blend of flavors. She also showed me how to fold the wonton wrappers just right, so that they held together during frying and turned golden brown and crispy.
When the shrimp balls were finally ready, my mother placed them on a serving platter and drizzled them with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. I eagerly picked up a shrimp ball and took a bite, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crispy exterior gave way to a tender, juicy shrimp filling that was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I practiced making the shrimp balls over and over again, honing my skills and perfecting the recipe until I could make them just as well as my mother. I shared the recipe with my friends and neighbors, who all raved about the delicious shrimp balls and begged me to teach them how to make them.
Years passed, and I eventually left my village to start a new life in a bustling city. I brought the recipe for fried wonton shrimp balls with me, and it became a favorite dish among my new friends and colleagues. I continued to make the shrimp balls for special occasions and gatherings, always receiving praise for my culinary talents.
One day, I met a kind elderly woman who had recently immigrated to the city from China. We struck up a conversation about our shared love of cooking, and I mentioned the shrimp balls that had become my signature dish. To my surprise, the woman's eyes lit up with recognition, and she exclaimed that she knew the recipe as well.
As it turned out, the woman had grown up in a neighboring village to mine, and her own mother had also passed down the recipe for fried wonton shrimp balls through the generations. We bonded over our shared love of this beloved dish, and she shared with me a few tips and tricks that she had learned from her mother to make the shrimp balls even more flavorful and crispy.
I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from this wise woman, and I incorporated her suggestions into my own recipe for fried wonton shrimp balls. The next time I made the dish for a gathering of friends, they all marveled at the improved flavor and texture of the shrimp balls, and I knew that I had truly mastered the recipe.
To this day, the memory of discovering the recipe for fried wonton shrimp balls brings a smile to my face. It is a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that cooking can bring, as well as the importance of preserving and passing down family recipes through the generations. I hope that one day, I will be able to teach my own grandchildren how to make these delicious shrimp balls, and that they will carry on the tradition of sharing this beloved dish with their own friends and loved ones.