Shrimp vs. Shrimp: What's the Difference? (2023)

Prawns and shrimps are often confused. In fact, the terms are used interchangeably in fishing, agricultural and culinary contexts.

You may even have heard that shrimp and prawns are one and the same.

Although they are closely related, they can differ in several ways.

This article discusses the key similarities and differences between shrimp and prawn.

Definitions vary by country

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Both shrimp and prawns are caught, farmed, sold and served around the world.

However, where you live probably determines which term you will use or see most often.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland "shrimp" is a general term used to describe both true prawns and prawns.

In North America, the term "shrimp" is much more commonly used, while the word "shrimp" is more often used to describe larger species or those caught from fresh water.

However, "shrimp" and "shrimp" are not consistently used in the same context, making it difficult to know which shellfish you are actually buying.

AbstractIn North America, the word "shrimp" is more commonly used, while the word "shrimp" refers to larger or freshwater species. Commonwealth countries and Ireland use "shrimp" most often.

Prawns and shrimps are scientifically different

Although there is no consistent definition of shrimp and prawn in fishing, farming and culinary contexts, they are scientifically distinct as they come from different branches of the shellfish family tree.

Both shrimp and prawns belong to the class of decapods. The term "decapod" literally means "10 feet". So, both prawns and shrimps have 10 legs each. However, these two types of crustaceans come from different suborders of decapods.

Shrimp belong to the suborder Pleocyemata, which also includes crabs, lobsters, and crabs. Prawns, on the other hand, belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata.

However, in common usage the terms "shrimp" and "shrimp" are used interchangeably for many species of Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata.

Both shrimps and prawns have a thin exoskeleton, and their body is divided into three main parts: head, thorax and abdomen (1).

The main anatomical difference between prawns and shrimps is their body shape.

In crayfish, the thorax covers the head and abdomen. But in crayfish, each segment overlaps the segment below it. That is, the head overlaps the chest, and the chest overlaps the stomach.

Because of this, shrimp cannot bend their body as much as shrimp.

Their legs are also a little different. Shrimp have three pairs of claw-like legs, while shrimp have only one pair. Prawns also have longer legs than shrimp.

The other main difference between shrimp and prawn is the way they reproduce.

Crayfish carry fertilized eggs on the underside of their bodies, but shrimp release their eggs into the water and allow them to develop on their own.

AbstractShrimp and prawns come from different branches of the shellfish family tree. Prawns belong to the Pleocyemata suborder while shrimps belong to the Dendrobranchiata suborder. They have several differences in anatomy.

They live in different types of water

Both prawns and shrimps are found in bodies of water around the world.

Depending on the species, shrimp can be found in warm and cold water, from the tropics to the poles, in fresh or salt water.

However, only about 23% of crayfish are freshwater species (2).

Most crayfish can be found near the bottom of the body of water they live in. Some species can be found resting on the leaves of plants, while others use their tiny legs and claws to descend to the seabed.

Prawns can also be found in both fresh and salt water, but unlike shrimp, most species are found in fresh water.

Most crayfish species prefer warmer waters. However, various species can also be found in the colder waters of the northern hemisphere.

Shrimp often live in calm waters, where they can sit on plants or rocks and comfortably lay their eggs.

AbstractPrawns and shrimps live in both fresh and salt water. However, most crayfish live in salt water, while most crayfish live in fresh water.

They can be of different sizes

Shrimp and prawns often vary in size as shrimp are usually larger than prawns.

However, there is no standard size limit that differentiates these two products. Most of the time people classify these shellfish based on the number per pound.

Generally speaking, "large" means you usually get 40 or fewer cooked shrimp per pound (about 88 per pound). "Medium" refers to about 50 per pound (110 per kilogram), and "low" refers to about 60 per pound (132 per kilogram).

However, the fact is that size is not always an indicator of a real shrimp or real shrimp as each species comes in many different sizes depending on the species.

AbstractPrawns are usually larger than shrimp. However, there are exceptions to the rule - large types of shrimp and small varieties of shrimp. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish between the two species based on size alone.

Their nutritional profiles are similar

There are no significant documented differences between shrimp and prawns in terms of their nutritional value.

They all area good source of protein, and at the same time has a relatively low caloric value.

Three ounces (85 grams) of shrimp contain about 18 grams of protein and only about 85 calories (3).

Shrimp and prawns are sometimes criticized for thishigh cholesterol content. However, in fact, they each provide a desirable fat profile, including a high amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids (3).

Three ounces of shrimp or prawns provide 166 mg of cholesterol, but also about 295 mg of omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to providing lean protein and healthy fats, these shellfish are a very good source of selenium, an important antioxidant. You can get nearly 50% of your daily value of selenium in just 3 ounces (85 grams) (3).

In addition, the type of selenium found in shellfish is very well absorbed by the human body.

Finally, shrimp and prawns are a very good source of vitamin B12, iron and phosphorus.

AbstractThere are no documented differences between the nutritional profiles of shrimp and prawns. Both are a good source of protein, healthy fats and many vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories.

They can be used interchangeably in the kitchen

There is no definitive taste that distinguishes shrimp from shrimp. They are very similar in taste and texture.

Some say that shrimp are slightly sweeter and meatier than shrimp, while shrimp are softer. However, the species' diet and habitat have a much greater effect on flavor and texture.

Therefore, shrimp and prawns are often used as synonyms in recipes.

There are several ways to prepare these shells. Each can be fried, grilled or steamed. They can be cooked with or without the shell.

Both shrimp and prawns are known for their ability to cook quickly, making them the perfect ingredient for a quick and easy meal.

AbstractShrimp and prawns generally taste the same, and the flavor profile is indicative of the habitat and diet of the species. From a culinary point of view, there is very little difference between them.

conclusion

Around the world, the terms "shrimp" and "shrimp" are often used interchangeably. They can be categorized by size, shape or the type of water they live in.

However, shrimp and prawns are scientifically different. They come from different branches of the crustacean family tree and are anatomically different.

However, their nutritional profiles are very similar. Each of them is a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

So while they may differ slightly, both are nutritious additions to your diet and you probably won't have a problem substituting them in most recipes.

FAQs

Shrimp vs. Shrimp: What's the Difference? ›

Pink shrimp are some of the tastiest shrimp you can find, mild and sweet without the distinctive ammonia taste some of the brown and white shrimp have. Just don't expect a vibrantly hued patch of shrimp at the market—pink shrimp can range from white to gray in color.

Which shrimp is best to eat? ›

Pink shrimp are some of the tastiest shrimp you can find, mild and sweet without the distinctive ammonia taste some of the brown and white shrimp have. Just don't expect a vibrantly hued patch of shrimp at the market—pink shrimp can range from white to gray in color.

What's the difference between a shrimp and a prawn? ›

Shrimp have one pair of legs that include claws at the end, but prawns have three pairs with claws. Prawns also tend to have legs that are a bit longer in relation to the size of the body than shrimp of similar size.

What are 3 differences between shrimp and prawns? ›

The Differences Between Prawns and Shrimp

Both animals have 10 legs, but prawns have pincers on three pairs of legs, while shrimp just have one clawed duo. Shrimp are also bendier than prawns due to their flexible shell structure, whereas prawns have overlapping segments and less mobility.

How can you tell the difference between shrimp? ›

Shrimp, as we know, have a tight curl to them. Examining their legs will also help you decipher the two. Shrimp's front pincers are the largest and they have claws on two pairs of the legs. Prawns, on the other hand, have their largest pincers on the second pair of legs and claws on three pairs of their legs.

What is the best shrimp to eat healthy? ›

However, shrimp that have been grilled, poached, steamed or baked are often a healthier choice. And when it comes to seasonings, stick with fresh herbs & spices, extra virgin olive oil and fresh citrus to boost flavor.

Is it healthy to eat shrimp? ›

The short answer to this question is yes! Shrimp is good for you. Shrimp is full of nutrients and supports brain health and thyroid function while also serving as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Which is tastier shrimp or prawn? ›

There is no conclusive flavor that distinguishes a shrimp from a prawn. They're very similar in taste and texture. Some say prawns are a bit sweeter and meatier than shrimp, while shrimp are more delicate. However, the species' diet and habitat have a much greater influence on taste and texture.

What is the largest shrimp to eat? ›

What is the Biggest Shrimp Size? Colossal shrimp are the largest. At 8 to 12 shrimp per pound, these are the most toothsome, satisfying size. They're also highly versatile, from frying to steaming to roasting to sautéeing, there's no dish that colossal shrimp aren't at home in.

Which is 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. Overall, your purchase is more likely to be affected by the seafood's diet, habitat, and region. It's better to spend time finding the product's source than the taxonomy differences.

Are jumbo shrimp just prawns? ›

The term “prawn” is also loosely used to describe any large shrimp, especially those that come 15 (or fewer) to the pound (such as “king prawns”, yet sometimes known as “jumbo shrimp”).

What is the name of the big shrimp? ›

The Asian tiger shrimp, or tiger prawn, can reach the length of a human forearm and weigh as much as 11 ounces.

Are scampi and shrimp the same? ›

Scampi, to be precise, does not mean shrimp but is the Italian name for small members of the lobster family, also known as Dublin Bay prawns, Norway lobsters or, in French, langoustines.

What is the safest shrimp to eat? ›

The best choices are wild-caught MSC-certified pink shrimp from Oregon or their larger sisters, spot prawns, also from the Pacific Northwest or British Columbia, which are caught by traps. Avoid: imported shrimp. 4. Check your Choice: There are two other ways to get information on the purchase you want to make.

What are the 2 black lines in shrimp? ›

The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is an intestinal tract of unappetizing grit. While shrimp can be cooked and eaten with or without the vein, most people prefer it removed for taste and presentation. And deveining shrimp is very easy to do.

Do different types of shrimp taste different? ›

Brown shrimp, thanks to an iodine-rich diet, have a strong flavor that goes great with robust dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. White shrimp have a more mild flavor with notes of natural sweetness because they're found in areas with less salinity, like brackish estuaries and bayous.

Is it OK to eat shrimp every day? ›

Is it okay to eat shrimp every day? A. Doctors now consider it safe for most people to consume shrimp daily, irrespective of their cholesterol levels. In moderation, shrimp consumption can provide many essential nutrients.

Are shrimp healthier than fish? ›

Best: Shrimp

They're low in mercury -- and calories -- and high in protein. And they're popular: Shrimp accounts for about half of the seafood eaten in the U.S. The only drawbacks are that they're higher in cholesterol than most fish. They're also low in omega-3s.

Is shrimp good for high blood pressure? ›

Shrimp has less than a tenth of a gram of saturated fat in 3 ounces. Plus, there's almost no trans fat in shrimp. The healthy fats in shrimp, like omega-3 fatty acids, can lower your blood pressure and odds of getting heart disease and stroke.

Is shrimp healthier than beef? ›

Shrimp is certainly lower in fat and calories than lean beef: Three ounces contains 31 grams of protein, eight grams of total fat, and 3.2 grams of saturated fat. Even skinless chicken breast has a little more fat than shrimp.

Is shrimp good or bad cholesterol? ›

The authors suggest that shrimp and egg are healthful foods that will not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) even list shrimp as a food that can lower cholesterol levels — as long as people do not fry it.

Are shrimp bad for cholesterol? ›

Shrimp are notably high in cholesterol. You'll take in about 130 milligrams if you eat 12 large shrimp. But at only 2 grams of fat, shrimp are plump with B vitamins, protein, and the nutrients selenium and zinc. Check with your doctor, but you can likely enjoy them once or twice a week.

Which shrimp taste most like lobster? ›

Royal Reds are huge crimson shrimp that taste like lobster and scallops, making them the crown jewel of Gulf shrimp. Fishermen must venture wide and far to find the prize shrimp known as Royal Reds, a range stretching from Massachusetts to French Guiana.

What makes shrimp taste better? ›

Best seasoning for shrimp

Citrus fruit like lemon and lime, garlic, herbs, are the flavor that will always compliments seafood. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika are great options, because they balance out most flavors well and all go very well together.

What part of the shrimp has the most flavor? ›

But you might be throwing out the most flavorful part of the shrimp: the shells. Not that I expect you to eat them, but when left on for the cooking process, shrimp shells contribute a depth of flavor that's somewhere between toasty and briny.

What is the most expensive shrimp in the world? ›

this is a scarlet prawn. they're known for their beautiful deep red color. tremendous size and amazing flavor and texture. in Spain they're known as carabineros.

What size shrimp tastes the best? ›

Size: Few rules govern the sale of shrimp and size classifications are subjective and relative. Learn to judge shrimp as retailers do - by the number of shrimp it takes to make a pound. Shrimp of from 15 or 20-30 per pound usually give the best combination of flavor, ease, and value.

How long do shrimp live? ›

Lifecycle of Shrimp

Shrimp don't live very long lives. One to six years is the lifespan of most shrimp. Ghost Shrimp live on the lower end of that range, only up to one year, while Caridean Shrimp can live up to six years.

Is shrimp more expensive than lobster? ›

There's no denying that you'll spend more on lobster than you would be buying shrimp, crab, and other seafood. However, it's worth its cost for many, which is why it continues to be one of the most popular seafood eaten around the globe. We're sure you want to save money on your next lobster order.

What is the almost #1 selling shrimp? ›

Popeyes asks how good the shrimp at a chicken place has to be to become the "almost #1 best selling shrimp in America." The answer is, of course, Popeyes kind of good, which we can see plainly in the crunchy breading and the delectable tartar sauce for dipping.

Are crawfish the same as shrimp? ›

Crawfish and shrimp differ the most in size, morphology, and the type of water in which they live. Crawfish are larger than shrimp, have long, thin pincers where the shrimp have none, and exclusively live in freshwater whereas shrimp live in freshwater and saltwater.

What is scampi made from? ›

Scampi is shellfish.

However, the term 'scampi' originates from Italy and means 'peeled prawn tail' – not necessarily breaded! Indeed across Europe it is not uncommon to find 'scampi' on the menu that will arrive at your table in the form of naked langoustine tails. The plural for Scampi in Italian is Scampo.

Can you eat raw prawns? ›

Prawns can be bought raw or cooked. They can be used in the same way and in the same kind of dishes, though cooked prawns can be eaten cold as they are. When raw, they are blue-grey in colour (and are sometimes called green prawns).

Do large shrimp taste different? ›

It turns out that bigger is NOT better. the larger the shrimp, the older it is. The older it is, the tougher and more iodine-y the shrimp tastes. Smaller younger shrimp are sweeter and more tender.

What is the biggest shrimp in USA? ›

Giant tiger prawns are the largest prawn in the world and will reach about 33 cm. They can be found in water sources in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Australia, and the United States.

What are the different sizes of shrimp called? ›

All About Shrimp
  • Colossal: U-10 ("U"stands for under, meaning there are under ten colossal shrimp in one pound.)
  • Jumbo: 11/15 (the "/" implies a range. There are 11 to 15 jumbo shrimp in one pound.)
  • Extra-Large: 16/20.
  • Large: 21/30.
  • Medium: 31/35.
  • Small: 36/45.

What is the killer shrimp common name? ›

Dikerogammarus villosus, also known as the killer shrimp, is a species of amphipod crustacean native to the Ponto-Caspian region of eastern Europe, but which has become invasive across the western part of the continent.

What do they call shrimp in Italy? ›

In the United States, "shrimp scampi" is the menu name for shrimp in Italian-American cuisine (the actual word for "shrimp" in Italian is gambero or gamberetto, plural gamberi or gamberetti).

Why do Americans say shrimp scampi? ›

Levy further explained: “Its usage probably began when Italian chefs in the United States substituted shrimp in a recipe that normally called for scampi and probably referred to it as shrimp prepared scampi-style.”

Is Alfredo and scampi the same? ›

Scampi or Alfredo Recipe

Here are two sauces to make one is Scampi the other is Alfredo. Both can be made with Meat or Seafood or left plain with many suggestions given in the recipe. The variations or endless over any pasta you prefer.

What part of the shrimp can you not eat? ›

The black, slimy “vein” below the flesh of the shrimp is actually the shrimp's digestive tract. Sometimes it is easy to see and other times it is barely visible. It is not harmful to the human body if consumed, and the rationale for removing the tract is based largely on aesthetics.

Why not to eat farmed shrimp? ›

Because the farms are monocultures, containing just one species, the shrimp are particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Farmed shrimp can also pass diseases to other species, such as seagulls who eat them and then pass along the pathogen to others when they defecate in a different pond nearby.

What is the downside of shrimp? ›

Shrimp May Contain Contaminants

Shellfish may contain a range of unwanted additives, including heavy metals and microplastics. 2324 The health effects of these substances aren't completely understood, but excess mercury is known to impact the nervous system as well as heart and kidney health.

What happens if you don't devein shrimp? ›

* You can't eat shrimp that hasn't been deveined. If you were to eat the shrimp raw, the thin black “vein” that runs through it could cause harm. That's the shrimp's intestine, which, like any intestine, has a lot of bacteria. But cooking the shrimp kills the germs.

Can dogs eat shrimp? ›

Shrimp are also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates, which makes them a good choice for dogs on a diet. However, shrimp are high in cholesterol. This means that while an occasional shrimp can be a healthy treat, too many can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Should you peel shrimp before cooking? ›

You can cook shrimp with the shell on or off. If you want to peel off the shell, start by pulling off the legs and the shell can easily slip off. You can leave the shell on the tail or remove it, depending on your recipe. Shrimp have a dark threadlike digestive tract (aka vein) running along their curved backs.

How long can shrimp sit in the fridge? ›

Raw shrimp last in the fridge for one to two days but can last for months if frozen. Cooked shrimp last three to four days. To reheat cooked shrimp, use a lower temperature and check frequently to avoid overcooking. When storing raw shrimp in the fridge, keep it on the bottom shelf.

Where does the best shrimp come from? ›

The waters from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast produce some of the tastiest and cleanest shrimp in the world, and both are very accessible to everyday customers.

Are frozen shrimp good? ›

The quality of frozen shrimp is generally excellent.

For superior flavor and texture, buy shrimp frozen and defrost them just before cooking. Within just 24 hours of thawing, the muscle tissue begins to degrade and turn mushy, and the shrimp's flavor becomes less fresh.

Is farm raised or wild shrimp better? ›

Conclusion. To sum up, wild shrimp are usually a better choice than farm raised shrimp for many reasons, most especially the superior taste. Unless you want your shrimp for a very cheap price, it is most of the time a better choice.

Should I get cherry or ghost shrimp? ›

Cherry shrimps are slightly smaller, with brighter colors than ghost shrimps. They have a slightly more peaceful temperament and are easier to breed. On the other hand, ghost shrimp populations are less likely to get out of hand, and their slightly larger size makes them less vulnerable to being eaten by larger fish.

Which is better black tiger shrimp or white shrimp? ›

TASTE: Black Tiger Prawns are most popular for having a bold, sweet taste, while white shrimp have a more delicate flavor. TEXTURE: Black Tiger Prawns have firm meat that has been described as a “snappy, meaty texture." White Shrimp have a softer, but still firm texture.

What is better brown or white shrimp? ›

Brown shrimp, thanks to an iodine-rich diet, have a strong flavor that goes great with robust dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. White shrimp have a more mild flavor with notes of natural sweetness because they're found in areas with less salinity, like brackish estuaries and bayous.

Where does the cleanest shrimp come from? ›

The waters from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast produce some of the tastiest and cleanest shrimp in the world, and both are very accessible to everyday customers.

Why not to buy farmed shrimp? ›

Because the farms are monocultures, containing just one species, the shrimp are particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Farmed shrimp can also pass diseases to other species, such as seagulls who eat them and then pass along the pathogen to others when they defecate in a different pond nearby.

Why do people buy cherry shrimp? ›

The aquarium hobby is crazy about Neocaridina cherry shrimp and for good reason too. Not only are they excellent clean-up crew members that eat algae and leftover fish food, but they come in almost every color of the rainbow and are tiny enough to fit in a 2-gallon nano tank.

What won't eat cherry shrimp? ›

Category #1: Small Invertebrates

For example, little snails — like nerite, mystery, bladder, and Malaysian trumpet snails — are mostly scavengers and detritivores that won't eat living shrimp.

Why are cherry shrimp so expensive? ›

The cause of expensiveness comes from the challenges to breed and improve the higher grades. In fact, only a handful of experts actually have a higher grade shrimp breeding experience. So, the rarity of the higher grades is responsible for the price of the aquarium shrimps.

Is it better to cook shrimp with the shell on or off? ›

Cook in the shell whenever possible, especially when you grill. The shells add a lot of flavor to the meat, and they protect it from quickly overcooking. Besides, sitting around a table peeling and eating shrimp is a party right there.

What is the largest shrimp you can buy? ›

Super colossal shrimp are the biggest you can buy

Aptly named super colossal shrimp, this variety is the largest size you can buy, and can require as long as 15 minutes to cook, according to Fulton Fish Market.

Is frozen or fresh shrimp better? ›

The quality of frozen shrimp is generally excellent.

For superior flavor and texture, buy shrimp frozen and defrost them just before cooking. Within just 24 hours of thawing, the muscle tissue begins to degrade and turn mushy, and the shrimp's flavor becomes less fresh.

Is Wild Gulf shrimp better? ›

Wild shrimp also tend to be lower in saturated fats because of what farm-raised shrimp are fed. Imported shrimp can also be infected with antibiotic residues that have been linked to cancer. Alabama Gulf shrimp are simply safer, healthier, and tastier.

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