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Ebi mochi(Shrimp mochi) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

  • Miyagi Prefecture

    Ebi mochi(Shrimp mochi)

Ebi mochi(Shrimp mochi)

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  • Ebi mochi(Shrimp mochi)

    Image source: Miyagi Prefecture

  • Main lore areas

    Kurihara City and northern Miyagi Prefecture

  • Main ingredients used

    Mochi, Sakura shrimp

  • History/origin/related events

    Miyagi Prefecture has an abundance of mochi dishes; there are said to be over 50 different kinds. Naturally, mochi is eaten during annual events like New Year’s celebrations, weddings, memorial services, and funerals, but it is also eaten during breaks while working on the farm. Though it used to be that mochi was made at home, recently there are increasing numbers of people who purchase ready-made mochi.
    Particularly in the northern parts of the prefecture, there is a rich variety of mochi, including adzuki mochi, mochi soup, grated radish mochi, ginger mochi, shrimp mochi, and fermented soybean mochi. Indeed, at any one time there may be five or six mochi dishes on a single dining table.
    Amongst such variety, shrimp mochi stands out for its delicious-looking red-and-white appearance. During New Year, it is offered as a special treat to visiting guests.
    Kurihara is an agricultural region situated in the interior of Miyagi Prefecture. As such, freshwater shrimp and loach caught in rice paddy irrigation canals and ponds provide an important source of protein. Shrimp mochi, made using that precious source of protein that is freshwater shrimp, and smoked mochi, made using pond loach, are meals for special occasions in Kurihara.
    "Shrimp mochi ”is made by taking pond-caught freshwater shrimp, seasoning it with soy sauce and sake, and combining it with fresh mochi. Though the preparation is simple, since the shrimp are left intact when mixed with the mochi, the dish leaves a strong impression on someone seeing it for the first time.In addition to rice cake dishes, swamp shrimp is also served over boiled rice or with grated radish.

  • Opportunities and times of eating habits

    Traditionally, shrimp mochi is served as a treat during New Year’s celebrations or when hosting guests. It also is eaten during breaks between farmwork. However, since shrimp mochi can be easily purchased at supermarkets and highway rest stations, it is also used as everyday fare.

  • How to eat

    Mix freshwater shrimp seasoned with sake and soy sauce with freshly pounded mochi and the shrimp mochi is ready. Often, shrimp mochi are served not on their own, but together with other types of mochi dishes.
    Depending on the house, some people use shrimp with the antennae removed.

  • Efforts for Preservation and Succession

    (Outline of the traditions, the preservation society, social media use, modern approaches at commercialization)
    Each household’s shrimp mochi has a characteristic flavor that is passed down from mother to child. For the broader public, efforts are being made to raise awareness about shrimp mochi by Kurihara City’s Tourist Association and through informational pamphlets and a website published by the city.

RECIPE

Ingredients (for 6 persons)

  • Freshly pounded mochi 12 pieces
  • Steamed sakura shrimp 100 grams
  • Soy sauce 2 light tablespoons
  • Sake 2 teaspoons

How to cook

  • 1. Blanch the steamed sakura shrimp. Then, season with the soy sauce and sake.

  • 2. Take the freshly pounded mochi into the palm of your hand. While working it into a round shape, use your thumb and index finger to squeeze out a bite sized piece.

  • 3. Immediately place the mochi into the shrimp from step one and mix together.

provider : provider : Recipe provided by: "Gottsoosan - Miyagi's Local Foods We Want to Teach You"

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

Contact

Food Cultures Office, Overseas Market Development and Food Cultures Division, Food Industry Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Tel:+81-3-3502-5516

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