Difference between shrimp and prawn

Do you know the difference between a shrimp and a prawn ? In 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 there are also different types of shrimp such as white shrimp or red shrimp.

Shrimp are a seafood with a delicious flavor, a smooth texture, and versatility in cooking, allowing you to incorporate them into hundreds of recipes or create new ones, like shrimp cocktail , which has a spectacular flavor. Or, for an even fresher recipe, try these shrimp tacos, which you can see in this video:

One of the reasons why prawns are so popular is that they never lose their flavor, and products like our cooked prawns retain 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 inhabits 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 the blue prawn, tiger prawn or one of our star products: the raw wild white prawn.

Prawns are often essential at celebrations such as weddings , Christmas or communions.

The most common way to see them is in seafood platters, grilled or in stews, for which we recommend 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 making a simple recipe with our cooked prawns. Open and serve... all you have to do is enjoy! You can see the recipe 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 prawns and langoustines really depends on personal taste and the dish you're preparing. Neither is inherently better than the other.

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 for adding to more traditional dishes, such as the recipe for prawn Russian 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.