Hey there, seafood lovers! Ever wondered about those massive shrimp you sometimes see at fancy restaurants or seafood markets? Well, I’ve done some deep diving (pun intended!) to bring you everything you need to know about the world’s biggest shrimp. Trust me, these aren’t your average cocktail shrimp!
The Crowned King: Giant Tiger Prawn
Let’s start with the biggie – the Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) These bad boys are absolute units in the shrimp world! Here’s what makes them special
- Can grow up to a whopping 33 cm (13 inches) long
- Can weigh up to 10 ounces (that’s like a small smartphone!)
- Distinguished by tiger-like stripes on their shells
- Found mainly in:
- Philippines
- Southeast Asia
- Australia
- Some parts of the US
Where to Find These Giants
The Giant Tiger Prawn loves hanging out in warm waters and they’re pretty much the celebs of the shrimp world. But here’s a funny thing – they’re actually considered invasive species in some places! It’s like they’re the unwanted party crashers of the ocean.
Runner-Up: Giant Freshwater Prawn
Coming in at a close second is the Giant Freshwater Prawn. These guys are pretty impressive too:
- Grows up to 30 cm long
- Found in:
- Indo Pacific region
- Southeast Asia
- India
- Northern Australia
- Has a brownish-gray or greenish body
- Known by fancy names like:
- Malaysian prawn
- Giant river prawn
- Freshwater scampi
Other Notable Big Shrimp Species
Let me tell ya about some other massive shrimp that’ll make your regular shrimp look tiny
-
California Spot Prawn
- Length: 25-30 cm
- Weight: Around 0.25 lbs
- Fun fact: They’re actually shrimp, not prawns!
-
Eastern King Prawn
- Length: Up to 30 cm
- Notable feature: Has a cool rainbow-colored tail
- Habitat: Eastern Australian coast
-
Kuruma Prawn
- Length: 25-30 cm
- Nickname: Japanese tiger prawns
- Special trait: Can survive in colder waters than most
Size Comparison Table
| Species | Maximum Length | Typical Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Tiger Prawn | 33 cm | 10 ounces |
| Giant Freshwater Prawn | 30 cm | Varies |
| California Spot Prawn | 30 cm | 0.25 lbs |
| Eastern King Prawn | 30 cm | Varies |
| Kuruma Prawn | 30 cm | Varies |
Cooking Tips for Big Shrimp
When you’re dealing with these monster shrimp, you gotta cook ’em right! Here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Temperature is Key
- Always cook to 145°F (63°C) internal temp
- Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery
-
Best Cooking Methods
- Grilling
- Pan-frying
- Stir-frying
-
Seasoning Tips
- Keep it simple – these big boys have great natural flavor
- Garlic, butter, and lemon never fail
- Don’t overpower their sweet, natural taste
Where to Buy Big Shrimp
Looking to get your hands on some of these giants? Here’s where to look:
- Specialty seafood markets
- Asian grocery stores
- High-end supermarkets
- Online seafood retailers
- Local fish markets
Environmental Considerations
Before you go rushing out to buy these massive shrimp, there’s something we should talk about. Many of these big species are farmed, and not all farming practices are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Check for sustainability certifications
- Ask about farming practices
- Look for responsibly sourced options
- Consider environmental impact
The Bottom Line
Well, there you have it, folks! Now you know all about the biggest shrimp in the sea. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner party or just curious about these oceanic giants, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to impress your friends with some serious shrimp facts!
Remember, when it comes to shrimp, bigger isn’t always better – but it sure is impressive! And hey, next time someone makes a “jumbo shrimp” joke, you can tell them about the 13-inch Giant Tiger Prawn and watch their jaw drop!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail? I’d be happy to dive deeper into any specific aspect you’re interested in!
Extra Jumbo Shrimp
Coming in slightly larger than jumbo shrimp, the extra jumbo variety is the perfect size for finger food appetizers such as the Spanish tapa gambas al ajillo. You’ll commonly find extra jumbo shrimp on various seafood platters, making them a strong choice for catered events. Some of the most common ways of preparing extra jumbo shrimp include appetizers like fried coconut shrimp and grilled shrimp skewers.
- Extra Jumbo Shrimp Per Pound – Between 16 and 20
- Extra Jumbo Shrimp Per 3 oz. Serving – 4 or 5
Colossal shrimp are known for their strong and succulent flavor. The flavor profile of colossal shrimp paired with their large size makes them one of the best sizes of shrimp to grill and sear. Colossal shrimp are large enough to be their own main course, so some common uses include stuffed shrimp and breaded shrimp.
- Colossal Shrimp Per Pound – Under 15
- Colossal Shrimp Per 3 oz. Serving – 3 or 4
Extra Large Shrimp
Extra Large shrimp are an excellent size to serve on their own as an appetizer or a light entree. This type is fantastic for catered events and banquet halls, as you can pair them with your signature cocktail sauce and construct a delicious seafood platter. As an ingredient, extra large shrimp are great in recipes like seafood risotto and pasta.
- Extra Large Shrimp Per Pound – Between 26 and 30
- Extra Large Shrimp Per 3 oz. Serving – Between 7 and 8
Jumbo shrimp are among the most common sizes of shrimp, being used in a variety of recipes and dishes. This size of shrimp has a sweet flavor paired with a strong crunchy texture, making them the perfect size for shrimp cocktails. Since jumbo shrimp are so common, you can serve them in several different ways. Some of the most common uses are appetizers like shrimp skewers or as a topping for dishes like seafood pizza.
- Jumbo Shrimp Per Pound – Between 21 and 25
- Jumbo Shrimp Per 3 oz. Serving – Between 5 and 7
Why Louisiana’s $1.3 Billion Shrimp Industry Could Go Extinct | Big Business | Business Insider
FAQ
Is jumbo or XL shrimp bigger?
21/25: 21 to 25 shrimp per pound (Jumbo) 26/30: 26 to 30 shrimp per pound (Extra Large) 31/35: 31 to 35 shrimp per pound (Large) 36/40: 36 to 40 shrimp per pound (Medium Large)
What is another name for a large shrimp?
Large shrimp are often labeled as prawns, and some shrimp are actually named after prawns (like the short-seasoned Spot Prawn). While true prawns have a slight sweeter taste, most recipes that call for shrimp can use prawns and vice versa. Just make sure you buy shrimp or prawns in the size your recipe calls for.
Are colossal shrimp good to eat?
Colossal-sized shrimp are perfect for deep frying or breading.
What is the maximum size of a shrimp?
Many shrimp species are small as the term shrimp suggests, about 2 cm (0.79 in) long, but some shrimp exceed 25 cm (9.8 in). Larger shrimp are more likely to be targeted commercially and are often referred to as prawns, particularly in the Commonwealth of Nations and former British colonies.