Shrimp Sushi, known as ebi sushi in Japan, is a delicate and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the satisfying texture of seasoned rice.
What Is Shrimp Sushi?
Shrimp sushi is a type of nigiri sushi, which is a style of sushi where a slice of seafood is placed atop a small mound of rice. In shrimp sushi, sweet, tender shrimp (often boiled or sometimes lightly grilled) rests on top of seasoned rice, secured with a strip of nori (seaweed) if desired. The result is a simple, clean-tasting piece of sushi that highlights the natural flavors of shrimp, enhanced with a hint of vinegar from the rice.
Shrimp sushi is versatile and can be served in several styles, including:
- Ebi Nigiri: Boiled shrimp placed over rice.
- Ama Ebi: Sweet raw shrimp served as nigiri or sashimi.
- Tempura Shrimp Roll: Fried shrimp rolled with rice, avocado, cucumber, and nori.
Ingredients for Shrimp Sushi
Making shrimp sushi at home requires just a few ingredients:
Soy Sauce, Wasabi, and Pickled Ginger: Traditional accompaniments for serving.
Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp is key. Opt for large shrimp (like tiger shrimp) for a more authentic experience.
Sushi Rice: Short-grain rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Rice Vinegar: Essential for seasoning the rice and giving it that signature sushi taste.
Nori (optional): Seaweed strips to wrap around the sushi for presentation.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Sushi
- Use high-quality shrimp: Fresh shrimp yields the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and dry them well before cooking.
- Don’t over-season the rice: The rice should complement, not overpower, the shrimp. Go easy on the vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Keep a bowl of water handy: Sushi rice can be sticky. Wet your hands slightly before handling the rice to prevent it from sticking.
- Experiment with raw shrimp: For a more adventurous version, try making ama ebi, or sweet shrimp sushi, using raw shrimp. Just make sure it’s sushi-grade!
Variations of Shrimp Sushi
There are several creative variations of shrimp sushi that add layers of flavor and texture:
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Roll: For a Western twist, add cream cheese to the shrimp roll along with avocado and cucumber. It’s a hit at parties and a favorite for those new to sushi.
Shrimp Tempura Roll: Use tempura-battered shrimp to add a crispy texture. Roll it with sushi rice, nori, and ingredients like avocado and cucumber for a delightful crunch.
Spicy Shrimp Roll: Mix cooked shrimp with spicy mayo, then roll it with cucumber, avocado, and rice for a sushi roll with a kick.
How to Serve Shrimp Sushi
Shrimp sushi is best served fresh, with traditional condiments on the side:
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami kick. Dip sparingly to avoid overpowering the shrimp.
- Wasabi: Provides a sharp, spicy heat. Dab a tiny amount on each piece or mix with soy sauce.
- Pickled Ginger (Gari): Refreshes the palate between bites and adds a mild sweetness.
Presentation Tips
- Arrange sushi pieces on a clean white plate for a classic look.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair with light, crisp sake or green tea for an authentic Japanese dining experience.
How to Store Shrimp Sushi
Shrimp sushi is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but if you have leftovers, store them properly:
- Refrigerate: Place leftover sushi in an airtight container, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and refrigerate. Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing changes the texture of both the shrimp and rice, making it unsuitable for sushi.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp sushi?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well, especially if fresh shrimp isn’t available. Just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and dried before cooking.
How long can shrimp sushi sit out?
Sushi should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep it refrigerated if you’re not eating it right away.
Is raw shrimp safe for sushi?
Yes, as long as it’s sushi-grade (or sashimi-grade) shrimp, which is handled and frozen to ensure it’s safe for raw consumption. Ama ebi, or sweet shrimp, is a popular raw version.
Can I make shrimp sushi without rice vinegar?
Rice vinegar gives sushi rice its unique flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar in a pinch. However, for the most authentic flavor, rice vinegar is best.
Why is my shrimp sushi falling apart?
If the shrimp or rice isn’t molded tightly enough, your sushi may fall apart. Also, slightly damp hands help mold the rice without it being too sticky.
Shrimp Sushi
Shrimp Sushi, known as ebi sushi in Japan, is a delicate and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the satisfying texture of seasoned rice.
Ingredients
- 8 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 avocado, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips
- 5 sheets roasted seaweed
- Soy sauce and wasabi for dipping
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Add 1 cup of sushi rice and 2 cups of water to your rice cooker. Let it cook until sticky and tender. (Or follow package instructions for stovetop.)
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the rice cooks, heat butter and garlic in a small pan over medium heat. Once the garlic releases its aroma, add the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, then remove from heat and chop into small pieces.
- Season the Rice: Once the rice is done, gently stir in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for that classic sushi flavor.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay a sheet of seaweed on your work surface. Spread a thin layer of rice across the sheet. Along the bottom third, layer the shrimp, avocado slices, and cucumber strips.
- Roll and Slice: Roll up the seaweed tightly, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve: Arrange on a plate and serve with soy sauce and wasabi on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 159Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 25mgSodium 475mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 4g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp sushi is a delightful way to enjoy sushi at home, offering a perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and elegance. Whether you’re making classic ebi nigiri or a creative roll, shrimp is a versatile ingredient that brings a sweet and mild flavor to sushi, making it ideal for beginners and sushi enthusiasts alike. With the right techniques and a few fresh ingredients, you can easily recreate this sushi bar staple in your own kitchen.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
