Shrimp tempura is a classic Japanese dish that is beloved around the world The combination of crispy, light batter and tender shrimp is simply irresistible. As shrimp tempura grows in popularity, more grocery stores and restaurants are offering it But where can you find the best shrimp tempura? Here are some of the top places to buy high-quality shrimp tempura.
Grocery Stores
One of the most convenient places to buy shrimp tempura is your local grocery store. Many major supermarket chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons carry shrimp tempura in the frozen food aisle. Here are some of the top shrimp tempura products you can find at the grocery store:
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SeaPak Tempura Shrimp – SeaPak makes a delicious tempura shrimp that comes frozen in an 8.2 oz bag. The shrimp are coated in a light crispy tempura batter. Each serving has about 4 large shrimp. It’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality tempura at home by simply baking or air frying directly from frozen. SeaPak tempura shrimp is carried at many major grocery store chains.
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Trader Joe’s Tempura Shrimp Burgers – For a fun twist, Trader Joe’s offers tempura shrimp patties. They are made from minced shrimp held together with tempura batter to form a patty shape. You can cook them in the oven or pan fry them just like a burger. They make great shrimp sliders or tacos.
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Frozen Organic Shrimp Tempura – Several natural food brands like Wild Caught and Purely Elizabeth make tempura shrimp using organic ingredients. The batter is light and crunchy without artificial additives. Check the natural frozen section of your grocery store.
When buying tempura shrimp at the grocery store, check the ingredients list and nutrition facts. Look for products that use simple, high-quality ingredients like wheat flour and shrimp. Avoid those with a lot of added sugars or artificial colors and flavors. Also go for tempura shrimp that offers at least 4-5 medium to large size shrimp per serving.
Asian Markets and Fish Shops
For the widest selection of tempura shrimp options, head to an Asian supermarket or fish market. They offer both raw shrimp for making tempura at home as well as pre-made frozen and refrigerated tempura shrimp products. Here are some of the kinds of shrimp tempura you can find:
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Raw jumbo shrimp – Pick up large, fresh shrimp to hand coat in tempura batter and fry at home. Tiger shrimp, black tiger shrimp, and spot prawns are all good choices. Size 16/20 count per pound provides nice large shrimp for tempura.
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Pre-made tempura shrimp- Many Asian grocers stock flash frozen, ready-to-cook shrimp tempura. Brands like Ajinomoto and Sunja’s offer excellent quality pre-battered shrimp. The shrimp are often sold in resealable bags you can place directly in boiling oil or an air fryer.
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Shrimp and vegetable tempura assortments – Look for combination tempura packs with shrimp paired with other popular tempura veggies like green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes. They provide fun variety for tempura meals.
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Spicy tempura shrimp- For extra kick, check out tempura shrimp coated in spicy chile or jalapeno flavored batter. The crisp coating offers a bit of heat balanced by the sweet shrimp.
When shopping at an Asian market, a good tip is to look for the words “ebi tempura” on labels to identify shrimp tempura. Ask the fish counter staff for recommendations on the freshest options.
Japanese Restaurants and Takeout
For ready-made shrimp tempura that requires zero preparation, look no further than your local Japanese restaurant. Many casual Japanese eateries and takeout spots serve up piping hot, perfectly crispy shrimp tempura. Here are some places to try:
Japanese Fast Casual Restaurants
Chains like Tokyo Joe’s, Teapresso Bar, and Ra Sushi Bar often have shrimp tempura rolls, bowls, or baskets on the menu. You can order tempura shrimp dishes to enjoy in the restaurant or take home. The tempura is freshly made to order so it stays super crispy even for takeout.
Traditional Japanese Restaurants
At more upscale sushi restaurants and izakayas, shrimp tempura features prominently on the appetizer menu. They use the highest quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods for excellent tempura. Order the shrimp tempura moriawase platter to enjoy alongside drinks and share with the table.
Grocery Store Sushi Counters
The sushi counters at many grocery store chains now offer shrimp tempura rolls and handrolls. Places like Kroger, Wegmans, and Publix make their shrimp tempura fresh daily. It’s a quick and easy option for picking up ready-made shrimp tempura when you don’t have time to cook any at home.
Food Delivery
Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash provide delivery from all sorts of restaurants including Japanese spots. You can easily get piping hot shrimp tempura delivered to your door from a top rated local Japanese eatery. Look for restaurants that specialize in tempura or indicate it is made fresh to order.
When ordering takeout, consuming it shortly after pickup will ensure the crispiest texture. But most restaurants package tempura well so it reheats decently if you save some for leftovers.
Tips for Buying the Best Shrimp Tempura
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For the best flavor and texture, look for tempura made with large shrimp sizes like 16/20 count per pound. Smaller shrimp can overcook and get rubbery.
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Seek out tempura shrimp made with simple, high quality ingredients like wheat flour, egg, and shrimp. Avoid batters with lots of added starch, gums, or preservatives.
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Check that the shrimp is wild caught or sustainably farmed. This ensures the best tasting and healthiest shrimp.
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Raw, shell on shrimp will make the crispiest tempura as you can coat each shrimp evenly. But shell-less, deveined options still make good tempura too for quicker prep.
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With pre-made tempura shrimp, look for minimal added ice glazes which can make the coating soggy.
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For food safety, consume tempura shrimp within 2 days of purchase if refrigerated or within 3 months if frozen.
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When cooking tempura at home, use neutral oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed or peanut. Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for best results.
So there you have it – the top places to buy delectable shrimp tempura for everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion meals. Follow these tips to help you pick out the tastiest and freshest shrimp tempura. Whether you opt for the convenience of store bought or make it from scratch, shrimp tempura is sure satisfy your cravings for this iconic Japanese favorite.
