Everything About Ebi Fried (Japanese Fried Shrimp) and Where to Find Them in Tokyo

What is Ebi Fried?

Ebi fried is a popular Japanese deep-fried dish where large shrimp (ebi) are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Known for its crisp coating and juicy texture, it’s a staple in both home cooking and restaurant menus. Often categorized as a type of yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food), ebi fried is typically served with rice, salad, and tartar sauce. You’ll also find it sold in the deli section of Japanese supermarkets.

The History of Ebi Fried

Ebi fried originated from Western frying techniques that were introduced to Japan and adapted to local tastes. European cuisine gained popularity after Japan opened its borders, and fried shrimp became a staple during the yoshoku boom about 50 years ago. Since then, it has become a classic menu item in both households and restaurants.

Ebi Fried Abroad

Outside Japan, fried shrimp is often served in Japanese restaurants, frequently paired with sushi or ramen. It’s commonly referred to as tempura shrimp, although there is a distinction between tempura and fry dishes in Japan due to differing batter.

If you’re inspired to try making it at home, you can find panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and fresh or frozen shrimp at most Asian grocery stores.

How to Make Ebi Fried at Home

Making ebi fried at home is straightforward. Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients (4 Servings)

1. 12 medium-to-large shrimp
2. Flour: as needed
3. 2 beaten eggs
4. Panko (breadcrumbs): as needed
5. A pinch of salt
6. Cooking oil: as needed
7. Half a head of cabbage for garnish

Prepare the Shrimp

Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on for an attractive finish. Devein and make shallow cuts along the belly to keep the shrimp straight. Lightly press to flatten.

Coat the Shrimp

Lightly salt the shrimp, then coat it in flour, dip it in beaten egg, and cover it with panko.

Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil to 170°C and fry the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Serve

Plate with shredded cabbage and serve with tartar sauce or Worcestershire sauce

How to Eat Ebi Fried

When it comes to ebi fried, it's common to pair it with tartar sauce. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing squeeze of lemon or try it with Worcestershire sauce or ketchup for a different flavor.

Tartar Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

1. 1 boiled egg (finely chopped)
2. 3 tbsp mayonnaise
3. 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles
4. Salt and pepper to taste
5. 1 tsp lemon juice

Make sure the egg and pickles are chopped, mix all ingredients, and it’s ready to serve!

Where to Enjoy Ebi Fried in Japan

Supermarkets

Freshly made ebi fry is often available in the deli section of supermarkets, but not found in convenience stores

Family Restaurants

Affordable and family-friendly, these chain restaurants frequently include ebi fried on their menus.

Bento Shops

Ebi fried is a classic staple in Japan's bento culture. It comes in various styles, from small, bite-sized pieces for bento boxes to large, luxurious shrimp served on gourmet plates.

Specialty Fry Restaurants

Ebi fried is often included on the menu at restaurants that specialize in other fried dishes like tonkatsu. Many of these places use large, fresh Kuruma Prawns, creating a dish so carefully crafted that it feels far more special than just a side item.

Yoshoku Restaurants

You can also enjoy traditional ebi fried at long-established yoshoku restaurants. Many of these places are famous for their signature ebi fried, often made with large shrimp, sometimes served with the head intact, which is also a favorite among Japanese diners.

Unique Ebi Fried in Popular Tourist Spots

Nagoya, known for its miso-katsu sauce, often pairs it with ebi fried. At coastal towns, you can enjoy ebi fried using freshly caught shrimp.

Top Ebi Fried Spots in Tokyo

1. Fry-ya (Fry家) / Takadanobaba

A fry specialty shop featured in the MICHELIN Guide for multiple years. The innovative fried dishes are crafted by a chef with experience at a MICHELIN-starred Japanese restaurant. During lunch, you can enjoy the mixed fry set meal featuring a variety of fries in small portions, while dinner offers a course menu where each item is served freshly fried. The menu includes not only tonkatsu but also ebi fried and a wide range of other fried delights.

2. Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi (黒豚とんかつ ほり壱) / Shimbashi

This hidden gem in Shinbashi is a kurobuta pork tonkatsu specialty restaurant that has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand for multiple years. Kurobuta, a Japanese breed known for its sweetness and rich flavor, takes center stage here. Their tonkatsu made with Kagoshima Kurobuta is exceptional, and their ebi fried also comes highly recommended.

3. Ponta Honke (ぽん多 本家) / Ueno

A renowned yoshoku restaurant with over 100 years of history, featured in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years. Known for signature dishes like beef stew and cutlets, their fried items are carefully prepared at low temperatures using homemade lard, resulting in exceptional flavor. Their fried dishes featuring seafood from the Tokyo area are also outstanding, with the ebi fried being particularly popular.

Higher-End Izakayas to Visit on Your Trip to Tokyo

1. Daikanyama Issai Kassai (代官山 いっさい喝采) / Daikanyama,Shibuya

This izakaya, which has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide for several years, is run by a chef with training experience in both Japan and the United States. Guests at the counter can fully engage their senses: sight, sound, smell, and taste, all while enjoying dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients grilled over charcoal.

2. Ginza Nominokoji Yamagishi (銀座 吞小路やま岸) / Ginza

A high-end izakaya featured in the MICHELIN Guide. With its main branch in Kyoto, the restaurant offers exquisite dishes made with carefully selected ingredients from across Japan, particularly from Kyoto. The interior is stylish yet calming, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that sets it apart from typical izakayas. With an open kitchen, diners can enjoy a lively, interactive experience.

3. Kabukizaura Masashi (歌舞伎座裏 まさし) / Higashi-Ginza

An izakaya featured in the MICHELIN Guide for two consecutive years, located behind the historic Kabuki-za theater in Ginza. The menu offers a wide variety of must-try Japanese dishes, including tempura, sushi, fried foods, sashimi, grilled fish, and gyoza. Despite the variety, each dish is of the highest quality.