Ebi furai

Ebi furai is a widely beloved Japanese dish made up of breaded and deep-fried tiger prawns – otherwise known as ebi – served with a savoury sauce. It is a delectable amalgamation that is as much a pleasure to behold as it is to devour.

Ebi furai


What elevates this dish to such great heights is the dynamic combination of textures and flavours; the crispiness of the deep-fried prawns is met with the succulent juiciness of the meat beneath, while the accompanying sauce brings a unique umami quality to the table. This harmonious melange of complementary tastes makes ebi furai a truly memorable creation.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. A lot of time and resources are not required to whip up an order of ebi furai – all that is needed is a decent-sized pot for deep-frying, some panko for breading, and a few basic ingredients for the sauce. The end result, however, is far from commonplace.

Having been around since the early 19th century, ebi furai has stood the test of time and remains a perennial favourite amongst foodies from all walks of life. Whether it be a family gathering or restaurant meal, there is no question that ebi furai will liven up the atmosphere with its undying popularity.

For those in search of a delightful, timeless classic, look no further than ebi furai – a scrumptious stalwart of Japanese gastronomy that is sure to perdure.

Ebi furai recipes

Amazing Ebi furai recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Ebi furai

The origin of the delectable dish Ebi Furai can be traced back centuries – and its history is filled with stories and nuances that make it so irresistible.

For starters, the word ‘ebi’ is derived from the Japanese phrase ‘ebi o tsuru’, meaning ‘to celebrate shrimp’. To put this into perspective, ebi is the Japanese word for shrimp, and tsuru means to tie together or make one. So by celebrating shrimp, the Japanese were in essence creating a communal atmosphere around what was otherwise an individualistic food experience.

The term ‘furai’, meanwhile, is believed to originate from East India, where it describes a particular style of frying. It is thought that this term was brought to Japan during the Edo period, which spanned from the late 16th century to the mid 19th century. During this period, foreign influences began to shape the culture, and thus the cuisine, of Japan.

At its core, Ebi Furai is a dish of deep-fried shrimp, coated in a tempura-style batter and served with Asian sides like seaweed salad. Its history gives it an added value – it reminds us of not just our culinary heritage, but also of the shared experiences that have shaped our culture over time.

But the story of the Ebi Furai doesn’t end there. The dish has evolved over the years to include more ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques. Today, there are variations like spicy Ebi Furai, served with a special chili sauce, and crunchy Ebi Furai, made with panko crumbs instead of a tempura batter to create a crispier texture.

No matter which version you choose to try, one thing remains clear: the rich, nuanced history of Ebi Furai will always make it a timeless favorite.

FAQs about Ebi furai

Is Ebi Furai tempura?

No, Ebi Furai is a type of deep-fried breaded shrimp dish, not tempura. Tempura is a type of deep-fried batter-coated seafood or vegetable dish.


What is Japanese Ebi?

Japanese Ebi is a type of prawn or shrimp commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is often used as an ingredient in sushi, tempura, and other dishes. The most common species of ebi used in Japan is the Kuruma prawn (Penaeus japonicus).


What is the difference between Ebi fry and tempura?

Ebi fry is a style of Japanese deep-fried shrimp that is marinated in a light egg batter and coated in panko bread crumbs before being fried. The shrimp is usually served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Tempura is a style of Japanese deep-fried vegetables or seafood that is coated in a light batter made from wheat flour, eggs, and cold water and then deep-fried. The ingredients are lightly battered and cooked briefly in very hot oil giving them a delicate texture and crispy coating.


What to eat with Ebi Furai?

Ebi Furai is usually served with a variety of sides and condiments, including green onions, shredded cabbage, pickled ginger, katsu sauce, and tonkatsu sauce. Common accompaniments also include steamed rice, miso soup, seaweed salad, and gyoza.


Types of Ebi furai

Ebi Furai (海老フライ) is one of Japan's most beloved dishes, renowned for its deep-fried morsels of succulent shrimp imbued with a quintessential balance of texture and flavor. This popular dish is as varied as the many restaurants where it is served. From the crisp outer shell and fluffy interior of Kushiage-style Ebi Furai to the sweet-and-spicy Tokyo-style Ebifurai, there is a variety of scrumptious styles bound to tantalize any palate.

The most ubiquitous version of this delectable specialty is the classic Kushiage-style Ebi Furai. In this style, shrimp is dipped in a light batter before it is marinated in panko and deep-fried until it becomes a crispy, golden-brown delight. A dipping sauce of either soy sauce or Tonkatsu sauce is usually served on the side to enhance the savory flavors. Kushiage-style Ebi Furai is a hearty staple in Japanese cuisine, and is a common sight at traditional Izakayas, izakaya-style pubs, and even home kitchens.

Another popular preparation of the Ebi Furai is the Tokyo-style Ebifurai. This variation is more of a fusion between Western and Japanese cultures, resulting in a unique flavor experience. Before cooking, the shrimp is dusted with flour and egg wash, then lightly pan-fried before being smothered in a sweet and savory sauce made from mirin, sugar, sake and soy sauce. For an even more decadent taste, some restaurants also add a layer of cheese on top.

For those who are feeling a bit more adventurous, there is also the Hiroshima-Style Ebi Furai. Here, the shrimp is surrounded by a thin layer of egg omelette, creating a savory and delightful dish. The egg omelette is first cooked in a small skillet before being added to the Ebi Furai. Once deep-fried, the egg omelette will create an unexpected texture contrast, adding an extra layer of mouthwatering delight to the dish.

Regardless of which style or variation you choose, one thing is certain: Ebi Furai will always provide a satisfying meal. Whether you're sharing a plate of Kushiage-style Ebi Furai with friends, or indulging in a plate of Tokyo-style Ebifurai, you can enjoy a unique, delicious and unforgettable experience. So why not take a bite into Japan's favorite fried shrimp dish and explore the myriad of flavors and textures it has to offer.