Difference between shrimp and prawn

Do you know the difference between shrimp and shrimpIn this article, we discuss the characteristics of these two crustaceans so you can tell them apart.

What is a shrimp?

A shrimp is a decapod crustacean that is commonly consumed throughout the world, especially in Spain, where it is a very popular food.

They live on coasts and rivers all over the world. And in addition, there are different types of shrimp such as white shrimp or red shrimp.

Shrimp is a seafood that has a delicious flavor, a soft texture and is versatile to cook, allowing integrate them into hundreds of recipes or create recipes with them, such as prawn cocktail, which has a spectacular flavor. Or an even fresher recipe could be these shrimp tacos, which you can see in this video:

One of the reasons why shrimp are so consumed is that they do not lose their flavor at any time and that products like ours cooked prawns They are kept with all their properties.

One of the differences between shrimp and prawns is their price. Shrimp are more expensive, and their price increases depending on the type and size.

What is a prawn?

A prawn is a decapod crustacean that lives in different seas and is usually found in shallower areas.

It is a seafood that has seen an exponential rise in consumption due to its intense sea flavor, its size (around 13 cm) and its texture.

There are different varieties such as blue shrimp, tiger shrimp or one of our star products: raw wild white shrimp.

Prawns are usually essential in celebrations such as weddings, Christmas or communions.

The most common thing is to see them in seafood platters, grilled or in stews, in which case, we recommend that you try our Premium cooked Mediterranean prawn.

Its flavor and quality will make your stew a favorite with all your guests.

Or you can try a simple recipe with our cooked prawns. Open and Serve... All you have to do is enjoy! You can see the recipe here. here.

Later, we'll discuss the differences between shrimp and prawns when preparing a specific type of recipe.

What is the difference between shrimp and prawn?

Shrimp and prawns belong to the same family, decapod crustaceans, and it is normal for there to be a little confusion about their differences.

Below is a list of the main differences between shrimp and prawns:

Size: Shrimp are smaller than prawns, ranging in size from 4 to 7 cm, while shrimp can reach up to 12-15 cm.
Color: Although there are different varieties with distinct colors, prawns tend to be paler or grayer, while shrimp are more pinkish. It depends on whether the shrimp is cooked or raw.
Texture: You can differentiate cooked shrimp and prawns by their texture, with shrimp being softer and more delicate and prawns having more meat.
Habitat: As we mentioned before, shrimp live in warmer waters, while prawns prefer shallower areas of the sea.
Price: Another difference between shrimp and prawns is their price, although it varies greatly depending on the type. Shrimp are generally more expensive because they are more difficult to catch.
Season: There is currently no season for frozen or deep-frozen shellfish, as they are stored during harvesting, which can significantly extend the product's shelf life.

Shrimp vs. Prawn: Which seafood is better?

The choice between shrimp and prawns really depends on personal taste and the dish being prepared. There is no one better than another.

As we discussed earlier in the differences between shrimp and prawns, shrimp has a more delicate flavor and melts in your mouth as you chew it. Prawns have a stronger flavor and their meat is a little more tender.

Both crustaceans are ideal for paellas or to add to more traditional dishes, such as the recipe for Russian shrimp salad, a great delicacy for summer.

Prawns, having firmer flesh with more flavor, are often the star of the dishes to which they are added.

For this reason, it is common to see shrimp grilled or accompanied with sauces and without other predominant ingredients.

Although there are certain differences between shrimp and prawns, the reality is that they have many similarities and you can enjoy both products without having to discard either.