The Differences Between Prawns and Shrimp

A staple of every seafood lover's diet and one of the best kinds of  raw bar seafood, shrimp and prawns are both delicious and versatile. But what, exactly, is the difference between these two popular seafood items?

Prawns vs Shrimps: Biology

When learning about shrimp vs prawns, the first thing to know is that shrimp and prawns belong to different families.  Shrimp are part of the Pleocyemata suborder, which contains nearly 2,000-3,000 species of shrimp. Prawns, on the other hand, are part of the Dendrobranchiata suborder of decapods. There are about 3,000 species of prawns of which probably a couple of hundred are widely eaten.

When comparing diets, shrimp are mostly scavengers, feeding on whatever they can find. On the other hand, prawns are predators that primarily eat other shrimp and small fish.

The Visual Difference Between Prawns and Shrimp

Appearance-wise, shrimp and prawns can be easily mistaken for each other at first glance. Both have long bodies with slender legs and prominent tails. However, shrimps tend to be smaller and have a more curved body and tail than prawns, which are typically larger and have straighter bodies. When it comes to size, prawns are almost always larger than shrimp. A good rule of thumb is that if a seafood item is less than four inches long, it's probably a shrimp; if it's longer than four inches, it's probably a prawn.

Shrimp have more pronounced legs, while prawns have legs that are almost undetectable. Prawns also have claws on three of their five pairs of legs, while shrimp only have claws on two of their five pairs of legs. In addition, prawns have a longer thorax and a smaller abdomen in comparison to shrimp. Shrimp, on the other hand, have a shorter thorax and a larger abdomen.

Do prawns and shrimp taste different?

You may be wondering what do prawns taste like compared to shrimp. The taste of prawns and shrimp are also quite similar, although prawns are generally considered to be slightly sweeter. The biggest difference in taste is likely due to the fact that prawns are typically larger and therefore have a greater flesh-to-shell ratio. This means that there is more surface area for the flavor to penetrate.

Cooking Shrimp vs Prawns

Whether you're cooking shrimp or prawns, the process is relatively similar. Both types of seafood can be cooked by boiling, baking, grilling, frying, or steaming. The main difference is in the cooking time. Prawns typically take a few minutes longer to cook than shrimp.

When it comes to preparation, shrimp usually only need to be peeled and deveined. Prawns, on the other hand, often need to be cleaned as well, which is a more involved process.

The bottom line is that shrimp and prawns are both delicious seafood items that can be used in a variety of recipes. While there are some slight differences between the two, they are ultimately quite similar. So, if you can't decide which one to make for your next meal, go with whatever you can find at your local Marietta seafood restaurant near you or the seafood counter!

Prawns and Shrimp in Marietta at Mac's Raw Bar

Mac's Raw Bar is your go-to spot for the freshest seafood in Marietta. We have a wide selection of both shrimp and prawns for you to choose from, so you can get your seafood fixed any way you like it. Stop by today and see what all the fuss is about!