Hey there seafood lovers! Ever found yourself standing at the fish counter, scratching your head and wondering what’s the real difference between shrimp and prawns? Well, you’re not alone! As a food blogger who’s spent countless hours in the kitchen experimenting with these delicious crustaceans, I’m gonna break it down for you in simple terms
The Quick Answer
While many people (and even some chefs!) use these terms interchangeably, shrimp and prawns are actually different creatures. They’re like cousins in the seafood family – related but not identical twins!
Anatomical Differences: Let’s Get Scientific (But Not Too Scientific!)
Body Structure
- Shrimp: These little guys have a distinctive bendy body with a side plate that overlaps segments in front and behind. That’s why they get that characteristic C-shape curl when cooked!
- Prawns: Their bodies are more rigid because their side plates overlap tile-like from front to back. They typically stay straighter when cooked.
The Leg Game
Here’s where it gets interesting:
-
Shrimp
- Have 2 pairs of legs with claws
- Their biggest claws are on the front legs
- Got plate-like gills
-
Prawns:
- Rock 3 pairs of legs with claws
- Their largest claws are on the second pair of legs
- Have branching gills
Habitat: Where Do They Hang Out?
While both can live in fresh and salt water, they typically prefer:
- Shrimp: Mostly saltwater buddies
- Prawns: Usually freshwater dwellers
Size Matters… Or Does It?
Here’s a fun fact – contrary to popular belief, size isn’t always the best way to tell them apart! While prawns tend to be larger, you can find some jumbo shrimp that are bigger than regular prawns. Mind-blowing, right?
Taste and Cooking: The Part You’ve Been Waiting For!
Let’s be real – this is what most of us care about! In terms of flavor and texture:
- Both have a sweet, delicate taste
- They cook similarly
- Can be used interchangeably in recipes
- Both are equally delicious (trust me, I’ve eaten A LOT of both!)
Buying Tips: What to Look For
When you’re shopping:
-
Look for:
- Firm, translucent flesh
- Fresh, ocean-like smell
- No black spots or yellowing
-
Avoid:
- Slimy texture
- Strong fishy odor
- Soft or mushy spots
Storage and Handling
Whether you got shrimp or prawns:
- Keep them super cold (32-38°F)
- Use within 2 days if fresh
- Can freeze for up to 6 months
- Thaw overnight in fridge (never on counter!)
My Favorite Ways to Cook Them
I’ve experimented with countless recipes, and here are some foolproof methods:
- Grilling: 2-3 minutes per side
- Sautéing: 3-4 minutes total
- Boiling: 2-3 minutes until pink
- Steaming: 5-6 minutes total
Environmental Considerations
Let’s talk sustainability for a sec:
- Look for U.S. wild-caught options
- Check for certification labels
- Consider farm-raised options from responsible sources
Common Myths Busted!
Let me clear up some confusion:
- Myth: All large ones are prawns
- Truth: Size isn’t a reliable indicator
- Myth: They taste completely different
- Truth: They’re pretty much interchangeable in recipes
The Bottom Line
While there are biological differences between shrimp and prawns, when it comes to cooking and eating, you can totally use them interchangeably! The most important thing is getting fresh, high-quality seafood from reliable sources.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Don’t overcook! They get rubbery real quick
- Season before cooking for best flavor
- Keep the shells on for more flavor when possible
- Save the shells for making awesome stock
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, whether you’re team shrimp or team prawn, you really can’t go wrong! They’re both delicious, versatile, and perfect for countless dishes. The main thing is to focus on quality and freshness rather than whether it’s technically a shrimp or a prawn.
Would love to hear about your favorite shrimp or prawn recipes in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this guide with your seafood-loving friends who might still be confused about the difference. Happy cooking, everyone!
P.S. Still can’t tell them apart? Don’t sweat it – even some seafood pros get confused sometimes! Just enjoy your seafood and know that either choice will make a delicious meal.
Prawns vs. Shrimp: Nutritional Difference
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 — is what is associated with an increased risk of heart disease5. The great news? Prawns and shrimp have virtually zero saturated fat.
How to Tell the Difference Between Prawns vs. Shrimp
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.
The difference between prawns and shrimps SIMPLIFIED
FAQ
Are shrimps and prawns the same thing?
While often used interchangeably, shrimp and prawns are not the same thing, though they are closely related and belong to the same order, Decapoda. They are distinct in terms of their anatomy, with differences in leg structure, body segmentation, and gill structure.
What’s more expensive, prawn or shrimp?
Shrimp tend to be less expensive than prawns, so don’t feel the need to splurge the next time you plan a shrimp boil.Mar 28, 2025
Why do Americans call prawns shrimps?
Holthuis noted that the terms prawn and shrimp were used inconsistently “even within a single region”, generalising that larger species fished commercially were generally called shrimp in the United States, and prawns in other English-speaking countries, although not without exceptions.
Is a prawn just a large shrimp?
Prawns and shrimp are often distinguished by their size, as prawns tend to be larger than shrimp. However, there is no standard size limit that sets the two apart. Most commonly, people classify these crustaceans by count per pound.Mar 9, 2018
Are prawns and shrimp the same?
Sharks Colouring Pages. What’s the difference between prawns and shrimp? In everyday life, people use the terms prawn and shrimp interchangeably. But are they the same thing? And if not, what’s the difference? Prawns and shrimp are both popular forms of seafood. And both prawns and shrimp are decapods – meaning they have 10 feet.
How do prawns differ?
Shells: Prawns’ shell segments overlap down their abdomen—meaning, the first shell overlaps the second, and the second overlaps the third—so there’s less of a bend in their body. Even knowing these differences, it can be hard to distinguish the two. But a good rule of thumb to differentiate between the two is size.
Do shrimp and prawns have different anatomies?
They have different anatomies: Prawns have claws on three pairs of their legs and second pincers that are larger than their front ones, whereas shrimp have claws on two pairs of their legs. Prawns also lack the distinct bend in their bodies that is seen with shrimp and each of their body segments overlaps the one behind it in succession.