Hey seafood lovers! I’ve spent years hunting down the best tiger shrimp suppliers, and I’m gonna share all my secrets with you today. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner party or just craving some jumbo prawns for your stir-fry, I’ve got you covered with this complete guide on where to get your hands on these tasty crustaceans.
What Makes Tiger Shrimp Special?
Before we dive into where to buy them, let’s talk about what makes tiger shrimp so dang special
- Distinctive black stripes on their shells (that’s how they got their name!)
- Sweet, nutty flavor that’s perfect for almost any dish
- Firm, meaty texture that holds up well during cooking
- Impressive size – usually 6-10 shrimp per pound
- Great for grilling, broiling, and stir-frying
Best Places to Buy Tiger Shrimp Online
1. Great Alaska Seafood
- Premium 8-12 count black tiger prawns
- Peeled and deveined for convenience
- Price: $29.95/lb or $219.60 for 8 lbs with free shipping
- Flash-frozen to maintain freshness
- Ships overnight from Alaska
2. Alaska King Crab Company
- Wild-caught XL tiger shrimp
- 8-10 count per pound
- Sourced from Malaysia and Indonesia
- Peeled, deveined, tail-on
- Overnight shipping available
3. Rastelli’s Seafood
- Antibiotic-free shrimp from Southeast Asia
- Multiple size options:
- U15
- 16-20 count
- 21-25 count
- 24-hour harvest-to-shipping time
Local Shopping Options
Seafood Markets
- Independent fish markets often have the freshest stock
- Ask about:
- Source location
- Harvest date
- Storage methods
- Pro tip: Build a relationship with your local fishmonger – they’ll hook you up with the best stuff!
Asian Grocery Stores
- Often carry head-on tiger shrimp
- Usually cheaper than specialty seafood shops
- Fresh deliveries typically arrive early morning
- Great for authentic Asian recipes
Grocery Store Seafood Counters
- Check delivery schedules
- Look for:
- Firm, shiny shells
- Fresh ocean smell
- No black spots or yellowing
- Best to buy on delivery days
How to Pick the Best Tiger Shrimp
When you’re at the store, here’s what to look for:
Quality Indicators
-
Shell Texture
- Should be firm and shiny
- Avoid slimy or gritty shells
- No soft spots
-
Size Matters
- Bigger = fewer per pound
- Premium sizes: 8-12 count/lb
- Standard sizes: 16-20 count/lb
-
Color Check
- Raw: Gray with dark stripes
- Cooked: Pinkish-white
- Avoid: Black spots or yellowing
-
The Sniff Test
- Should smell like the ocean
- No fishy or ammonia odors
- When in doubt, don’t buy!
Storage Tips
Once you’ve got your tiger shrimp, proper storage is crucial:
- Keep raw shrimp at 32-40°F
- Use within 2 days if fresh
- For frozen shrimp:
- Store up to 3 months
- Thaw in fridge overnight
- Never use hot water to thaw
Price Guide
Tiger shrimp prices vary by:
- Size
- Source
- Processing (head-on, peeled, deveined)
- Seasonal availability
Current average prices (2024):
- Premium (8-12 count): $25-35/lb
- Standard (16-20 count): $18-25/lb
- Bulk purchases often include shipping deals
My Personal Tips
After years of buying tiger shrimp, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Buy in bulk when possible – you’ll save on shipping
- Don’t be scared to ask questions about sourcing
- Make friends with local seafood vendors
- Always check harvest dates
- Consider frozen options – sometimes they’re fresher than “fresh”
FAQ
Q: Can I buy tiger shrimp year-round?
A: Yep! Thanks to farming and freezing methods, they’re available all year.
Q: What’s better – frozen or fresh?
A: Honestly, frozen shrimp are often frozen right after harvest, preserving freshness better than “fresh” shrimp that might be several days old.
Q: How much should I buy per person?
A: For main dishes, plan on about 1/2 pound per person. For appetizers, 1/4 pound works fine.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to shop online or local, knowing where to buy tiger shrimp is just the beginning. Remember to check quality indicators, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. With these tips, you’ll be cooking up some amazing shrimp dishes in no time!
Pro tip: Sign up for seafood vendor newsletters – they often send out awesome deals and seasonal specials. Trust me, your wallet will thank you later!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
From Pond to Processing in 2 Hours
Harvest happens quickly in the mangrove forests. In the pre-dawn hours, shrimp is netted from the pond and immediately put on ice to be sorted, then swiftly transported to a nearby collection center. After initial quality checks, it’s labeled for traceability back to the specific farmer; this lot code follows the shrimp from this point to our shelves. A fast transfer to a pristine processing facility near the farm is next, where the shrimp are cleaned, peeled, deveined, and packaged before being shipped to Wegmans. (Naturally, because these shrimp are EU Certified Organic, no antibiotics or chemicals are ever used.) This entire journey, from pond to processing, takes only about two hours!