Shrimp Meatballs (Nayarit)

Shrimp Meatball Recipe (Nayarit)

The shrimp meatballs are a typical dish that captures the essence of the Pacific coast of Nayarit. This dish celebrates the freshness of the sea with a mix of simple ingredients and accessible techniques for any home kitchen. Preparing them is to immerse oneself in the traditional flavors of seafood with a regional touch that is perfect for sharing.

Preparation time

Below are the times to better organize yourself when preparing this delight:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 units
• Difficulty: Easy

Taking these details into account will allow you to adjust the starting time and have everything ready to enjoy this typical dish without setbacks.

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 600 g peeled and cleaned shrimp
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 onion
• 1 sprig of cilantro
• 3 tbsp. wheat flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce

• 6 tomatoes
• 1 chipotle chili
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup of white wine

If you can't find fresh shrimp, prawns or langoustines are good options that maintain that sea flavor. Instead of wheat flour, for those who prefer gluten-free options, flours like corn or even ground chia seeds can be a valid substitute.

Utensils we will use

• Mixer or food processor (can be substituted with a blender or ground by hand with a mortar)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cup or mug

At home, a mixer or processor simplifies the work, but if you don't have one, finely chopping and mixing patiently also yields good results.

Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients

• Wash and chop the shrimp: Under the tap, clean the shrimp. Then cut them into small pieces so that the mixture is uniform.
• Chop the onion and garlic: Peel and cut the onion into small cubes, about 1 cm. The garlic cloves should be finely chopped to distribute the flavor well. Reserve the finely chopped cilantro.

2. Create the mixture for the meatballs

• Combine ingredients in a bowl: Mix the chopped shrimp with the onion, garlic, and cilantro. Add the egg and wheat flour to bind, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
• Mix evenly: Use a spatula to integrate everything until the mixture is homogeneous and allows you to form small balls without them falling apart.

3. Form and sear the meatballs

• Form the balls: Moisten your hands with cold water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take equal portions to make walnut-sized balls, between 3 and 4 cm in diameter.
• Sear the meatballs: In a hot pan with olive oil, place the meatballs without crowding them. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside on absorbent paper.

4. Prepare the tomato and chipotle sauce

• Cook the tomatoes and chili: Cut the tomatoes into cubes and cook in water along with the chipotle chili for approximately 7 minutes, until soft.
• Blend the mixture: Process the tomatoes and chili with a little of the cooking water to achieve a homogeneous and bright sauce.

5. Combine and cook the meatballs in the sauce

• Heat the sauce: In a saucepan, add a little oil and pour in the blended sauce along with the cup of white wine. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
• Add the meatballs to the sauce: Add the meatballs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook covered for 5 minutes so they finish cooking without drying out.

6. To finish and serve

Make sure to check the final seasoning and remove cilantro leaves if you prefer a milder flavor. Serve the meatballs hot, bathed in their sauce, and accompany with white rice, fresh salad such as an arugula salad with shrimp or tostadas for some crunchy contrast. This final step enhances the authentic flavor experience of Mexican food.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 34 g
• Fats: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g

Approximate values per serving. Provides a complete and balanced meal.

5 keys to perfect Shrimp Meatballs

To achieve an impeccable dish, consider these details that make a difference:

• The shrimp: Fresh or thawed but well processed, to avoid lumpy textures.
• Sear quickly: The initial cooking should be brief to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
• Mixture texture: It should be firm to mold the meatballs well, neither too dry nor sticky.
• Fresh ingredients in the sauce: Opt for natural tomatoes to highlight the flavor of the Nayarit seasoning.
• Rest in the sauce: Allowing time for them to absorb the flavor before serving enhances the result.

When is it ideal to enjoy Shrimp Meatballs?

This dish is the perfect option for a family lunch, especially during cool seasons or celebrations that highlight the gastronomy of the Pacific coast. It also fits well on warm days due to its fresh flavor and the combination with white wine or natural drinks. The speed of preparation makes it ideal for occasions when you want to share an excellent typical dish without culinary complications.

Comparative table with other similar Shrimp recipes

Share your experience

Home cooking is a space to experiment and share. Tell us how this Shrimp Meatball recipe turned out for you and if you tried any different variations or accompaniments. Did you dare to use a substitute for shrimp? What was your personal touch in the sauce? The community really enjoys discovering how everyone puts their stamp on a traditional recipe.

Key culinary glossary for Shrimp Meatballs

• Julienne: Cutting vegetables into thin, long strips, as for salads or stews.
• Brunoise: Cutting into very small cubes, around 2 mm, used for broths or fillings.
• Shock: Technique that consists of gently cooking in hot liquid without boiling, for delicate ingredients.
• Tender point: State of cooking in which meat or seafood is cooked but maintains juiciness and a soft texture.
• Sear: Briefly browning the surface of meat or seafood to preserve its moisture during cooking.