Decoding Your Dinner: How many calories are in Ebi?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

A 3-ounce serving of plain, cooked shrimp contains approximately 84–90 calories, making it a very low-calorie protein source. Understanding how many calories are in Ebi depends heavily on its preparation, with methods like steaming, frying, or combining with other ingredients drastically altering the nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of Ebi varies significantly with its preparation, ranging from minimal calories in plain steamed versions to much higher counts in fried tempura. Plain ebi is a lean protein source, but additions like sushi rice, batter, and sauces can increase the total.

Key Points

Preparation is Key: The calorie count of Ebi is entirely dependent on how it's prepared, with tempura being the highest in calories.
Lean Protein Source: Plain or steamed Ebi is a very low-calorie, high-protein food.
Sushi Rice Adds Carbs: Ebi nigiri has significantly more calories than steamed shrimp alone due to the addition of starchy, often sweetened, sushi rice.
Fried Versions Are Calorie-Dense: Deep-fried Ebi tempura and Ebi fry dramatically increase the fat and calorie count due to batter and oil.
Sashimi is the Leanest: Ebi sashimi, which is raw shrimp without rice, is the lowest calorie option available.
Rich in Nutrients: Ebi is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12.

What Exactly is Ebi?

Ebi is the Japanese term for prawn or shrimp, a popular ingredient in many types of Japanese cuisine. However, the nutritional profile of Ebi is not a single, fixed number. Its calorie count and overall health impact depend entirely on how it is prepared and served. For example, a single piece of Ebi sushi (nigiri) will have a different calorie count than a single piece of Ebi tempura, which has been coated in batter and deep-fried.

How Preparation Affects Ebi's Calories

Ebi Nigiri

This popular form of sushi consists of a single piece of cooked Ebi served on top of a small, hand-formed ball of sushi rice. The rice itself is seasoned with vinegar and sugar, adding carbohydrates and calories to the final product. The calorie count for one piece of Ebi nigiri can range from 46 to 70 calories, with a typical portion containing about 10 grams of protein and 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Ebi Tempura

This is a deep-fried preparation where the Ebi is coated in a light batter and cooked in hot oil. The addition of oil and flour significantly increases the calorie and fat content. For example, four pieces of J-Basket Ebi Tempura contain 260 calories and 15 grams of fat. A single piece of restaurant-style Ebi tempura could have anywhere from 25 to 40 calories, depending on its size and the amount of batter.

Ebi Sashimi

As the leanest option, Ebi sashimi consists of raw, fresh shrimp served without rice or other additions. The calorie count for Ebi sashimi is minimal, as it is just the shrimp itself, a source of lean protein. For instance, some nutrition information lists a small serving as low as 15 calories. This preparation is ideal for those closely monitoring their calorie intake.

Ebi Fry

Similar to Ebi tempura, Ebi fry involves deep-frying the shrimp, but it uses Japanese panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating. One serving of Ebi fry (approximately 42 grams) can contain around 91 calories. As with tempura, the frying process adds considerable fat and calories compared to boiled or steamed methods.

Ebi Calorie Comparison by Preparation


Preparation	Estimated Calories per Piece/Serving	Key Nutritional Changes
Ebi Sashimi	~15 calories (small serving)	Minimal calories, virtually no fat or carbs added.
Ebi Nigiri	46–70 calories (per piece)	Adds carbohydrates from sushi rice, often seasoned with sugar.
Ebi Fry	~91 calories (per 42g serving)	Significant increase in fat and calories from deep-frying and breadcrumbs.
Ebi Tempura	25–40 calories (per piece, depending on size)	High in fat and calories due to batter and deep-frying.

Ebi's Place in a Balanced Diet

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Beyond its protein content, Ebi is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, zinc, and copper. While shrimp is known for having a higher cholesterol content, it is low in saturated fat, which has a greater impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. Therefore, for most individuals, consuming Ebi in moderation, especially in healthier preparations, is part of a heart-healthy diet.

Maximizing the Nutritional Benefits of Ebi

Choose fresh or frozen Ebi over heavily processed alternatives when possible. Freshness ensures better flavor and nutritional integrity.
Prioritize steamed, boiled, or sashimi Ebi to keep calories and fat low. These methods showcase the natural flavor of the shrimp without heavy additions.
Be mindful of sauces and dipping condiments. Many sauces, especially for tempura, can be high in sugar and sodium, adding hidden calories.
Balance your meal. When enjoying Ebi nigiri, opt for fewer rolls and pair them with a side salad or vegetable dish to add fiber and nutrients.
Limit fried options. While Ebi tempura is a tasty treat, consume it in moderation as an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Ebi

Determining how many calories are in Ebi is not a simple question, as the answer depends on the cooking method. While plain Ebi is a naturally lean and low-calorie protein, preparations involving rice, batter, and frying can significantly alter its nutritional impact. By understanding these differences and choosing healthier cooking methods, you can enjoy Ebi as a delicious and nutritious part of your diet. Whether you prefer the simplicity of sashimi or the warmth of a boiled prawn, making an informed choice allows you to savor this versatile seafood while supporting your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ebi sushi, or nigiri, is relatively low in calories compared to other sushi rolls that include extra fillings and sauces. One piece typically contains between 46 and 70 calories, mainly from the shrimp and sushi rice.

Ebi tempura is significantly higher in calories than Ebi nigiri. Tempura is deep-fried in batter, adding considerable fat and calories, while nigiri is steamed shrimp on rice.

Yes, Ebi sashimi does have calories, but it is the lowest-calorie preparation. One small serving can have as little as 15 calories, as it consists only of the raw shrimp without rice or other additions.

A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp and chicken have similar protein amounts, but shrimp is lower in calories. Shrimp has about 84–90 calories per 3 ounces, whereas chicken has about 200 calories.

The lowest-calorie way to eat Ebi is as sashimi, which is raw shrimp without any added ingredients. Steamed or boiled Ebi without extra sauces is also a very low-calorie option.

Yes, Ebi can be part of a heart-healthy diet. While it contains cholesterol, it is low in saturated fat, which is generally more impactful on blood cholesterol levels. Ebi also provides beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.

The most calories are added to Ebi dishes through deep-frying (as in tempura or fry), the addition of sugary sauces, and significant portions of carbohydrates like sushi rice.