Shrimp and prawns are both popular seafood that look similar and are often used in similar recipes, but they are technically different species.
Key Differences
| Feature | Shrimp | Prawns |
|---|---|---|
| Body shape | Slightly curved body | Straighter body |
| Claws | Smaller front claws | Larger front claws |
| Gills | Plate-like gills | Branching gills |
| Legs | Claws on 2 pairs of legs | Claws on 3 pairs of legs |
| Habitat | Mostly saltwater | Often freshwater but also saltwater |
| Size | Usually smaller | Usually larger |
In Cooking
In most countries, the terms shrimp and prawn are used interchangeably, especially in recipes and restaurants. The cooking method is usually the same.
Common dishes include:
- Garlic butter shrimp/prawns
- Shrimp or prawn stir-fry
- Shrimp pasta
- Grilled prawns
- Shrimp fried rice
Basic Cooking Method
- Peel and devein the shrimp/prawns.
- Heat butter or oil in a pan.
- Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add shrimp/prawns and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or herbs.
💡 Tip:
Shrimp and prawns cook very quickly. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
If you want, I can also show you 5 very popular shrimp recipes restaurants use (garlic butter shrimp, honey garlic shrimp, Cajun shrimp, etc.). 🍤
