Ebi Furai - Deep Fried Shrimp or Prawns

Ebi Furai, a beloved Japanese dish, features deep-fried, breaded prawns that deliver a delightful crunch with each bite. As a versatile dish, it is enjoyed both as an appetizer and a main course, often served with tonkatsu or tartar sauce, accompanied by vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, and tomato. The origin of Ebi Furai dates back to a Western-style restaurant named "Rengatei" in 1895, where the owner aimed to create a dish more popular than existing favorites. Over time, various serving styles developed, emphasizing its crispy exterior and juicy interior.

The shrimp, used for Ebi Furai, is often Vannamei shrimp, known for its ease of farming. Fried shrimp is typically paired with tonkatsu sauce or tartar sauce. Tonkatsu sauce is a savory mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and tomato paste, while tartar sauce is creamier with mayonnaise, pickles, and capers.

The preparation of Ebi Furai involves cleaning and coating the shrimp in a breadcrumb mixture before deep frying until golden brown. Served with garnishments like shredded cabbage and lemon, Ebi Furai remains a staple in Japanese cuisine, renowned for its texture and flavor, celebrated annually on June 21 due to its resemblance to "fu (2) rai (1)" and enjoyed by many worldwide.