Kim's Shrimp Balls

Kim's Shrimp Balls Recipe from Taiwan with Water Chestnuts and Ginger

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Kim's Shrimp Balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or added to soups. These savory shrimp balls are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The recipe for shrimp balls has been passed down through generations in Kim's family. Originally from China, this dish has been a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions for many years. Kim has put her own twist on the traditional recipe, adding her own unique flavors and techniques to create a dish that is truly special.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of shrimp
4 water chestnuts, finely minced
1 egg
4 scallions, minced
0.5 tsp of grated ginger
1 tsp of salt
4 tsp of cornstarch

How to prepare

Shell and devein the shrimp. Wash them carefully and dry them on paper towels. Finely mince the shrimp. Place half of the minced shrimp at the end of a large cutting board. Using the flat side of a cleaver, draw the shrimp across the board to smooth it into a paste. Repeat this step with the second half of the mixture. (If you are using a utensil other than a cleaver, repeat the same action.)
Put the shrimp in a medium mixing bowl. Add water chestnuts and mix them into a smooth paste. Make a well in the center. Put in the egg and break it up with a fork. Add minced scallions, ginger, and salt. Stir to combine. Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix well.
Form the shrimp into balls, using one rounded tablespoon at a time.
TO BOIL: Bring 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water to a boil. Drop in the shrimp balls one at a time. Remove them when they float to the surface. Serve with hoisin sauce.
TO FRY: Heat 2 cups of peanut oil in a 3 qt (2.84 liters) saucepan. Drop in the shrimp balls, a few at a time. When they become golden and float to the surface, remove them and place them on paper towels to drain. Garnish with scallions and grated lemon peel.
IN SOUP: Pre-cooked shrimp balls may be added to chicken soup with half a bunch of cleaned, chopped spinach or bok choy. This recipe serves 4 - 6.

Variations

Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch.
Use ground chicken or pork instead of shrimp for a different flavor.
Add minced garlic or chili paste for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely mince the shrimp to create a smooth paste for the shrimp balls.

- Use a cleaver or a similar utensil to smooth the shrimp paste on a cutting board.

- When frying the shrimp balls, make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Serve the shrimp balls with hoisin sauce for a delicious dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Kim's Shrimp Balls can be served as an appetizer with hoisin sauce for dipping, as a main course with rice and vegetables, or added to soups for extra flavor and protein.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the shrimp balls in water for a lighter, healthier option.

- Fry the shrimp balls in oil for a crispy, golden exterior.

- Add pre-cooked shrimp balls to soups for a hearty and flavorful addition.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or pork instead of shrimp.

- Substitute soy sauce for salt for a different flavor profile.

- Use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornstarch.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

- Freeze uncooked shrimp balls for later use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the shrimp balls with sliced scallions and grated lemon peel. - Serve the shrimp balls on a bed of lettuce or cabbage leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Kim's Shrimp Balls with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

- Pair the shrimp balls with a light and crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover shrimp balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat shrimp balls in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kim's Shrimp Balls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kim's Shrimp Balls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kim's Shrimp Balls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kim's Shrimp Balls contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kim's Shrimp Balls are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Kim's Shrimp Balls contain shrimp and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Kim's Shrimp Balls are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a meal or snack.

Summary

Kim's Shrimp Balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether boiled, fried, or added to soups, these savory shrimp balls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, Kim's Shrimp Balls are a must-try recipe for any seafood lover.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Kim's Shrimp Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a small coastal town in Korea with my husband. We had been exploring the local markets, admiring the fresh seafood and vibrant produce that lined the streets.

As we wandered through the bustling marketplace, our noses were filled with the tantalizing scents of sizzling meats and savory spices. I couldn't help but feel a pang of hunger as we passed by a street vendor who was cooking up a batch of shrimp balls. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew I had to try them.

I approached the vendor, a kind elderly woman named Kim, who greeted me with a warm smile. She explained that the shrimp balls were a traditional Korean dish, made with fresh shrimp, vegetables, and a blend of secret spices. Intrigued, I watched as she deftly shaped the mixture into perfect little balls and fried them to a golden crisp.

As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The shrimp was tender and juicy, the vegetables added a satisfying crunch, and the spices lent a subtle heat that lingered on my tongue. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these shrimp balls for myself.

I struck up a conversation with Kim, who was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that the key to making the perfect shrimp balls lay in using the freshest ingredients and taking the time to blend the flavors just right. I eagerly took notes as she walked me through each step, from selecting the best shrimp to seasoning the mixture to perfection.

Back home, I set to work recreating Kim's shrimp balls in my own kitchen. I spent hours experimenting with different combinations of ingredients, adjusting the seasonings, and perfecting the cooking technique. It was a labor of love, but with each batch I made, I could feel myself getting closer to capturing the magic of Kim's original recipe.

After many trials and errors, I finally hit upon the perfect formula. The shrimp balls were light and airy, with a delicate balance of flavors that mirrored Kim's creation. I was overjoyed at my success and couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends.

From that day on, Kim's shrimp balls became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would make them for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Each time I served them, I would think back to that fateful day in the coastal town of Korea, where I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure that would become a cherished part of my cooking repertoire.

I am eternally grateful to Kim for sharing her recipe with me and sparking my passion for Korean cuisine. Her shrimp balls have become a beloved tradition in my family, a dish that never fails to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. And as I continue to cook and share this recipe with others, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together, and to create lasting memories that will be treasured for generations to come.