Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Shrimp Kofta Meatballs are a flavorful, quick, and healthy option for anyone craving a light yet satisfying meal. With shrimp as the base, the koftas are packed with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, bringing a vibrant taste to every bite. Whether you choose to pan-fry, grill, or air fry, these koftas cook up perfectly in just minutes. They’re ideal for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, and they pair wonderfully with dips like tzatziki or tahini sauce. Serve them with rice, pita, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

2 pounds (~900 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 onion, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined.
Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, salt, black pepper, onion, and garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well-combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the herb mixture in the food processor and pulse until the shrimp is finely chopped and the mixture forms a smooth paste. Be careful not to overprocess—it should still have some texture.
Shape the Kofta: Remove the mixture from the food processor and transfer it to a bowl. Wet your hands or use an ice cream scoop to shape the mixture into small oval or round kofta patties. If desired, insert a skewer into each kofta to grill them.
Cook the Kofta:
- Pan-Fry: Heat a skillet or pan with oil over medium-high heat. Cook the kofta for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kofta on skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until cooked through and marked by the grill.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Grease the basket with cooking spray and arrange the kofta in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
Serve: Serve the shrimp kofta hot with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, tahini sauce, or a simple yogurt and garlic sauce. They also pair well with rice, pita bread, and a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kofta: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped green chilies to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs in place of the all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version using a combination of chickpeas, herbs, and spices instead of shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the kofta in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

2. Can I make these koftas in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Shape them into patties right before cooking.

3. Can I cook these koftas in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the kofta at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through the baking time.

4. How do I know when the shrimp kofta is cooked through?

The kofta is done when they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. You can check with a meat thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

5. Can I make these koftas with other seafood?

Yes, you can use fish or scallops instead of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time depending on the seafood you choose.

6. Can I freeze the cooked kofta?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked kofta for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for best results.

7. Can I grill the kofta without skewers?

Yes, you can grill the kofta directly on the grill without skewers, but be careful when flipping them to prevent them from falling apart. A grill basket can help.

8. Can I add cheese to the kofta mixture?

Yes, you can add crumbled feta cheese to the mixture for a creamy texture and extra flavor.

9. How do I serve the shrimp kofta?

These koftas are great with rice, pita bread, a fresh salad, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces like tzatziki or tahini.

10. Can I make the shrimp kofta spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of cumin or add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mixture to make them spicier.

Conclusion

Easy Shrimp Kofta Meatballs are a quick and delicious option for a flavorful meal or appetizer. With fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and tender shrimp, they’re packed with flavor and versatile enough for any cooking method—whether pan-fried, grilled, or air-fried. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and sides for a complete, satisfying meal that will impress your family and guests!