Ranch-Infused Crispy Shrimp & Pork Meatballs
Elevate your appetizer game with these Ranch-Infused Crispy Shrimp & Pork Meatballs! Juicy ground pork is blended with succulent shrimp and a delightful ranch flavor, encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating that adds texture to every bite. Enhanced with zesty parmesan and fresh chives, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress at your next gathering. Serve with a creamy ranch yogurt dip for an extra touch of flavor. Easy to make and absolutely satisfying, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (Regular or panko breadcrumbs for coating)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix
1 ounce (For flavoring the pork and shrimp)
Shrimp
10 (Peeled and deveined)
Ground pork
1 lb (For meatball base)
Egg
1 (Large, for binding)
Chives
1/2 cup (Chopped, divided for mixture and garnish)
Greek yogurt
1 cup (For the dipping sauce)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dip mix. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
2
On a plate, arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dip mix. Toss the shrimp gently to coat.
3
In another bowl, combine the ground pork with half of the breadcrumb mixture and the egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4
Mix half of the chopped chives into the remaining breadcrumb mixture for coating.
5
Take a scoop of the pork mixture and flatten it slightly. Place one seasoned shrimp in the center and fold the pork around it, forming a tight ball. Repeat this process for the remaining shrimp and pork mixture.
6
Roll each meatball in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned and cooked through.
8
While the meatballs are frying, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the remaining Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dip mix with about 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Stir well until smooth.
9
To serve, drizzle some of the ranch yogurt dip into martini glasses or small serving bowls. Carefully place the warm meatballs on top and enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ranch-Infused Crispy Shrimp & Pork Meatballs?
They are juicy ground pork meatballs with a succulent shrimp center, flavored with ranch seasoning and coated in crispy breadcrumbs and parmesan.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground pork and 10 peeled and deveined shrimp.
What seasoning provides the ranch flavor?
The flavor comes from Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix.
How many shrimp are needed for the meatballs?
You will need 10 shrimp, which are placed inside the pork meatballs.
What ingredients are used for the crispy coating?
The coating is made from a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, ranch dip mix, and chopped chives.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either regular or panko breadcrumbs for the coating.
What is the binding agent for the meatballs?
One large egg is used to help bind the ground pork mixture together.
How do you prepare the shrimp before assembly?
The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and sprinkled with 1 teaspoon of ranch dip mix.
How are the meatballs assembled?
Take a scoop of the pork mixture, flatten it, place a seasoned shrimp in the center, and fold the pork around it to form a ball.
How long should the meatballs be cooked?
Fry the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
What heat setting is used for frying?
The meatballs should be cooked in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
What is the dipping sauce made of?
The dipping sauce is a blend of 1 cup of Greek yogurt and the remaining ranch dip mix.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Are the chives used inside the meatballs or outside?
Chives are divided; half are mixed into the breadcrumb coating and the rest can be used for garnish.
Is the shrimp cooked before being put inside the pork?
No, the shrimp are seasoned raw and then cooked inside the meatball during the frying process.
How much ranch dip mix is needed in total?
The recipe uses one 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix.
What is a suggested serving presentation for a party?
You can drizzle the ranch yogurt dip into martini glasses or small bowls and place the warm meatballs on top.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 10 meatballs, based on the number of shrimp used.
Can these be served cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best enjoyed immediately while warm and crispy.
Is the dipping sauce spicy?
No, it is a creamy and zesty sauce based on Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning.
What type of yogurt is best for the dip?
The recipe recommends using Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier consistency.
How much breadcrumbs are needed for the whole recipe?
You will need 1 cup of breadcrumbs, which are split between the pork mixture and the coating.
What makes the meatballs juicy?
The combination of ground pork and a shrimp center ensures a moist and succulent interior.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy-to-make recipe suitable for any occasion.
Do I need to deep fry the meatballs?
No, shallow frying in a non-stick skillet over medium heat is sufficient.
How much chives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped chives.
What should the texture of the breadcrumb mixture be?
It should be thoroughly mixed with parmesan and ranch seasoning to ensure even flavor distribution.
Should I grease the skillet?
The instructions mention heating a non-stick skillet; you may add a small amount of oil if needed to help with browning.
Can I substitute the ground pork?
While pork provides the specific flavor and juiciness for this recipe, other ground meats could be used, though results may vary.
What is the primary occasion for this dish?
It is designed as an appetizer or party food, perfect for gatherings.