How my shrimp sushi journey started
Okay so last Tuesday I was scrolling TikTok when I saw this perfect ebi nigiri video. Juicy pink shrimp sitting on warm rice with that little shine. Suddenly I NEEDED it right then. Grabbed my keys and just drove out hunting.
The struggle was too real
First stop was this fancy downtown sushi spot everyone raves about. Ordered their $18 ebi nigiri. Came out looking sad – shrimp was all shriveled up like my grandma’s prunes. Tasted like rubber bands dipped in sea water. Noped outta there quick.
Tried three more places that day:
- That conveyor belt place near mall: Shrimp smelled funny, rice was colder than my ex’s heart
- New fusion spot: Covered in weird mayo sauce trying to hide cheap seafood
- 24-hour joint: Never again – tasted like they defrosted it in a parking lot
Felt like giving up when Mike from work texted me this random tip about fish markets.
Where I finally found the good stuff
Next morning I hit Tsukiji Market at 6am. Saw this tiny counter where an old dude was hand-peeling fresh shrimp. Told him “Ebi nigiri, no fancy stuff.” Watched him:
- Grabbed live shrimp from tank
- Quick boiled in salted water
- Pressed each shrimp flat with bamboo mat
- Hand-shaped rice with perfect finger dimple
- Light brushed with secret glaze
The first bite made me wanna cry. Sweet ocean taste, springy texture, warm rice hugging the shrimp. Perfection costs ¥400 here vs $18 downtown nonsense.
What this taught me
Good ebi nigiri hunting rules:
- Avoid places with giant menus – means frozen everything
- Look for spots boiling shrimp live in kitchen
- Don’t pay premium prices for crap quality
- Markets > restaurants for freshness
Still dreaming about that market shrimp. Might go back tomorrow. Best find came from some old guy’s tip, not stupid review apps!
