Appetizer > Seafood > Prawn

Prawn Balls with Creamy Avocado Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, pulse the prawns until finely chopped.

3. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped prawns, breadcrumbs, parsley, chives, coriander, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the prawn balls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. While the prawn balls are baking, make the creamy avocado dip. In a food processor, blend together the avocados, sour cream, mayonnaise, coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

7. Serve the prawn balls hot with the creamy avocado dip on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 200°C
Serving size:
- Makes 20-25 prawn balls

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of prawns, you can use shrimp or crab meat.
- Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use panko or crushed crackers.
- Instead of fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs.
- Instead of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Variations:
- Add some chopped chilli or hot sauce to the prawn ball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different herbs or spices to change up the flavour of the prawn balls.
- Serve the prawn balls with a different dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce or tartar sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pulse the prawns in the food processor until they are finely chopped but not pureed.
- Wet your hands with water before forming the prawn balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add more mayonnaise or egg.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover prawn balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the prawn balls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the prawn balls on a platter with the creamy avocado dip in a bowl in the centre.
- Garnish the prawn balls with some chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairings:
- Serve the prawn balls with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a healthy meal.
- Pair the prawn balls with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the prawn balls are falling apart, the mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the prawn balls until they are golden brown and cooked through to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Prawn balls are a popular appetizer in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Thai.

Flavor profiles:
- The prawn balls are savoury and slightly spicy, while the creamy avocado dip is tangy and refreshing.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the prawn balls as an appetizer or as part of a main meal.

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Taste: Savory, Creamy, Tangy, Spicy, Sweet