Confused about whether you’re eating shrimp or prawn? You’re not alone! Let me break down the key differences between these tasty crustaceans in simple terms
The Quick Answer
No, shrimp and prawns are not the same thing – they’re actually different species! While they look similar and taste pretty much the same, these underwater creatures have some distinct biological differences. But here’s the funny thing – in many places around the world, people use the terms interchangeably anyway!
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Shrimp | Prawn |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Group | Pleocyemata | Dendrobranchiata |
| Gill Type | Plate-like (lamellar) | Branching |
| Body Shape | Tends to curl tightly | Stays relatively straight |
| Claw Pairs | 2 pairs | 3 pairs |
| Typical Habitat | Mostly saltwater | Mostly freshwater |
Anatomical Differences You Can Actually See
Listen up fellow seafood lovers! Here are the main ways to tell these creatures apart
Body Structure
- Shrimp: Their side plates overlap in a way that makes them curl up into that classic C-shape we all know
- Prawns: Have a more rigid skeleton that keeps them straighter
Claws and Legs
- Shrimp: Got their biggest claws up front and only 2 pairs of walking legs with claws
- Prawns: Biggest claws are on the second pair of legs and they’re fancy with 3 pairs of clawed legs
But Wait… Why All the Confusion?
I gotta tell ya. it gets pretty messy in the real world! Here’s why
- Regional Differences: In the UK, they call everything “prawns” (how’s that for simplifying things? )
- Marketing: Restaurants often label them however they think sounds fancier
- Size Isn’t Reliable: While prawns are usually bigger, you can find some jumbo shrimp that’ll make prawns look tiny!
The Taste Test
Here’s the real kicker – when it comes to cooking and eating, there’s practically no difference in taste! Both have that sweet, delicate seafood flavor we all love. That’s why recipes usually say “shrimp or prawns” – because you can totally swap one for the other.
Shopping Tips: What Should You Buy?
When you’re at the store, here’s what really matters:
- ✅ Size (for your recipe)
- ✅ Freshness (fresh > frozen if possible)
- ✅ Source (U.S. caught/farmed = better practices)
- ✅ Price (sometimes one’s cheaper than the other)
Cooking These Bad Boys
Whether you’ve got shrimp or prawns, here’s how to make them delicious:
Quick Cooking Methods:
- Grilling (my personal fave!)
- Sautéing
- Steaming
- Frying
- Broiling
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook! They get rubbery fast
- Shell on = more flavor
- Clean them properly (nobody wants that vein!)
Some Awesome Recipe Ideas
Looking for inspiration? Here are some killer ways to cook either shrimp or prawns:
- Garlic Scampi
- Stir-fry with veggies
- Tacos (seriously amazing!)
- Cold in salads
- In creamy pasta
The Bottom Line
While shrimp and prawns are technically different creatures, in the kitchen it really doesn’t matter which one you use! They cook the same way and taste amazing in pretty much any recipe. So next time someone gets all technical about whether it’s a shrimp or prawn, you can school them on the differences – but remind them that when it comes to eating, they’re both equally delicious!
Quick Shopping Checklist:
- Check the size you need
- Look for fresh when possible
- Compare prices between shrimp/prawns
- Check the source
- Buy what looks best to you!
Remember, whether you’re Team Shrimp or Team Prawn, you really can’t go wrong. Now go forth and cook up something amazing!
P.S. – If anyone asks, now you know way more about shrimp and prawns than most people! Pretty cool, right?
Size and Taste
In most cases, shrimp are smaller than prawns. But dont use this as the only marker for deciphering between the two as there can be large shrimp that are bigger than a typical prawn.
Taste is also not a way of telling the two crustaceans apart. While different varieties of shrimp and prawns vary in taste and texture, those differences do not divide along “shrimp” and “prawn” lines. In short, while shrimp and prawns are not the same, their flavors are, and therefore make them interchangeable in recipes.
Shrimp and Prawn Anatomies
While some differences may not be immediately noticeable, several anatomical features help distinguish these crustaceans. Shrimp have lamellar, or plate-like, gills, whereas prawns possess branching gills. Regarding their body structure, shrimp have a side plate that overlaps segments in front and behind, while the side plates of prawns overlap tile-like from front to back. This structure impacts their shape—a key indicator of whether youre eating a shrimp or a prawn is whether the body curls. The prawns outer skeleton is rigid, keeping it relatively straight, while shrimp are known for their tight curl.
Examining their legs will also help you decipher the two. Shrimps front pincers are the largest and they have claws on two pairs of legs. Prawns, on the other hand, have their largest pincers on the second pair of legs and claws on three pairs of their legs. Another difference between shrimp and prawns is that shrimp carry their fertilized eggs on the underside of their bodies beneath their tails and prawns release their fertilized eggs into the water to grow.
What Separates Shrimp From Prawns?
FAQ
What is the difference between a prawn and a shrimp?
While the terms “prawn” and “shrimp” are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences. Prawns generally have claws on three pairs of legs and a more elongated body shape, while shrimp typically have claws on two pairs of legs and a more curved, segmented body.
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.
Are shrimp just small prawns?
Kerrie Hanlon-Delas shrimp and prawns are two different animals; if it has a single pair of clawed appendages it’s a shrimp; if it has three pairs of clawed appendages it’s a prawn. There’s a half dozen other important differences, but size isn’t one of them.
Why can I eat prawns but not shrimp?
An allergy to crustaceans is the most common type. Some people are allergic to only one type of shellfish but can eat others. Other people with shellfish allergy must avoid all shellfish. An allergy to fish — such as salmon, tuna or catfish — is a different seafood allergy from an allergy to shellfish.