Have you ever wondered why fried rice from a Japanese home kitchen tastes light, fresh, and never greasy? Many people think fried rice must be heavy or oily, but Ebi Retasu Chāhan proves the opposite. This shrimp and lettuce fried rice comes together fast and delivers a fresh, well-balanced taste. Once you try it, you may never look at fried rice the same way again.
What Makes Ebi Retasu Chāhan Special
Ebi Retasu Chāhan エビレタスチャーハン is a Japanese-style fried rice made with shrimp, egg, and crisp lettuce. What makes it special is the balance. The shrimp adds sweetness, the egg brings softness, and the lettuce keeps everything light and fresh. Unlike many fried rice dishes, this one is not oily or heavy.
This dish is perfect for busy days. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients that cook very fast. The difficulty level is easy, even for beginners. You do not need special tools or advanced cooking skills.
What Is Ebi Retasu Chāhan エビレタスチャーハン?
In Japanese, “ebi” means shrimp, “retasu” means lettuce, and “chāhan” means fried rice. This dish is popular in Japanese homes because it is quick, comforting, and flexible. Lettuce is added at the end so it stays crisp, not soggy. The result is fried rice that feels fresh and satisfying at the same time.
Essential Ingredients
Key Ingredients (材料)
Ebi Retasu ChāhanThese fresh and simple ingredients create the light, fluffy texture that makes Japanese shrimp and lettuce fried rice so popular. Each item plays an important role in flavor and balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Place the peeled shrimp in a bowl. Add potato starch, sake, and a pinch of salt. Rub gently to remove impurities. If the liquid turns cloudy, rinse the shrimp and pat dry. Tear the lettuce by hand and finely chop the green onions. Place cooked rice in a bowl and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp and Vegetables
Heat half of the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Add lettuce and stir quickly. Remove everything from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Rice and Eggs
Add the rest of the sesame oil to the pan. Add beaten eggs and let them set slightly without stirring. Add the cooled rice while the eggs are still soft. Mix gently, then raise the heat and stir-fry until the rice becomes light and slightly crisp. Add chicken stock base and soy sauce, then mix well.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked shrimp and lettuce back into the pan. Stir briefly to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and finish with black pepper to taste.
Secrets to Success and Expert Tips
These practical tips will help you achieve light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced Ebi Retasu Chāhan every time:
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Use cooled or reheated rice
Rice with less moisture separates better and prevents the fried rice from becoming sticky or heavy. -
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Clean the shrimp properly
Rubbing shrimp with starch and sake removes odors and keeps the texture tender when cooked. -
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Cook ingredients in stages
Stir-frying shrimp and lettuce separately prevents overcooking and keeps each ingredient at its best. -
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Let the eggs set before mixing
Adding rice while the eggs are still soft coats each grain and creates a rich but light texture. -
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Add lettuce at the very end
Quick mixing keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh, giving the dish its signature light finish.
Assembly and Presentation
This dish comes together quickly once all parts are cooked. Mixing at the end should be fast to protect texture. For serving, use a shallow bowl or plate to show the shrimp and lettuce clearly. A light sprinkle of black pepper adds both flavor and visual contrast.
Hana’s Recipe Tips
For best results, prepare all ingredients before turning on the heat. Fried rice moves fast, and timing matters. Do not overcrowd the pan, and always taste before serving. Small adjustments in salt or pepper can make a big difference.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best texture
- Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the rice
- Do not freeze, as lettuce loses its texture
Recipe Variations
Ebi Retasu Chāhan is easy to customize. You can adjust the protein, vegetables, or seasoning to match your taste or what you have in your kitchen.
Change the Protein
Swap shrimp with other ingredients for a different flavor:
- Diced chicken for a mild, filling version
- Ham or bacon for extra savory taste
- Firm tofu for a lighter, meat-free option
Add More Vegetables
Extra vegetables add color and texture:
- Corn for sweetness
- Chopped bell peppers for crunch
- Green peas for a classic fried rice feel
Adjust the Seasoning
Small seasoning changes can create a new taste:
- Add white pepper for gentle heat
- Use less soy sauce for a lighter flavor
- Finish with chili oil for a spicy kick
Try Different Serving Styles
Change how you serve it to suit the occasion:
- Serve in a bowl for casual meals
- Plate neatly for lunch boxes
- Top with extra black pepper for aroma
Recipes to Pair with Ebi Retasu Chāhan
Ebi Retasu Chāhan エビレタスチャーハン goes well with simple Japanese dishes. Grilled Sanma 焼きサンマ adds a rich, smoky flavor that balances the light shrimp and lettuce fried rice.
For a creamy option, Creamy Japanese Pasta (明太子パスタ) pairs nicely with the crisp texture of the fried rice and creates a satisfying meal combination.
Conclusion
Ebi Retasu Chāhan エビレタスチャーハン shows how everyday ingredients can come together to make a light and satisfying dish. It is quick, light, and flexible, making it ideal for everyday cooking. With the right technique, this dish delivers great flavor without heaviness.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
It is better to cool the rice first. Cold rice gives better texture and prevents clumping.
Is Ebi Retasu Chāhan healthy?
Yes. It uses lean protein, fresh vegetables, and minimal oil.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored for one day.
Why is lettuce added at the end?
Adding lettuce last keeps it crisp and fresh instead of wilted.
Can I adjust seasoning?
Yes. Taste at the end and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Ebi Retasu Chāhan エビレタスチャーハン: Shrimp Fried Rice
Course: MainCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes10
minutes520
kcalA light and flavorful Japanese-style fried rice made with shrimp, fluffy eggs, and crisp lettuce. Ebi Retasu Chāhan is quick to cook, easy to prepare, and perfect for a simple homemade meal.
Ingredients
120 g peeled shrimp
400 g cooked rice (cooled or reheated)
100 g lettuce, torn by hand
2 eggs, beaten
½ bunch long green onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons potato starch
2 teaspoons sake
A pinch of salt (for shrimp cleaning)
1½ tablespoons sesame oil
4–5 cm garlic paste
4–5 cm ginger paste
2 teaspoons chicken stock base
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Place the peeled shrimp in a bowl with potato starch, sake, and a pinch of salt. Rub gently to remove impurities, rinse if needed, and pat dry. Tear the lettuce and chop the green onions. Set aside.
- Warm half a tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add green onions, garlic, and ginger, and stir until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until just pink. Toss in the lettuce briefly, then remove everything from the pan.
- Add the remaining sesame oil to the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them partially set. Add the cooled rice and stir gently to coat each grain. Increase heat and stir-fry until the rice becomes light and slightly crisp. Add chicken stock base and soy sauce.
- Return the shrimp and lettuce to the pan. Stir quickly to combine, season with salt and black pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
- ✪ Always use cooled or reheated rice for the best texture.
✪ Adding lettuce at the end keeps it crisp and fresh.
✪ Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain tenderness.
✪ Adjust seasoning lightly to keep the dish balanced and clean-tasting.
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