Crispy Almond Covered Shrimp Balls: A New Year Delicacy (花開富貴蝦球)

Ring in the New Year with a touch of elegance and flavor with these Crispy Almond Covered Shrimp Balls, a perfect blend of tradition and culinary innovation.

---

Time: 30 hr (12 min bake time) | Difficulty: easy

As the New Year approaches, the quest for unique and festive dishes becomes all the more exciting. This year, inspired by a flurry of similar creations I spotted on Instagram, I decided to take on a dish that combines tradition with a twist: Crispy Almond Covered Shrimp Balls. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their New Year's feast, this dish is a refined take on the classic shrimp ball, enhanced with the crunch of sliced almonds and the convenience of an air fryer.

Food symbolism in Chinese New Year festivities

In Chinese culture, eating shrimp on New Year's Eve carries significant symbolic meaning, contributing to the rich tapestry of traditions that mark the Lunar New Year celebrations. Shrimp, in Cantonese, is pronounced "ha," which sounds similar to laughter ("哈哈哈") in Mandarin. Therefore, including shrimp in the New Year's Eve dinner is believed to bring happiness and laughter in the year ahead, embodying the wish for joy, good fortune, and a positive start to the new lunar cycle.

Ingredients

For a delightful serving that's just right for two, you'll need (4 shrimp balls):

• For the Shrimp Balls:

• 4 large shrimps, minced

• Sliced almonds for coating

• 1/8 teaspoon sugar

• A pinch of white pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon rice wine

Instructions

Steps to Deliciousness:

1. Prepare the Shrimp Paste: In a large bowl, beat the minced shrimp until sticky. Season with sugar, white pepper, and rice wine, stirring well to combine.

2. Form the Balls: With wet hands, take a quarter of the shrimp paste and shape it into a ball by tossing it between your palms*, which should be curved like a bowl.

3. Coat with Almonds: Gently press the sliced almonds into the shrimp balls, forming a circular pattern, and place them on a greased baking sheet.

4. Air Fry: Cook the shrimp balls in the air fryer at 160°C for 6 minutes, then increase the temperature to 180°C for another 6 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as necessary based on your air fryer model.

5. Serve: Enjoy these crispy delights with a side of salt and pepper or a dipping sauce of your choice, such as tempura or fried shrimp sauce.

* When shaping the shrimp paste into balls for dishes like Crispy Almond Covered Shrimp Balls, a useful tip is to apply a small amount of water or oil to your hands. This technique prevents the mixture from sticking to your skin, allowing for smoother shaping and easier handling. Here’s how you can utilize this tip effectively:
- Water Method: Wetting your hands with water provides a temporary barrier that makes it easier to form the shrimp paste into balls without it adhering to your palms or fingers. This method is particularly helpful if you prefer a lighter touch and minimal residue.
- Oil Method: Lightly coating your hands with a thin layer of oil (such as vegetable or sesame oil) creates a more durable barrier than water. This not only prevents sticking but also contributes to a smoother surface on the shrimp balls, enhancing their texture once cooked.

Additional Tips

• Freezing: These shrimp balls can be frozen and stored for later use. Simply air fry them straight from the freezer whenever you're ready to enjoy.

• Decorative Cucumber Flowers: For an extra festive touch, create cucumber flowers as a garnish. Cut the cucumber in half (creating symmetrical left and right halves) then slice without cutting all the way through, leaving a bit attached at the top. With the third slice, you'll achieve a three-petal design. You can then roll the middle slice to the left or right for effect.
  

This Crispy Almond Covered Shrimp Balls recipe is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of new beginnings and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Whether you're ringing in the New Year or simply seeking a special addition to your meal, these shrimp balls promise a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress.