Introduction
If you love crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned shrimp, then this Japanese Style Deep-Fried Shrimp (Ebi Fry) is a must-try recipe. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of Japanese cuisine, or just looking for a simple yet delicious dish to impress your family and friends, this recipe is perfect for you.
Ebi Fry is a popular Japanese dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. It’s commonly served in bento boxes, alongside tonkatsu, or as part of a meal set in Japanese restaurants. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few key ingredients!
In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know to master this dish—from step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and storage solutions. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Japanese Style Deep-Fried Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled (tails left on) and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare this dish, you’ll need:
- A deep fryer or a deep skillet
- A mixing bowl for seasoning the shrimp
- Three shallow bowls (for flour mixture, eggs, and panko crumbs)
- A slotted spoon for safely removing the shrimp from hot oil
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Set Up the Coating Stations
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour and paprika.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
4. Coat the Shrimp
- Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, ensuring a light coating.
- Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the shrimp in panko crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even crust.
5. Fry Until Golden Brown
- Carefully drop a few shrimp at a time into the hot oil.
- Fry for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tonkatsu sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy shrimp, double-coat by dipping the shrimp in the egg and panko twice.
- Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mixture.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko.
- Air-fryer method: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Baking method: Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes on a greased wire rack.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Place shrimp on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 2 months).
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Japanese Fried Shrimp
Ebi Fry pairs well with:
- Steamed rice and miso soup
- Shredded cabbage with sesame dressing
- Japanese curry
- Cold beer, sake, or green tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Coat the shrimp in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
What’s the difference between tempura and Ebi Fry?
Tempura batter is lighter and made with a wet batter, while Ebi Fry uses panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Japanese Style Deep-Fried Shrimp (Ebi Fry) recipe is crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for dinner, a party, or just craving restaurant-quality shrimp at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
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