Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The use of panko breadcrumbs ensures a light and crunchy coating.
- Flavorful Seasoning: A blend of garlic powder and paprika adds a savory depth to the shrimp.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
- 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 breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
- Prepare the Coatings: Set up three separate shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with paprika, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the eggs, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, fry the shrimp for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Ebi Tempura: For a lighter batter, dip the shrimp in tempura batter instead of using panko breadcrumbs.
- Coconut Shrimp: Mix shredded coconut with the panko breadcrumbs for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
What is Ebi Fry?
Ebi Fry is a Japanese dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried shrimp, known for its crispy texture and savory flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and frying.
What dipping sauces pair well with Ebi Fry?
Common choices include tartar sauce, tonkatsu sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon.
How can I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?
Ensure the shrimp are dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the shrimp. Chilling the breaded shrimp for 15 minutes before frying can also help.
Is it necessary to leave the tails on the shrimp?
Leaving the tails on provides a convenient handle for eating but is optional based on preference.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, are ideal for frying.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
How do I make the shrimp straight for presentation?
Make shallow cuts along the underside of the shrimp and gently straighten them before coating and frying.
What side dishes complement Ebi Fry?
Ebi Fry pairs well with steamed rice, shredded cabbage salad, or miso soup.
Conclusion
Ebi Fry offers a delightful combination of crispy coating and tender shrimp, making it a favorite in Japanese cuisine. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your home.

Japanese-Style Deep-Fried Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Enjoy the crispy perfection of Ebi Fry, a classic Japanese deep-fried shrimp dish coated in golden panko breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a crunchy texture and delicious flavor, making it a perfect appetizer or main course
Ingredients
- 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 breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for even seasoning.
- Prepare the Coatings: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour and paprika, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the shrimp by dipping them in eggs and panko a second time.
- Chill breaded shrimp for 15 minutes before frying to help the coating stay intact.
- Serve with tartar sauce, tonkatsu sauce, or fresh lemon wedges.