Taste Japan’s Crunchy Delight: Spicy Panko Prawns at Home

Seafood is at the heart of Japanese cuisine, with a massive variety of delicacies and snacks. The Ebi Fry or breaded fried prawns is among the all-time favourites, enjoyed as a snack,appetizer and Bento lunchbox filler.

Ebi Fry is a Yoshuku dish

Breaded deep-dried foods like the Ebi Fry are a Yoshuku specialty, as in Western-style dishes reimagined with distinctive Japanese flavours. In fact, Ebi means prawn in Japanese.

Ebi Fry has a fluffy soft crunchiness, thanks to the panko breadcrumbs in the batter. Unlike other crumbs, panko crumbs are made from a crust-less bread, baked via an electric current, and ground to near powder form. Panko crumbs also absorb less oil during the fry, which results in a crunchy golden coating that locks in the prawns’ natural savoury flavour. Crispy outside and umami within.

While traditional Japanese panko offers a neutral yet delightfully crispy texture, the new spicy version adds a bold twist. It offers a unique kick that is different from traditional panko.

Want a taste? Make your own spicy Ebi Fry with these simple steps from our authentic recipe:

How to make Spicy Ebi Fry at home

Step 1:
With a paring knife, carefully make some small cuts along the prawns’ undersides. Then place each prawn on your working surface and press down to flatten it.

Step 2:
Put the flour, eggs and spicy panko breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls.

Step 3:
Hold each prawn by the tail, and dip it into the flour, followed by the egg and finally coat in with the spicy panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4:
Heat oil in a wok or pot to 180°C. Dip in and fry the prawns in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5:
Serve your spicy Ebi Fry with shredded cabbage and enjoy!

Besides Ebi Fry, panko breadcrumbs are also essential in creating another beloved Yoshoku dish: Tonkatsu, the breaded pork cutlet. And the fried pork cutlet shares a similarly satisfying crunch and flavour with spicy Ebi Fry.

Make it fiery with Obento Spicy Panko Breadcrumbs

Bring a peppery aroma to your Japanese Katsu delights with Obento Spicy Panko Breadcrumbs! Every flake is deliciously crunchy with a spicy and peppery tang that elevates your favourite meats, seafood and even vegetables to a bold new taste dimension.

Obento Spicy Panko Breadcrumbs also makes your Katsu cooking a breeze. No need for extra seasoning or spicy flavouring, and no double-frying required for extra crunchiness. Available at your local supermarket!

Obento is a trusted authentic Japanese food brand that provides a comprehensive range of products to cook your favourite Japanese dishes, including staple condiments like mirin, cooking sake, rice wine vinegar, Yakitori sauce, Ponzu sauce, shoyu soy sauce; as well as panko breadcrumbs, tempura mix, noodles, nori seaweed and many more. Do check them out at your local supermarket!