Shrimp & Prawns

Description

The names “shrimp” and “prawn” are often used interchangeably, and understandably. Shrimp and prawns have a lot in common: The two flavors have no major distinguishing factor, culinary-wise, aside from prawns’ slightly sweeter taste. Prawns also tend to be more expensive than shrimp. Taste is not always a way of telling the two crustaceans apart. While different varieties of shrimp and prawns vary in taste and texture, those differences do not divide along “shrimp” and “prawn” lines. In short, while shrimp and prawns are not the same, their flavors are, and therefore make them interchangeable in recipes. 

The top five largest in the prawn/shrimp category are all prawns, with the largest shrimp, the Pacific White Shrimp clocking in at number six. So when it comes to making a statement on the plate, prawns are the way to go. But when it comes to the edible versions that you are likely to find available, you’ll have a lot more choices in size when you buy shrimp. You will often find sizes of shrimp that range from 40-50 to the pound all the way up to jumbos that might be only 6-8 to the pound.

But overall, your seafood is more likely to be affected by the seafood’s diet, habitat, and region. It’s better to spend time finding the product’s source than the taxonomy differences. Wild-caught shrimp is best, as most farmed shrimp comes from areas where regulations are limited. Hook to Fork prides itself on not only knowing the dock,  but also the captain & boat who captures all our seafood ensuring the highest quality.