Amaebi Sweet Shrimp and Botan Ebi Guide

Raw shrimp in sushi comes in two main types. Amaebi ("sweet shrimp") is small, soft and sweet. Botan ebi is larger, plumper and more luxurious. Both are eaten raw, unlike the cooked prawn (ebi) on most belt menus.

At a glance. Amaebi (甘エビ): small northern shrimp, soft, very sweet, often served two to a piece. Botan ebi (牡丹エビ): larger, firm-creamy, rich — more expensive. Cooked ebi: boiled prawn, firm, mild. Bonus: some counters deep-fry the heads.

Amaebi

Amaebi is small and translucent, with a soft, almost sticky texture and pronounced sweetness that develops after the shrimp is caught. It is usually served as a pair on one nigiri. Some roe-bearing amaebi come with blue-green eggs.

Botan ebi

Botan ebi is a larger shrimp with denser, creamier flesh and a deeper sweetness. It is a premium item at omakase counters.

Red shrimp

Many Hong Kong menus list red shrimp or aka ebi — often Argentine red shrimp — which is sweet, soft and more affordable. Sushiro's 6-kind sashimi platter (HKD 106) includes red shrimp, and sen-ryo's premium platter has jumbo red shrimp. Itacho Set B has aka shrimp.

Cooked ebi

The butterflied boiled prawn on belt menus is cooked, firm and mild — a good choice for children and anyone avoiding raw seafood. See sushi without raw fish.

Ask for the heads. At some counters, amaebi or botan ebi heads are deep-fried or used in miso soup. Crunchy and full of flavour.

Freshness check: raw shrimp should be translucent and glossy. White, opaque or mushy flesh means it is past its best.

Shellfish allergy. Shrimp is a common allergen. Raw shrimp is also a high-risk food for pregnant women and young children.

Common questions

Is amaebi raw?

Yes.

What is the difference between amaebi and botan ebi?

Botan ebi is larger, richer and pricier.

Where else can I look?

See our sushi fish guide.

Compiled by our editorial team from Japanese seafood and sushi references, chain and restaurant menus, and Hong Kong food safety guidance, retrieved September 2026. Seasons vary by region and year. General information only, not medical or dietary advice.