Prawns and shrimp are the world’s most popular seafood and for a good reason! Cooked in multiple ways, these crustaceans are super tasty, making them one of the most loved seafood around the globe. So, what exactly are prawns and shrimp? Are they the same, just with different names? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about prawns vs shrimp. So, when you cook your next shrimp or prawn recipe, you know exactly what you are purchasing.
Prawns Vs Shrimp: What’s the Difference Between The Two
In UK and Australia, people say ‘prawn,’ while Americans say ‘shrimp’ – but are these two names used for the same species or is there a difference? Well, the ones who use both these terms may state that shrimps are smaller in size while prawns are larger. Wrong! Prawns and shrimps are not the same, and both belong to different species.
Prawns and shrimp are often confused, and these terms are used interchangeably in farming, culinary and fishing contexts. You may have heard that prawns and shrimp are the same things. Although they are closely related, both are different in many ways.
It’s nearly impossible to make the difference based on taste, so they are often used interchangeably. Some say that prawns have a slightly meatier and sweeter taste, but most people can’t find any difference between the two. Also, there is no significant difference between the prawns and shrimp regarding nutritional value.
So, let’s learn the difference between the two.
Prawns
- Prawns live primarily in freshwater and are larger in size when compared to shrimps.
- Prawns have claws on three of their legs, and this feature makes it easier to identify unpeeled prawns.
- The body of a prawn does not have much of a bend, which helps identify them.
- Prawns release their fertilised eggs into the water, leaving them to grow and develop independently.
Shrimps
- Shrimps live mostly in saltwater and are usually smaller in size.
- They have claws on two legs and a distinctive bend to their shape.
- They have a more curved body which is an easy identifier when shopping for shrimps.
- They carry their eggs with them on the underside of their bodies.
Prawns Vs Shrimp: Nutritional Difference
There is no significant difference between the nutritional value of prawns and shrimps. Both are relatively low in calories and are a great source of protein. Sometimes prawns and shrimp are criticised for their high levels of cholesterol. However, they provide substantial omega-3 fatty acids, including a healthy fat profile. Additionally, they are also a good source of selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B12 and iron.
Prawns Vs Shrimp Taste: How to Cook Prawns and Shrimp
Prawns and shrimp are similar in texture and taste, so it’s difficult to distinguish between them. However, some may say that prawns are meatier and sweeter when compared to shrimp.
There are many ways to cook prawns and shrimp. They can be fried, grilled, sauteed, steamed, or broiled. Both can be cooked with the shell either on or off as well. An important thing to keep in mind is that they cook very fast, so make sure to keep an eye on that. Add them to the end for a quick stir-fry dish as they tend to cook in under a minute. Another fabulous and easy recipe is to put some prawns and shrimp on a grill and top them with lemon butter for a delicious starter or snack!
Buy Prawns and Shrimp from Licious
At Licious, our prawns and shrimps are sourced daily from local fishing boats. Our experts devein, deshell and clean the crustaceans for convenience. You can use them straight out of the pack with zero prep. Additionally, our prawns and shrimp are free of added chemicals and are never frozen. To maintain freshness, we ensure constant temperature controls between 0-4°C at every stage. We have a wide range of prawns and shrimp that can be explored by clicking on the button below.