Ebi Sushi

Ebi Sushi is a classic Japanese dish that features sweet boiled prawns on top of seasoned rice. This type of sushi is known as nigiri and is very popular because of its simple and fresh taste. You can easily make this version at home with just a few basic ingredients from the shop. It works perfectly as a light lunch or part of a larger dinner spread.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Ebi Sushi

What is good about ebi sushi

This recipe is great because it uses simple techniques to achieve a professional result. Boiling the prawns makes them tender and highlights their natural sweetness. Learning how to make ebi sushi allows you to enjoy high quality seafood without needing to handle raw fish. It is a healthy and satisfying meal that looks beautiful on any plate.

A step-by-step guide to ebi sushi

Step 1
Prepare rice: Wash the rice in a sieve until the water runs clear. Put the rice and water into a pot and bring it to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for fifteen minutes with the lid on. Remove from the heat and let it rest for ten minutes before stirring in the vinegar, sugar and salt.
Step 2
Cook prawns: Remove the shells from the prawns but keep the tails attached. Push a small skewer through each prawn to keep it straight. Boil them in water for two minutes until they turn pink and firm. Place them in cold water to stop the cooking process immediately.
Step 3
Butterfly prawns: Remove the skewers carefully once the prawns are cool. Use a sharp knife to cut along the belly side without going all the way through the back. Open the prawn up and press it flat so it can sit easily on the rice. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
Step 4
Assemble sushi: Wet your hands with a little water so the rice does not stick. Shape a small amount of rice into an oval ball about the size of your palm. Spread a tiny bit of wasabi on the inside of the prawn. Press the prawn firmly onto the rice to finish your ebi sushi.

Useful tips for ebi sushi

Choosing the right rice is the most important part of making ebi sushi. Short grain sushi rice has the correct amount of starch to stick together properly. If the prawns curl up too much during boiling, they will not sit flat on the rice. Using skewers is a simple way to ensure they stay straight and look professional.

Make sure the rice has cooled to room temperature before you start shaping it. If the rice is too hot, it will make the prawns warm and lose their fresh texture. You can also add a little bit of lemon juice to the boiling water for extra flavour. Always use a damp cloth to cover the rice if you are not using it immediately so it does not dry out.

You can also try these recipes: pasta salad with chicken, homemade burger or tuna sauce for pasta.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 250 g sushi rice
  • 300 ml water
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 12 large prawns
  • 1 tsp wasabi

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2343 kJ / 560 kcal
  • Fat:2 g
  • - of which saturates:1 g
  • Carbohydrates:105 g
  • - of which sugars:7 g
  • Protein:28 g
  • Fibre:2 g
  • Salt:1.2 g

People also ask

Yes, you can use frozen prawns as long as they are fully defrosted before cooking. Make sure to pat them dry after boiling so they stay firmly on the rice. This is a very common way to prepare Ebi Sushi at home.
It is best to eat the sushi on the day it is made for the best texture and flavour. If you have leftovers, store the Ebi Sushi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to twenty four hours. The rice may become slightly hard if kept in the fridge for too long.
Inserting a small wooden skewer or toothpick through the length of the prawn before boiling is the most effective method. This prevents them from curling into a circle when they hit the hot water. This technique ensures your prawns look perfect for nigiri style sushi.
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4.7 / 5 - (23 ratings)