Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking with tiger shrimp for over 10 years and lemme tell you – these stripey fellas are something special. Today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about these impressive crustaceans that make regular shrimp look tiny in comparison!
What Makes Tiger Shrimp Special?
Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) are basically the supermodels of the shrimp world. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Size: These bad boys can grow up to 13 inches long! The females are usually bigger (25-30 cm) than the males (20-25 cm)
- Appearance: They rock these cool dark stripes across their shells (hence the “tiger” name)
- Texture: They’ve got firmer, meatier flesh compared to regular shrimp
- Taste: Slightly sweeter and more flavorful than your average shrimp
Where Do They Come From?
Tiger shrimp are naturally found in the Indo-Pacific region. including
- Eastern coast of Africa
- Arabian Peninsula
- Southeast Asia
- Pacific Ocean
- Northern Australia
But these days, most tiger shrimp we eat are farm-raised. The farming happens mainly in tropical and subtropical areas
Wild vs. Farmed Tiger Shrimp
Here’s the deal with wild vs farmed tiger shrimp:
Wild Tiger Shrimp:
- Harder to find
- More expensive
- Live in coastal waters and estuaries
- More sustainable fishing practices
Farmed Tiger Shrimp:
- More widely available
- More affordable
- Raised in controlled environments
- Some environmental concerns
Cooking with Tiger Shrimp
Let me share my fave ways to cook these beauties:
Best Cooking Methods:
- Grilling
- Pan-frying
- Stir-frying
- Barbecuing
Pro Tips (from my kitchen to yours):
- Don’t overcook! They’ll get tough and rubbery
- Clean and devein properly
- Season well but don’t overpower their natural sweetness
- Leave the shells on for grilling – adds extra flavor!
Nutritional Value
Tiger shrimp aren’t just tasty – they’re pretty healthy too! Here’s what you get per 100g:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 0.9g |
| Omega-3 | 0.3g |
| Selenium | 35 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.3 µg |
Buying and Storage Tips
When you’re shopping for tiger shrimp, here’s what to look for:
Fresh Tiger Shrimp:
- Firm, translucent flesh
- No strong fishy smell
- Clear eyes
- Store on ice in the fridge
- Use within 1-2 days
Frozen Tiger Shrimp:
- No freezer burn
- No visible ice crystals
- Can keep for several months
- Thaw overnight in fridge
Sustainability Concerns
I gotta be honest with ya – there are some environmental issues with tiger shrimp farming. Some concerns include:
- Mangrove forest destruction
- Water pollution
- Disease spread
But don’t worry! Many farms are now using better practices. Look for certifications like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) when buying.
Common Questions I Get About Tiger Shrimp
Q: Can I eat the shell?
A: You can, but most people don’t. The shells make awesome stock though!
Q: How do I know when they’re cooked?
A: They turn pink and opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Q: Are they worth the higher price?
A: If you’re making a special dish where shrimp is the star, absolutely! For everyday cooking, regular shrimp work fine.
The Bottom Line
Tiger shrimp are like the luxury sports car of the seafood world – bigger, showier, and more expensive than regular shrimp. While they might not be your everyday go-to, they’re perfect for special occasions or when you wanna impress your dinner guests.
Remember, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn in the kitchen. Happy cooking, friends!
Sourced Straight from Sea to Table
Sourced through trusted experts and chosen for taste, texture and quality.
Flash frozen to lock in the fresh-off-the-dock taste.
Packaged with dry ice and shipped overnight directly to your door.
Simply thaw, prep, heat, and eat.
Our Colossal Peeled & Deveined Tail-On Tiger Shrimp fall in the 6/8 count category, meaning there are six to eight shrimp per pound, depending on size. You’ll find approximately 12 to 16 shrimp in a two-pound order.
Tiger shrimp boast a sweet flavor with a firm texture. The real highlight of tiger shrimp, however, is their size! With just six to eight shrimp per pound – these shrimp are enormous. Roughly the size of your palm!
All of our products will stay good in the freezer for several months. However, for the best taste and texture, we recommend enjoying them within 2-3 months.
Need It By Tomorrow? Order by 3:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Thursday for next day delivery! Plus, get free shipping on orders over $300.
- Our Tiger Shrimp is farm raised and arrives flash-frozen.
- During processing, each Peeled & Deveined Tail-On Shrimp is hand-peeled down to the tail where the shell and vein are both removed, but the tail is left on.
- Tiger shrimp are extremely large (just ~6 per pound) and have a sweet, buttery flavor.
- Each order is packed with dry ice so that it stays completely frozen while en route to your doorstep.
- To thaw, remove the shrimp from its original packaging, place it in a plastic bag, and thaw it in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.
- To expedite the thawing process, place the shrimp in a plastic bag and run it under cool water (never hot water). Learn more safe thawing tips here.
- Shrimp can be baked, grilled, boiled, or steamed depending on your desired method. Aim for an internal temperature of 120° F.