How to Select Premium Black Tiger Prawns

Finding the right Black Tiger prawns can be a challenge. Information about sizes like 16/20 or 6/8, the different preparation styles—shell-on or shell-off, head-on or headless—and the quality differences in frozen products often raise questions. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision so you can find the perfect prawns for your needs, whether for a barbecue, a quick stir-fry, or a festive dinner.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I have compiled the relevant information and product features to offer you clear and objective guidance.

What to Look for When Buying Black Tiger Prawns

To select the right Black Tiger prawns for your dish, three criteria are key: size, preparation style, and the quality of the freezing process.

1. Understanding Sizing: What Do Numbers Like 16/20 or 6/8 Mean?

The number combinations on prawn packaging indicate the grade or size. They refer to the approximate number of prawns per pound (lb, approx. 453g).

• The smaller the numbers, the larger the prawn.
• 16/20 means that one pound contains between 16 and 20 prawns. This is a common size for stir-fries and salads.
• 6/8 denotes very large specimens, often called jumbo Black Tiger prawns or gambas. Here, 6 to 8 pieces make up one pound. These are excellent for grilling or as the star of a dish.

The choice of size, therefore, depends directly on the intended use and the desired visual impact.

2. Choosing the Right Preparation: Shell-On, Headless, or Fully Prepared?

The form in which you buy prawns has a major impact on flavour and preparation time.

• Prawns with Head and Shell (Head On, Shell On / HOSO): This version offers the most intense flavour. The head and shell contain a lot of taste that infuses the dish during cooking and is ideal for making stocks or sauces. However, the preparation effort is higher.
• Prawns without Head, with Shell (Headless, Shell On / HLSO): A great compromise. The shell protects the meat from drying out during cooking and adds flavour. Removing the head simplifies handling. Ideal for grilling or pan-frying.
• Peeled & Deveined Prawns (P&D): These prawns are ready to use and offer maximum time savings in the kitchen. They are perfect for quick dishes like curries, pasta, or wok dishes where the prawn is one of several ingredients.

3. Quality Indicators for Frozen Prawns

Most prawns are sold frozen to ensure freshness and quality. An important quality feature is the IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) process. This method flash-freezes each prawn separately, preventing them from clumping into a solid block of ice and allowing for easy, portioned removal. It also better preserves the texture and nutrients.

Top Jumbo Tiger Prawns

Based on the criteria above, we have curated a selection of products that cater to different needs.

BML Food Group Ben's Black Tiger Shrimp 6/8 (Head On Shell On) 800g

Why they stand out: These jumbo Black Tiger prawns, graded 6/8, are among the largest available. Delivered head-on and shell-on, they are an excellent choice for dishes where an intense seafood aroma is the main goal.

Advantages:

• Very large size (6-8 prawns per pound) for an impressive presentation.
• Head-on and shell-on for maximum flavour, ideal for stocks and sauces.
• Firm texture that is perfect for grilling or preparing gambas.

Best for: Ambitious home cooks and grill masters who seek the full, authentic prawn flavour and appreciate preparing a dish from scratch.

Andu Headless Black Tiger Shrimp (with shell) 16/20 750g

Why they stand out: This product offers a great middle ground. The prawns are already headless, which simplifies preparation, but they retain their shells. The shell protects the delicate meat during pan-frying or grilling and ensures it stays juicy.

Advantages:

• Practical and versatile 16/20 size.
• Shell-on prawns, but headless for a great balance of flavour and convenience.
• Firm texture that holds up well even at high temperatures.

Best for: Anyone who loves the taste of shell-on prawns but wants to skip the step of preparing the heads. Ideal for paella or prawn skewers.

Asian Choice 31/40 Black Tiger Shrimp P&D 1kg (700g Net)

Why they stand out: These prawns are the definition of convenience. They are already peeled prawns and deveined (P&D), meaning they can go straight from the pack into the pan or pot. The IQF process ensures easy portioning.

Advantages:

• Maximum time-saving: already peeled and deveined.
• IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) for easy, single-piece removal.
• The 31/40 size is ideal for wok dishes, curries, soups, and pasta, where the prawn is part of the overall dish.

Best for: Quick weeknight meals and for cooks who value efficiency and straightforward preparation without compromising on ingredient quality.

Didn't Find the Right Match? Discover More Seafood

If you are looking for other sizes, different preparation styles, or a wider variety of seafood in general, you will find it in our comprehensive category. Here you can conveniently order seafood online and select the perfect product for your next culinary project.

Browse our range of Prawns and Seafood now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### What does the size specification like 16/20 mean for Black Tiger prawns?

The specification refers to the number of prawns per pound (approx. 453g). A grade of 16/20 means that between 16 and 20 prawns of that size make up one pound. The smaller the numbers, the larger the individual prawns.

### Should you buy prawns with or without the shell?

That depends on the dish. Shell-on prawns are more flavourful and remain juicier during cooking, making them ideal for grilling and pan-frying. Peeled prawns are more convenient and work well for quick dishes like curries or pasta, where they are added directly to the sauce or dish.

### What is the best way to thaw frozen prawns?

There are two recommended methods. The gentlest way is to let the prawns thaw overnight in a colander in the refrigerator, allowing the meltwater to drain away. If you're short on time, you can place the frozen prawns in their sealed bag in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes until thawed. Avoid using warm water or the microwave, as this can negatively affect the texture of the meat.