Prawns

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Even though most people have never even heard of prawns, it is a fact that these delicious little guys are among the most popular seafood available. Prawns are really just giant shrimp.

There are some small, subtle anatomical differences between prawns and shrimp, but the taste is generally identical.

Many say the difference is size. In some parts of the country, shrimp are sold and referred to just as shrimp. But, the shrimp that are sometimes called extra large or jumbo shrimp are subsequently referred to as prawns. While it would be helpful if this would be a rule that was always followed, this rule does not always hold. In some areas, all shrimp, regardless of size, are sold as shrimp. While in areas of the country they are not called shrimp at all, but are instead called prawns.

In some circles, the name ‘prawn’ does not refer to shrimp at all, but instead to the shrimp's close relative, the Dublin Bay Prawn. These prawns resemble shrimp, but are distinguished by having small pincer claws like a lobster. It also has a body that is narrower than shrimp.
Another name these sea creatures go by is Florida lobsterettes or Caribbean lobsterettes. These specialized shellfish can be quite difficult to find on the market and can be a bit expensive.

One of the other differences between the Dublin Bay Prawns and shrimp is the fact that prawns are often cooked with their heads on, while shrimp heads are removed before they are cooked. Even though the claws are interesting to look at and help make the presentation of the meal a little nicer, they are quite small and are not large enough to yield any meat.

As if all of this were not confusing enough, another sometimes interchangeable word is "scampi." In general, in the United States and Canada, scampi is a dish of large shrimp that are cooked with garlic and butter and refers to a style of preparation rather then an ingredient. However, in the U.K., ‘scampi’ is plural for ‘scampo’, the Italian word for Norway lobster, also known as Dublin Bay Prawn.
One thing, however, that does not change is the love that people have for this type of seafood. If you go to any seafood restaurant or look on any seafood buffet, the one item more prominent than pretty much anything else are shrimp prawns.

Prawns can be prepared in a few different ways. Perhaps the most popular way to prepare them is to bread and fry them. Frying them is relatively easy and people tend to eat them just like French fries. Those who choose to make them a different way sometimes actually do not need to do anything at all. Many people actually prefer raw or lightly steamed shrimp. The most popular condiment for both raw and fried shrimp is cocktail sauce.

Regardless of what you call them, prawns are delicious additions to your dinner table. And if you call them shrimp or scampi, the fact is that the taste does not really change and you are bound to get an enjoyable meal no matter what.

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