What’s the difference between prawns and shrimp? Are prawns shrimp!? Well, not technically. However, there are differences, even though distinguishing between prawns and shrimp can be subtle. When cooking with prawns or shrimp, they are texturally very similar. They can easily be used interchangeably in recipes.
Prawns vs. Shrimp: Appearance
Both crustaceans have hard exoskeletons with jointed legs1, and their bodies are made up of a head, thorax, and abdomen. Prawns typically feature longer bodies and branching gills, with a more streamlined appearance. Shrimp, on the other hand, tend to have shorter, curved bodies and plate-like gills called lamellar gills. Additionally, prawns often have longer legs and three sets of claws compared to shrimp's two sets of claws.
People often think that size is what differentiates prawns versus shrimp, with prawns being larger and shrimp being smaller. However, size isn’t always the most reliable characteristic. Especially with wild-caught seafood, there is a natural variation in size where you might harvest smaller prawns and larger shrimp. While it’s not biologically accurate, it’s common for people to refer to large shrimp as “prawns.” For example, a shrimp like Pandalus platyceros is commonly known as either spot prawns or spot shrimp due to their size.
Prawns vs. Shrimp Habitat and Behavior
Prawns and shrimp inhabit various similar aquatic environments, but they often have distinct preferences. The majority of prawn species are found in freshwater or brackish (partially marine) habitats, such as rivers, estuaries, and lakes. In contrast, shrimp are found mostly in marine environments, including oceans, rivers, and coastal regions2. Roughly a quarter of all true shrimp species live in freshwater3.
Behaviorally, prawns and shrimp show differences in their social tendencies and movements. Prawns are often solitary creatures, preferring to roam and hunt alone. Shrimp are more social, forming groups or schools and showing coordinated movements in their search for food and shelter.
Prawns vs. Shrimp: Nutritional Difference
Believe it or not, there’s not much of a difference in nutritional value between prawns and shrimp. Both species offer important nutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron, B12, and choline. They also are a rich source of lean protein and contain a small amount of fat, including omega-3 fatty acids.
For instance, Wild Alaskan Company spot prawns contain 19 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fat, and 90 calories in a 4 oz. serving size. According to the USDA, the same 4 oz. serving size of shrimp has 23 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and 120 calories4.
There used to be concern regarding the naturally high level of cholesterol in prawns and shrimp. However, newer research shows that saturated fat — not dietary cholesterol — increases risk of heart disease5. The great news? Prawns and shrimp have virtually zero saturated fat.
Do prawns and shrimp taste different?
Many people say there’s only a subtle difference in taste between these tasty prawns and shrimp. It’s generally accepted that prawns have a slightly sweeter and meatier flavor profile, while shrimp have a milder, delicate flavor that’s slightly “briny.” Some folks can’t tell the difference at all. The biggest factor in taste is environment and diet. So, any observations in taste become nuanced and dependent on where prawns and shrimp are sourced from.
Choosing Between Prawns and Shrimp
Choosing between prawns and shrimp is as easy as deciding on a sweeter or milder-tasting crustacean for your dish. Size considerations can also play a role, with prawns generally offering larger portions for heartier appetites and impressive presentation. Considering the numerous similarities of prawns and shrimp you can absolutely substitute one for the other. Although you’ll want to consider the dish. For instance, small to medium shrimp in your green salad might make more sense than a couple of giant tiger prawns thrown in there.
Environmentally-conscious consumers may favor wild-caught prawns and shrimp that come from responsibly managed fisheries. The catch methods for prawns and shrimp are the same, along with good and bad fishing practices. Pots, traps, and suriperas significantly reduce bycatch, and contribute to marine ecosystem health. These are sustainable practices you can feel good about, considering the bycatch rate among other fishing methods is around 62%6.
Prawns vs. Shrimp: How to Cook Prawns and Shrimp
When it comes to cooking prawns and shrimp, both crustaceans can be prepared in similar ways. But you’ll need to carefully vary cooking times and temperatures to account for size differences. So, substitute at will. Here's a quick guide to cooking prawns and shrimp.
Grilling: Whether you're firing up the barbecue or using a grill pan indoors, both prawns and shrimp can be grilled to delicious perfection. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with your favorite herbs and spices before grilling over medium-high heat. Cook larger prawns for 2 to 3 minutes per side, while smaller shrimp typically require just 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they just turn pink and opaque.
Sautéing: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil or butter. Once hot, add your prawns or shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook larger prawns for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, until they're firm and pink. Smaller prawns may need less time. Shrimp usually cook a bit faster, taking only 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Frying: For a crispy and indulgent treat, try frying prawns or shrimp. Coat them in breadcrumbs or batter and fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Prawns may take 3 to 4 minutes to fry, while shrimp will cook in just 2 to 3 minutes.
Boiling: Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook prawns and shrimp, especially for use in salads or pasta dishes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the seafood. Boil prawns for 2 to 3 minutes and shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes, until they're just pink and opaque.
Remember, the key to perfectly cooked prawns and shrimp is to avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery and lose their delicate texture. Keep an eye on them while cooking and adjust the times accordingly to ensure they're just right. No matter how you do it, you'll enjoy the succulent flavors of prawns and shrimp in no time.
The Alaska Difference: Wild-Caught Spot Prawns from Alaska
Robust bite, exquisite flavor— there isn’t any place in the world better to harvest wild-caught spot prawns than the pristine waters of the Last Frontier. Found almost exclusively in the north Pacific Ocean7, spot prawns are the largest wild shrimp species found in Alaska. That’s right: “spot prawns” are actually a variety of shrimp, but are often referred to as prawns due to their size.
Every prawn is harvested with utmost care, ensuring the preservation of the delicate marine ecosystem for future generations. Using steel-framed mesh pots to catch spot prawns, coastal “shrimping” areas in the Gulf of Alaska are rotated annually. This practice results in zero bycatch and reduces environmental impact. No farmed shrimp. No added ingredients or antibiotics. Just pure, natural flavor with every bite.
Want to experience the unmatched quality of the north, and taste the difference that comes from choosing wild-caught spot prawns? Check Wild Alaskan Company for spot prawn availability today.
1. Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates (Second Edition), 2001
2. Behaviour and Recognition in Decapod Shrimps, with Emphasis on the Caridea, 2015
3. Global diversity of shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) in freshwater, 2008
4. FoodData Central Raw Shrimp, 2018
5. Dietary Cholesterol and the Lack of Evidence in Cardiovascular Disease, 2018
6. Food and Agriculture Organization: 3.3 Discards in selected fisheries, 2005
