Are you looking for a quick, flavorful dinner recipe that feels indulgent but is incredibly light? Thai-style shrimp balls with napa cabbage are the perfect solution.
Bursting with ginger, lime, and fresh herbs, this dish brings together the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine in a way that feels effortless yet impressive. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the stress.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Dinner
This dish strikes a balance between elegance and simplicity, making it ideal for dinner. The juicy shrimp balls are packed with aromatic flavors like fresh ginger, lime zest, and scallions, creating a taste profile that is both refreshing and savory.
Steamed over napa cabbage, the shrimp balls become tender and juicy while the cabbage absorbs the fragrant steam for an extra layer of flavor.
What’s more, the whole process is straightforward and quick, with the entire dish coming together in about 25 minutes. For weeknights, this recipe offers a healthy, satisfying option that doesn’t feel rushed.
On weekends, it can be served as an appetizer or a main dish paired with rice or noodles, elevating your dinner table effortlessly.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Balls
Achieving the perfect shrimp balls for this recipe requires just a few simple tricks:
- Chop the shrimp finely to ensure the mixture binds well while maintaining a slightly chunky texture for a satisfying bite.
- Use fresh herbs and lime zest to bring out the vibrant Thai-inspired flavors. Pre-packaged ingredients won’t deliver the same brightness.
- Chill the mixture before forming balls if you’re not steaming immediately. This step makes it easier to work with and helps the flavors meld together.
- Steam gently. Avoid overcooking the shrimp balls to retain their juicy texture. Three minutes per batch is all you need!
Versatile Pairing Options
This dinner recipe is versatile, offering pairing options that can suit various preferences or dietary needs:
- Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles drizzled with a little sesame oil for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light salad made from pea shoots, cucumber, and fresh mint for a refreshing side.
- Add a spicy Thai-style dipping sauce on the side for extra zest.
For those looking for low-carb options, skip the rice or noodles entirely. The napa cabbage leaves act as a light and flavorful accompaniment on their own.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce in the dipping sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Spicy Variation: Add a finely chopped Thai chili to the shrimp mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Option: Swap out the shrimp for finely chopped tofu or mushrooms and use a flaxseed egg substitute.
Whatever your preferences, the core technique and flavors of this recipe provide a foundation for experimentation.
A Dinner Recipe Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these Thai-style shrimp balls offer something for everyone. They’re easy to eat, fun to serve, and deliver bold flavors in every bite.
The napa cabbage adds a nutritious, heart-healthy element, while the shrimp provides lean protein to keep your dinner light yet satisfying.
So the next time you’re searching for a dinner recipe that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, these shrimp balls are your go-to choice. Quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious—they’re bound to become a favorite in your household.
Thai-Style Shrimp Balls with Napa Cabbage Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Steamer basket (or DIY method with foil balls and a plate)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Balls:
- 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and chopped into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives plus more for garnish
- 1 large egg white
- Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4–6 Napa cabbage leaves for steaming
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 4½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1½ teaspoons light or dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons sliced scallions green parts only
Instructions
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the minced ginger and whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir in the sliced scallions and set the sauce aside for serving.
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated garlic, chives, egg white, lime zest, lime juice, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. If you’re not steaming the shrimp balls right away, refrigerate them for up to 4 hours.
- Set Up the Steamer and Cook the Shrimp Balls: Line the bottom of a steamer basket with 1–2 Napa cabbage leaves, making sure the surface is covered. Place the steamer basket inside a pot with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer. Working in batches, place the shrimp balls on the cabbage leaves in the steamer basket, cover, and cook for 3 minutes, flipping the shrimp balls halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the shrimp balls and cabbage leaves to a plate. Use fresh cabbage leaves for each batch.
- Serve: Arrange the steamed shrimp balls on a platter, along with the cabbage leaves if desired. Sprinkle additional chives over the top for garnish. Serve the shrimp balls with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. You can enjoy the cabbage leaves as part of the meal or skip them, depending on your preference.
Notes
- These shrimp balls can also be served over rice or noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil for a hearty meal.
- For a DIY steamer basket, use large foil balls in a pot with a plate on top, ensuring the plate is above water level.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.