Japanese ebi chili is a shrimp in chili sauce recipe that combines juicy shrimp with a glossy sweet savory sauce and gentle heat. The shrimp are usually peeled, cleaned, and lightly coated with starch before being pan fried so they stay tender with a delicate outside texture. The sauce can be made with ketchup, chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce, sake, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, or chicken stock for a balanced mix of sweetness, spice, tang, and umami. As the sauce thickens, it clings to each shrimp and creates a rich red glaze without overpowering the seafood. Green onion, scrambled egg, sesame seeds, or chili oil can add extra flavor and texture. The final ebi chili is warm, saucy, and satisfying, making it easy to serve with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, salad, or other Japanese home-style dishes.
