Everything You Need to Know About Black Tiger Prawns

With their firm texture and subtly briny flavour, black tiger prawns are the star of everything from simple recipes to the most sophisticated dishes. But with the overwhelming number of online options, it can be hard to know where to start?: what size should you choose? Is it better to buy them whole or already peeled?

As a Product Expert at Joybuy, I'm sharing my top tips to help you buy the right prawns online to elevate your dishes with complete confidence.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Black Tiger Prawns??

To make the right choice, there are three key factors to consider?: the size, the preparation type, and the freezing method.

1. Understanding Sizing?: A Matter of Size and Use

The size, indicated by numbers like 6/8 or 13/15, refers to the number of prawns per pound (approx. 450?g). It's simple?: the smaller the number, the larger the prawns.

• Large sizes (e.g., 6/8, 8/12)?: These jumbo prawns are destined to be the star of the plate. They are ideal for grilling on the barbecue, cooking on a plancha, or simply pan-frying with garlic and parsley. Their XXL size guarantees a "wow" factor at the dinner table.
• Medium sizes (e.g., 13/15, 16/20)?: Highly versatile, they are perfect for adding to pasta, risotto, curry, or a main-course salad. This is the best balance between size and quantity.
• Small sizes (e.g., 21/25 and up)?: Often more budget-friendly, they are perfect for flavouring soups, sauces, or stuffings, where the prawn can infuse its full taste.

2. The Preparation?: A Precious Time-Saver

Frozen black tiger prawns come in different forms to suit your recipes and your schedule.

• Whole (HOSO - Head-On, Shell-On)?: These whole prawns, with head and shell intact, are the secret to an unforgettable homemade stock or broth. The heads and shells are where most of the flavour is concentrated!
• Peeled & Deveined (P&D)?: These peeled prawns are ready to use. The dorsal tract (the "vein") has already been removed, saving you a tedious step. This is the ultimate hassle-free option.
• "Easy Peel" (EZP)?: The shell is split down the back. This small detail makes all the difference?: the flesh is protected during cooking, and peeling becomes an absolute breeze. It's the ideal compromise between flavour and convenience.

3. Freezing, a Guarantee of Freshness

Paradoxically, choosing raw frozen prawns is often a guarantee of absolute freshness. The ultra-fast freezing process right after the catch (IQF - Individually Quick Frozen technique) perfectly preserves the product's texture and nutritional qualities. This gives you a top-quality product that's available anytime. The species most renowned for holding up well during cooking is Penaeus monodon, the scientific name for the black tiger prawn.

Top Black Tiger Prawn Picks

To help you make your choice, here are our favourite products, all available on Joybuy.fr.

Asian Choice Black Tiger Shrimp HOSO 6/8 1000g

• Why it stands out?: Its jumbo size and whole presentation make it THE centerpiece for your festive meals. The presence of the head and shell allows you to create cooking juices or stocks with unparalleled richness.

• Advantages?:

  • Jumbo 6/8 size for a spectacular visual and a generous portion.
  • Whole (HOSO) presentation for divinely flavourful broths and sauces.
  • Flesh protected by the shell for incomparable tenderness when cooked.

• Who is it for?? For cooks who want to pull out all the stops for a barbecue, a plancha party, or an exceptional dinner. A high-quality raw product that's also a favourite among professionals.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Asian Choice Black Tiger Shrimp P&D 13/15 1000g

• Why it stands out?: This is the choice for simplicity and efficiency. Fully prepared, these prawns let you cook quickly and well, without ever sacrificing taste.

• Advantages?:

  • Zero prep?: already peeled and deveined (P&D).
  • Versatile 13/15 size, ideal for woks, curries, and pasta dishes.
  • Ready to be tossed in the pan for a quick meal.

• Who is it for?? Perfect for impromptu weeknight meals, busy families, and anyone who wants to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Asian Choice Black Tiger Shrimp HLSO/EZP 16/20 1000g

• Why it stands out?: The best of both worlds. The split shell ("Easy Peel") protects the flesh during cooking for maximum juiciness, while making peeling at the table an absolute breeze.

• Advantages?:

  • "Easy Peel" (EZP) format?: the pleasure of peeling without the chore.
  • Headless (HLSO) for more compact freezer storage.
  • Versatile 16/20 size, great for everything from appetisers to main courses.

• Who is it for?? For food lovers who enjoy the ritual of peeling but without the hassle, and who want tender, juicy flesh, especially for seafood platters or saucy dishes.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Looking for Other Flavours??

Want to venture off the beaten path? While black tiger prawns are a timeless classic, the world of seafood is full of treasures. Explore more adventurous or spicy preparations.

? Discover our selection of chilli prawns and other seafood specialities

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Tiger Prawns

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

In common usage, the terms "prawn" and "shrimp" are often used interchangeably. While there are biological differences, in the culinary world, "prawn" generally refers to larger species, while "shrimp" refers to smaller ones. The most reliable guide is the size count (e.g., 13/15)?: this tells you the actual size of the product you're buying.

How do you properly thaw frozen prawns??

To thaw prawns the right way, patience is your best friend. Place the prawns in a colander over a dish and let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator for several hours, or even overnight. In a hurry? You can run them under cold water for a few minutes. Above all, avoid hot water or the microwave, which will cook the flesh and ruin its texture. The golden rule?: NEVER refreeze a thawed product.

What is the average price for 1?kg of prawns??

The price of prawns per kilo can vary widely. Several factors explain this?:

• The size?: larger prawns are naturally more expensive.
• The preparation?: peeled and deveined prawns require more labour and therefore have a higher cost.
• The species and origin.

Our advice?: always compare like for like. Look at the price per kilo based on the net drained weight and the level of preparation to judge the true value for money.