1 What are tiger prawns?

Characteristics of tiger prawns

Tiger prawns, scientifically known as Penaeus monodon, are a popular type of prawn worldwide. They are known as a marine species, distributed from the East African coast to the Japanese coast. They are also found in some areas of the East Australian coast, the Mediterranean Sea, Hawaii, and the US Atlantic coast, but in smaller numbers.

Tiger prawns are large, averaging about 36cm in length and weighing more than other types of shrimp, up to 650g per prawn. Their thick shells have a mix of red, brown, gray, and blue colors. The meat of tiger prawns is also firmer and chewier than that of whiteleg shrimp.

Tiger prawns are cold-blooded animals, so they are easily affected by the climate. Previously, they only lived in the sea, but due to consumer demand, they have been farmed in freshwater areas.

Nutritional value of tiger prawns

Tiger prawns are a rich source of protein and many essential nutrients for the body. Notably, they are fat-free and relatively low in calories. The nutritional content of one tiger prawn is as follows:

• Sodium: 76.7mg
• (Likely Protein): 1.5g
• (Likely Fat): 0.2g
• (Likely Carbohydrates): 3.2g
• (Likely Calcium): 1% DV
• Iron: 2% DV
• Potassium: 1% DV

2 Common types of tiger prawns

Giant tiger prawns

Giant tiger prawns are also known as sea tiger prawns, grade 1 tiger prawns, or wild tiger prawns. These prawns are as big as a wrist, comparable to blue lobsters. The supply of giant tiger prawns is limited, so their price is quite high compared to farmed tiger prawns.

The meat of giant tiger prawns is especially delicious, sweet, firm, and carries the characteristic flavor of the sea. Giant tiger prawns can be said to be “on par” with lobsters thanks to their equally delicious flavor but with more meat. They are an excellent choice for seafood lovers.

Ca Mau tiger prawns

Ca Mau tiger prawns are one of the specialties of the Southern region of Vietnam. These prawns are farmed entirely naturally, feeding on natural food thanks to complex farming techniques.

The meat of Ca Mau tiger prawns is delicious, sweet, firm, and relatively larger than whiteleg shrimp, about 10-13cm long. Due to its flavor, the price of this type of prawn is relatively high but still lower than giant tiger prawns.

3 Distinguishing farmed tiger prawns and wild tiger prawns

Nowadays, due to market demand, tiger prawns are commonly farmed. However, wild-caught tiger prawns still offer a more delicious and distinctive flavor. To ensure a good meal, you need to distinguish between farmed and wild tiger prawns based on their appearance.

Wild tiger prawns usually have a characteristic red or golden hue, are large, and have uneven sizes. Meanwhile, farmed tiger prawns will have a green color similar to other types of shrimp and are smaller than wild tiger prawns.

4 What are some delicious dishes to make with tiger prawns?

Thanks to their firm meat and characteristic sea flavor, tiger prawns can be used to prepare many delicious dishes. Steamed dishes include beer-steamed tiger prawns; grilled dishes include cheese-grilled tiger prawns or chili-salt grilled tiger prawns. Additionally, tiger prawns can be used in soups or the enticing tamarind-stir-fried tiger prawns.

5 How to store fresh tiger prawns

How to store live tiger prawns

Storing fresh seafood requires specialized techniques, especially for tiger prawns.

Place live tiger prawns in water and cover with a net to prevent them from jumping out. Ensure the water is clean and still or only slightly rippled. Also, ensure that the prawn density does not exceed 300 prawns/m3, and an oxygen pump must be used.

These are complex operations requiring high expertise and specialized equipment. Therefore, storing live tiger prawns is only done in businesses, food processing facilities, or large restaurants.

How to store prawns in the refrigerator

Refrigeration is the most suitable method for storing shrimp in households and is chosen by many home cooks.

First, you need to prepare the prawns. Remove the antennae, clean the body with a brush, and rinse with clean water. Let them dry for about 10 minutes before freezing.

Once the prawns are dry, place them in containers, seal the lids tightly, wipe the outside of the containers clean, and place them in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The low temperature will prevent bacterial growth, thus preserving the tiger prawns for a long time.

However, tiger prawns are best eaten fresh, as freezing them for a long time will reduce their flavor. You should only store prawns for a maximum of 2 weeks for optimal enjoyment.

6 How much is 1kg of tiger prawns?

The price of tiger prawns depends on the fishing method, storage method, and farming location. It also depends on the size of each prawn.

For sea tiger prawns, the price for 20-25 prawns/kg (as of September 2021) is about 550,000 VND, while the price for 30-35 prawns/kg is around 450,000 VND.

Farmed tiger prawns are cheaper, with 30-35 prawns/kg costing only 350,000 VND or less.

This article has provided you with information about tiger prawns, along with how to choose and store them. We hope you’ve gained some useful knowledge, and don’t forget to follow our Cooking Tips section to learn more about the foods around us!