Amaebi (Sweet Shrimp / Spot Prawns)
on Feb 03, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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Amaebi means sweet shrimp in Japanese. It’s one of the most popular dishes among sushi lovers. Amaebi is often served raw as amaebi sashimi, amaebi sushi, or amaebi nigiri. Alternatively, you can make shrimp tempura or grill it. In this post you’ll learn everything about ama ebi (ebi shrimp), and how to make sweet shrimp sashimi.
What is Amaebi?
Also called sweet shrimp, pink shrimp or spot prawns, amaebi are cold water northern shrimp that come from very deep in the ocean. They have a unique sweet flavor, and are caught small when they’re at the peak of the sweetness early in their life cycle.
They’re often served as a fresh and raw delicacy.
Ways to Use Amaebi
Amaebi is very versatile and can be served raw or cooked. It’s often served in:
- Sashimi
- Nigiri
- Sushi
- Shrimp Tempura
- Grilled Sweet Shrimp
When it’s served raw with sushi rice, it’s often accompanied by wasabi, and topped with masago or tobiko. When the head is served, it’s often fried in potato starch.
How to Prepare Raw Amaebi Sweet Shrimp?
Defrost your shrimp beforehand if they’re frozen.
First, grab the body with one hand and pinch the head between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. Twist the body of the shrimp to remove the head. Then gently remove the shell around the body, leaving the last piece of the shell connected to the tail. The tail is usually left as the beautiful decoration.
Then, cut open the shrimp body from the back (or belly side), but don’t cut it through to the other side. Remove the entrails.
How to Make Amaebi Shrimp Sashimi
- Prepare a bowl of hot water and iced water.
- Dip the prepared amaebi shrimp into the hot water for a few seconds.
- Then place the shrimp into the iced water immediately.
- Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Arrange them on a plate. (Optional: You can deep fry the head and place it next to the amaebi as a decoration).
Nutrition Value and Health Benefits
Amaebi is a good source of lean protein and phosphorus which supports our teeth and bones. It’s also rich in vitamin B12 and low in saturated fat.
Amaebi vs Ebi
Ebi refers to a Japanese traditional method of preparing shrimp by “butterflying” them. The shrimp are split open from the bottom and laid out flat. It’s originally used on nigiri, but can also be used on maki. Ebi often means cooked butterflied shrimp tails, while amaebi often refers to live spot prawns that are served as sashimi, nigiri, or sushi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Amaebi Taste Like?
Amaebi tastes sweet and delicious with a special texture.
Where to Buy Sashimi-grade Amaebi?
You can find sashimi-grade amaebi at local Japanese grocery stores, or order them online. Healthy amaebi sweet shrimp are translucent. If they look pink and the tails are curling up, they’re not fresh.
Look for Amaebi that have little or no black spotting in the head.
How to Store Amaebi Spot Prawn?
If you bought live amaebi, it’s best to cook your amaebi immediately for the best flavor. If you have to wait, remove the head as soon as possible and rinse the tails thoroughly. Then keep them in a container with packaged ice. Replace the ice daily and you can store them up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Other Japanese Recipes You May Also Like
Amaebi Sweet Shrimp Sashimi Recipe
Instructions
Prepare Amaebi:
- Defrost your shrimp beforehand if they’re frozen.
- Grab the body with one hand and pinch the head between the thumb and index finger of the other hand.
- Twist the body of the shrimp to remove the head. Then gently remove the shell around the body, leaving the last piece of the shell connected to the tail. The tail is usually left as the beautiful decoration.
- Rinse the shrimp thoroughly. Cut open the body from the back (or belly side), but don’t cut it through to the other side. Remove the entrails.
Make Amaebi Sashimi:
- Prepare a bowl of hot water and iced water.
- Dip the prepared amaebi shrimp into the hot water for a few seconds.
- Then place the shrimp into the iced water immediately.
- Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Arrange them on a plate. (Optional: You can deep fry the head and place it next to the amaebi as a decoration).
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
