Comparing Shrimps versus Prawns.
Shrimps and prawns are often used interchangeably. In the US, the term shrimps are commonly seen on menus, while in the UK and Australia, prawns are more common. They are both crustaceans with 10 legs, decapods, but they actually have distinct differences. Here are the differences between shrimps versus prawns:
All About Shrimps
In general, shrimps are more petite than prawns. They live in saltwater and transport themselves by swimming.
Shrimps have claws on two of their legs, lamellar gills, and front pincers that are typically their largest. They also brood eggs on the underside of their body.
The easiest distinction is that the second segment of their shell overlaps the first and third shell segments. This gives a distance bend to their shape
All About Prawns
Prawns live in brackish (somewhat salty) or freshwater. As they are near the bottom of the water, they crawl along the floors rather than swim.
As for their shells, the shell segment overlaps down their abdomen – as in the first overlaps the second segment and the second segment overlaps the third. This makes less of a bend in their body.
Flavor-Profiles & Cooking
While their bodies are clearly different, when it comes to cooking there are no major flavor differences. Prawns are said to be slightly sweeter because they are from freshwater. They are also more expensive because of their size and weight.
You can cook both similarly and interchangeably, though prawns are treated more special because of their size. Both shrimps and prawns are nutritionally similar and an excellent source of low-calorie protein.
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