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Ebi fry (エビフライ)

Japan

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Ebi furai anime illustration featuring tempura shrimp, Japanese cuisine

A traditional Japanese dish – crispy shrimp coated in breadcrumbs, served on a bed of finely shredded cabbage with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. The dish combines a crunchy crust with the fresh aroma of vegetables, perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Ebi furai recipe, Japanese cuisine, anime illustration, Studio Ghibli-inspired style

    Thinly slice the cabbage to about 1 mm thickness, soak it in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain using a colander.

  2. Ebi furai with tartar sauce, Japanese cuisine, anime‑style cooking illustration

    Combine mayonnaise, finely chopped boiled egg, onion, salt, and pepper to make tartar sauce.

  3. Japanese cuisine: shrimp prep, anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Remove the shells, heads, and legs from the shrimp, leaving the tail with a small piece of shell. Devein by removing the black dorsal vein, make cuts on the belly about every 1 cm, and flatten them so they do not curl during frying.

  4. Japanese cuisine: Ebi Furai, anime recipe illustration

    Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, lightly salt and pepper them. Dredge them sequentially in flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.

  5. Ebi furai shrimp fry anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Heat the vegetable oil in a pot or skillet to 170 °C. Fry the shrimp over medium heat for about 2 minutes until golden‑brown, cooking in two batches.

  6. Ebi Furai served – anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Pile the sliced cabbage onto a plate, place the fried shrimp beside it, and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

FAQ

What is Ebi Fry (えびフライ)?

Ebi Fry is a popular Japanese dish featuring shrimp coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried, often served with tartar sauce and shredded cabbage.

What do you serve with Ebi Fry?

Ebi Fry is traditionally served with tartar sauce, a wedge of lemon, and a bed of finely shredded cabbage to balance the richness.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Ebi Fry?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Ebi Fry. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before breading for the best crispy results.

How can I make Ebi Fry extra crispy, like in anime?

To achieve anime-level crispiness, use fresh panko breadcrumbs, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature for frying, and don't overcrowd the pan.

What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

While panko is ideal for its unique crispiness, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, though the texture will be slightly different. You can also make your own from stale white bread.