Not all sushi is safe for pregnant mothers. But these rolls are safe (and tummy) for expectant women.
Undeniably, sushi is one of the most delicious foods ever invented. It comes from Japan and is one of the most popular Asian treats because of its unique texture and delicious umami flavor. Even during pregnancy, you might find yourself craving for your favorite sushi rolls. But the question is whether you can still eat sushi during this time. Unfortunately, Healthline says that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says you can’t eat raw fish while you’re pregnant. The reason for this is that raw seafood and sashimi are more likely to contain bacteria and parasites that can make your growing baby sick. Getting infected with these worms and parasites can result to a parasitic disease called Anisakidosis.
But does this mean you can’t eat sushi rolls for about 9 months? Good news! There are sushi rolls that don’t contain raw fish. Here are some options that you can try making at home.
Did you know that these rolls can be made in less than 30 minutes? Plus, vegan rolls are very flexible, so you can use any combination of your favorite vegetables to make the sushi filling. Add any veggies that you want, such as lettuce or cabbage, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. You can also add avocadoes and mangoes as toppings, along with seaweed. Serve it with wasabi and pickled ginger, if you like.
Generally, a lot of pescatarian rolls only use vegetables as the main ingredients. Some may also include a bit of cooked tuna or salmon in it. If you’re craving sushi, you can follow the recipe in the photo above. Throw in some cabbages and avocadoes, and substitute raw fish for canned tuna and salmon. Serve it with soy sauce mixed with a few drops of sesame oil, and you’re good to go!.
These low-calorie bites are perfect for any occasion. It can be the most perfect appetizer, or your kids’ afternoon snacks after homework. You can prepare crispy-fried shrimp tempura first, and cut them into half-an-inch slices. Remember to not over-fry it to avoid a rubbery texture. Then, pair it with some pickled ginger, lettuce, cucumber, and avocados. Roll it. The result? A fantastic rice roll with a rich umami flavor!.
You have to have tried these rolls at least once in your life; they are a favorite among sushi fans. Plus, you can use this to introduce veggies to kids, too. California rolls commonly contain some steamed crabsticks, slices of avocadoes, cucumbers, and sesame seeds. You can also add mangoes and avocadoes for a hint of sweetness, too.
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of dietary dos and don’ts. While you may have steered clear of sushi in the past you may be wondering if shrimp tempura is on the menu during pregnancy. The good news is that properly cooked shrimp tempura can be a safe and healthy option when you’re expecting.
What is Shrimp Tempura?
Shrimp tempura is a popular Japanese appetizer where shrimp is coated in a light tempura batter and then quickly fried. This cooking technique ensures the shrimp reaches safe internal temperatures to kill any harmful bacteria.
The tempura batter is made from simple ingredients like flour, egg, and sparkling water or club soda. Then the battered shrimp is briefly fried in oil until golden brown and crispy. The end result is tender shrimp encased in a delicate, crunchy coating. It’s often served with a dipping sauce like soy sauce ponzu, or spicy mayo.
Is Shrimp Tempura Safe During Pregnancy?
The risks associated with raw fish don’t apply to thoroughly cooked seafood like shrimp tempura. The high frying heat kills any bacteria or parasites, making it perfectly safe to eat when pregnant.
In fact, shrimp is an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, selenium, iron, and vitamin B12. These nutrients help support fetal development and a healthy pregnancy.
As long as the shrimp is fully cooked with an internal temperature reaching 145°F, pregnant women can confidently order shrimp tempura from their favorite sushi restaurant. Opting for tempura style preparation is ideal compared to other raw preparations like sashimi or nigiri.
If you decide to make shrimp tempura at home, use a thermometer to verify the shrimp has reached a safe internal temperature after frying. Undercooked seafood can pose health risks like Salmonella or Listeria contamination. Proper cooking is key.
Potential Concerns with Shrimp Tempura
While shrimp tempura made with fully cooked ingredients is considered safe, there are a few things pregnant women should keep in mind:
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Mercury exposure: Some types of seafood contain higher levels of mercury, which can be harmful in pregnancy. However, shrimp tends to be very low in mercury. Eating a serving of shrimp tempura once or twice a week is well within safe limits.
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Foodborne illness: Just like with any type of food, there is always a slight risk of cross-contamination or mishandling that could lead to foodborne illness. This risk applies to shrimp tempura purchased at restaurants or grocery stores. To minimize risk, consume tempura from reputable vendors with high food safety standards.
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Allergies: Those with shellfish allergies should avoid shrimp tempura, as it could trigger an allergic reaction. Everyone else can enjoy this appetizer within moderation during pregnancy.
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Oil and sodium content: The oil used for deep frying and salt from soy sauce can make this dish high in fat and sodium. Go for lighter tempura batters and limit dipping sauces to keep nutrition balanced.
As long as you take basic precautions, shrimp tempura is unlikely to pose any major risks. The benefits of the protein and nutrients outweigh potential concerns.
How Much Shrimp Tempura Can You Eat?
When it comes to seafood, moderation is key. The FDA recommends pregnant women eat 8 to 12 ounces per week. A serving of shrimp is about 4 to 5 ounces.
So if shrimp tempura is your seafood of choice for the week, you could safely enjoy two 4-ounce servings over the course of 7 days. Spreading servings out over the week helps minimize any mercury exposure.
Pair your shrimp tempura with veggies and brown rice to make it a balanced meal. And be mindful of any additional seafood you may be eating that week, like canned tuna or salmon.
Other Pregnancy-Safe Sushi Options
If you love sushi, shrimp tempura is likely just the start of pregnancy-safe menu items you can still enjoy. Here are some other good options when eating sushi while pregnant:
- California rolls with cooked imitation crab and avocado
- Cucumber rolls with just veggies
- Tempura sweet potato rolls
- Vegetable sushi rolls like asparagus, carrot or inari
- Miso soup with tofu and seaweed
- Edamame sprinkled with sesame seeds
- Seaweed salad
- Clear soups with cooked seafood like shrimp
As long as you avoid raw fish and shellfish, there are still plenty of nourishing sushi options to choose from. A few minor modifications allow you to satisfy your sushi cravings without compromising safety.
Homemade Shrimp Tempura for Pregnancy Cravings
If you’re having a shrimp tempura craving, why not try making it at home? This way you can control the ingredients and cooking process while still enjoying this classic appetizer.
Follow this simple recipe for crispy, flavorful shrimp tempura that can be made in 30 minutes:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
- Dipping sauce of choice
Instructions:
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Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Devein shrimp by making a shallow cut down the back and removing the digestive tract. Leave tails on for presentation.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, egg, sparkling water, baking powder, and salt until smooth and lump-free. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but still be thin enough to drip off.
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Heat at least 2 inches of oil to 375°F in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
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Dip shrimp in batter to lightly coat. Let excess drip off, then carefully add to hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway.
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Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt if desired.
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Serve immediately with dipping sauce. Soy sauce, ponzu, spicy mayo, and duck sauce all make great accompaniments.
Be sure to use a cooking thermometer to verify oil temperature. Frying at the proper high heat ensures the tempura comes out perfectly crispy and the shrimp gets cooked through.
This quick shrimp tempura is a foolproof recipe to satisfy pregnancy cravings. Enjoy it as an appetizer, light meal, or even elevate it to an Asian-inspired shrimp tacos filling. No matter how you serve it up, this classic Japanese favorite is a tasty way to get safe seafood any time.
The Takeaway on Shrimp Tempura When Pregnant
Craving your favorite sushi appetizer but aren’t sure if it’s on the pregnancy menu? Have no fear – properly cooked shrimp tempura can be safely enjoyed expecting mothers.
The high frying heat eliminates risks of bacteria and parasites. And shrimp provides important nutrients for you and baby’s health.
Stick to reputable restaurants and take basic food safety precautions when handling seafood at home. With moderation and common sense, shrimp tempura can be a crave-worthy prenatal treat any pregnant sushi lover can enjoy.
Avocado & Mango Sushi
If you want to try new fruits, this might be the best way to go if your kids like how sweet mangoes are and how mushy avocados are. All you need are some ripe mangoes and avocadoes. If you want to add some greens, you can also mix in a bit of cabbage or lettuce. You can garnish it with thin slices of mangoes, some sesame seeds and nori flakes. Serve it with soy sauce, and you’re good to go.
Dragon rolls, along with California rolls, are two of the most popular sushi rolls at American-Japanese fusion restaurants. But have you ever tried making these at home? You’d be surprised at how easy they are. To craft a dragon roll, you would need shrimp tempura slices, cucumbers, and some fish roe. Tuck them inside a sheet of seaweed before rolling with rice. Garnish with some avocado slices, sesame seeds, and a bit more fish roe.
Can I have shrimp tempura while pregnant?
Can I eat shrimp tempura If I’m Pregnant?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), your weekly fish and shellfish intake should hover around 8 to 12 ounces when you’re pregnant, and a morsel of shrimp tempura can help you on your way to meeting that goal. Watch out for fish with a higher mercury content.
Can pregnant women eat shrimp?
Most women have an array of foods they enjoy and hope to continue eating while they are pregnant. Sushi, oysters, and other seafood delicacies top the list of questionable foods—whether or not they are okay to eat. Whether boiled, fried, or as a cocktail, eating shrimp during pregnancy is a common desire.
Can you eat tempura sushi?
“Tempura sushi, or fish low in mercury that are cooked to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, are safe to eat,” she says. Some great options are shrimp, black sea bass, and tilapia. Dr. Grover suggests ordering sushi such as shrimp, lobster, or veggie tempura, which are all cooked through. She notes that any type of veggie sushi is safe to eat, too.
Can I eat fish if I’m Pregnant?
Watch out for fish with a higher mercury content. The FDA advises that you limit mercury consumption during pregnancy — the heavy metal is linked to birth defects and nervous system damage. On a typical sushi menu, fish to skip over includes bigeye tuna and swordfish, while cooked wild salmon is considered a safer pick.