noun
shiba shrimp; Metapenaeus joyneri
A species of shrimp native to East Asia, commonly used in Japanese cuisine, especially for tempura and sushi.
芝海老は天ぷらにすると甘みが引き立つ。
Shiba shrimp become sweet and flavorful when made into tempura.
この辺りの海では、春になると芝海老がよく獲れる。
In the sea around here, shiba shrimp are often caught in spring.
Rare kanji form using 蝦 instead of 海老; it is rarely used.
The name 芝海老 (shiba ebi) likely derives from the shrimp's habitat in shallow, grassy coastal areas (芝, shiba, meaning 'lawn' or 'turf'). The exact origin is uncertain.