Buying Guide for Black Tiger Prawns

Anyone looking to buy high-quality Black Tiger prawns online is often faced with a multitude of options that can seem confusing at first glance. Terms like "13/15", "Easy Peel", or "P&D" can make it difficult to decide which product is right for your planned meal. However, choosing the right product is crucial for the success of your recipe, whether it's a quick stir-fry, an aromatic pasta, or an impressive barbecue.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my job is to provide you with clear and objective information. This guide is designed to help you understand the differences between the various options and make an informed decision, so you can find the exact prawns that meet your needs.

What to Look for When Ordering King Prawns Online?

To make the right choice, three criteria are particularly important: size, preparation style, and freezing quality. Understanding these factors will make your shopping experience much easier.

1. Understanding Size: What Do Numbers Like 13/15 or 31/40 Mean?

The numbers on prawn packaging indicate the grade, which is the number of prawns per unit of weight (usually per pound, approx. 454g). The rule is simple: the smaller the numbers, the larger the individual prawns.

• 13/15: You get 13 to 15 prawns per pound. These are very large king prawns, perfect for grilling or as the star of a dish.
• 21/30: This is a medium to large-sized prawn. A versatile size for paella, curries, or skewers.
• 31/40: These are smaller prawns, ideal for pasta, salads, soups, or stir-fries where you want the prawns to be more evenly distributed.

2. The Preparation Style: Head-On, Peeled, or Easy Peel?

The state in which the raw prawns are sold directly impacts both 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 flavour that is released into the dish during cooking. They are the ideal choice for making stocks, bisques, or for authentic grilled dishes where the full seafood taste is desired.
• Prawns without Head, with Shell (Headless, Shell-On / HLSO): A good compromise. The shell protects the delicate meat from drying out during cooking and ensures it stays juicy. "Easy Peel" means the shell has already been cut along the back, making it easier to peel after cooking.
• Prawns, Peeled & Deveined (P&D): This is the most convenient option. The shell-off prawns are ready to cook and save valuable time in the kitchen. They are perfect for quick dishes like pasta, risotto, or wok creations.

3. Quality in Frozen Prawns: The IQF Method

Look for the "IQF" (Individually Quick Frozen) label. In this process, the prawns are flash-frozen one by one. This prevents them from freezing into a large block of ice. Frozen prawns preserved using the IQF method retain their texture and natural flavour better and can also be removed and portioned individually.

Black Tiger Prawns for Everyone

Based on these objective criteria, we have curated a selection of products that cater to different culinary needs.

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

What sets this product apart: This product represents maximum convenience. The shrimp are already peeled and deveined (P&D), which significantly reduces preparation time in the kitchen. The 31/40 grade makes them a versatile ingredient for a wide range of everyday dishes.

Benefits:

• Ready to cook: The shrimp are already peeled and deveined, saving time and effort.
• IQF frozen: Individual flash-freezing preserves the natural texture and makes portioning easy.
• Versatile size: Ideal for stir-fries, pasta, salads, and soups.

Who is it for?: For home cooks who value quick and easy preparation for everyday meals without wanting to compromise on quality.

Andu Black Tiger Shrimp Raw HLSO Easy Peel 13/15 800g

What sets this product apart: The impressive size (grade 13/15) makes these prawns a real centrepiece. The "Easy Peel" preparation offers a great balance between the full flavour of a shell-on prawn and ease of handling.

Benefits:

• Extra-large grade: These king prawns are excellent for skewers, paella, or as a main course.
• "Easy Peel" cut: The shell is cut along the back, which makes peeling before or after cooking much simpler.
• Protection from the shell: The shell protects the meat during cooking, keeping it exceptionally juicy.

Who is it for?: For anyone planning a special dish who wants to impress their guests with large, juicy king prawns, but still appreciates convenient preparation.

Ben's Black Tiger Shrimp 21/30 (Head-On, Shell-On) 800g

What sets this product apart: These head-on, shell-on prawns are the top choice for maximum flavour. The heads and shells form the basis for intense stocks, soups, and sauces that give a dish unparalleled depth.

Benefits:

• Maximum flavour: The head and shell release intense aromas during cooking.
• Ideal for stocks and sauces: After peeling, the shells can be used to create a highly aromatic base for bisques or sauces.
• Natural protection: The complete shell provides optimal protection for the prawn meat when grilling or pan-frying.

Who is it for?: For ambitious cooks and gourmets who want to extract the full, authentic flavour of seafood and use it for sophisticated recipes.

Not Quite Right for Your Recipe?

Culinary needs are diverse. Perhaps you need a different size for your recipe, are looking for a specific type of prawn, or prefer a different pack size. For more options, you can browse our entire range of seafood.

Discover More Frozen Seafood

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the size grading on prawns mean?

The numbers, such as 21/30, indicate how many prawns are in one pound (approx. 454g). A smaller number means the individual prawns are larger. For example, size 13/15 prawns are significantly larger than size 31/40.

Should I buy raw prawns with or without the shell?

That depends on your recipe. Shell-on prawns offer more flavour and stay juicier during cooking but require more prep work. Shell-off prawns are more convenient and ready to use, making them ideal for quick dishes.

What is the best way to thaw frozen prawns?

The best method is to let the required amount of frozen prawns thaw overnight in a bowl in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can place the frozen prawns in a colander and rinse them under cold, running water for a few minutes until they are thawed. Avoid thawing in the microwave or in hot water, as this can compromise the texture of the prawn meat.