A Buyer's Guide to Purchasing Shrimp

Deciding to buy shrimp online can be challenging given the vast selection available. Different varieties, sizes, and processing methods—from raw to cooked, shell-on to peeled—don't always make it easy to find the right product for your planned dish. This guide is designed to provide you with objective information and clear guidance so you can make an informed decision the next time you order shrimp online.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Buying Shrimp

To select the right shrimp for your kitchen, some basic knowledge is helpful. The following points summarise the most important criteria.

1. Raw or Cooked: A Matter of Preparation

The first decision concerns the state of the shrimp. Both options offer specific advantages:

• Raw Shrimp: These are the top choice for chefs who want complete control over the cooking process. They are excellent for grilling, pan-frying, or preparing in sauces, as they intensely absorb the flavours of added ingredients. You can recognise raw shrimp by their greyish, translucent colour.
• Cooked Shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp are a time-saving option. They are ideal for cold dishes like salads, cocktails, or as a quick addition to finished pasta or rice dishes. They already have a pink colour and only need to be warmed up or can be eaten cold.

2. Understanding Varieties and Sizes: From Vannamei to Black Tiger

Two of the most commonly offered shrimp varieties are Vannamei shrimp and Black Tiger shrimp.

• Vannamei shrimp are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavour and delicate texture. They are versatile and a popular choice for a wide range of dishes.
• Black Tiger shrimp are distinguished by a firmer texture and a visually appealing striped pattern. They are often larger and are particularly well-suited for grilling or as a centrepiece in a main course.

The size count on the packaging, for example, "13/15" or "41/50", indicates how many shrimp are in a pound (lb) or kilogram. A lower number means larger specimens. So, if you want to buy jumbo shrimp, you should look for a label with low numbers like "6/8" or "13/15".

3. Shell-On or Peeled: Flavour vs. Convenience

• Shrimp with Shell (Shell-On): The shell and head (Head-On) protect the meat from drying out during cooking and also impart intense flavour. They are the preferred choice for making stocks, soups, or for dishes where a deep seafood aroma is desired.
• Shrimp without Shell (Peeled): Peeled and often deveined shrimp offer maximum convenience. They are ready to use immediately and save valuable prep time in the kitchen.

Shrimp We Recommend Buying

Here you will find a selection of products that meet different requirements for taste, preparation style, and convenience.

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

Why This Product Stands Out These raw Black Tiger shrimp combine an impressive size (13-15 pieces per pound) with the convenient "Easy Peel" feature. The back shell is already split, which makes removing the shell after cooking much easier without losing the full protection during preparation.

Benefits

• Raw and Shell-On (HLSO - Headless, Shell-On): Offers full control over the cooking process and preserves the juicy flavour.
• Easy Peel: The split back shell simplifies preparation.
• Large Sizing (13/15): Ideal for dishes where the shrimp is the star, such as on the grill or in the pan.

Who It's For This product is aimed at home cooks who value an appealing presentation and flexibility in preparation. It is an excellent choice for barbecues, paella, or as the main component in sophisticated seafood dishes.

Mooijer-Volendam Vannamei Shrimps Cooked Peeled Deveined 41/50 500g

Why This Product Stands Out These Vannamei shrimp offer the ultimate convenience. They are already cooked, peeled, and deveined, making them a ready-to-use ingredient for a variety of quick meals.

Benefits

• Fully Prepared: As cooked shrimp, they are already peeled and deveined, which eliminates all prep time.
• Versatile: The mild flavour of the Vannamei shrimp pairs well with salads, pasta, wraps, or as a garnish for soups.
• Quick Meal Solution: Simply thaw and use directly, or warm them up briefly.

Who It's For Ideal for busy professionals, families, and anyone looking for a quick, easy, and protein-rich ingredient for everyday meals. Perfect for when you need to be fast in the kitchen without compromising on quality.

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

Why This Product Stands Out These jumbo shrimp in "Head On Shell On" (HOSO) format are designed for maximum flavour. With a size of 6-8 pieces per pack, they are a real statement on the plate. The head and shell release intense aromas during cooking, making the meat exceptionally juicy and flavourful.

Benefits

• Maximum Flavour: The head and shell provide a deep, authentic seafood aroma.
• Impressive Size (6/8): These jumbo shrimp are excellent as a main course and guarantee a visual wow factor.
• Ideal for Broths and Stocks: The shells and heads can be used to create a flavour-rich base for soups and sauces.

Who It's For This product is the right choice for gourmets and ambitious cooks who want to unlock the full flavour potential of seafood. Perfect for grilling, in an aromatic bisque, or as the star of a seafood platter.

Discover More Options

Are you looking for shrimp for a specific preparation method, such as for an Asian hot pot? In our category for Hot Pot Shrimp, you will find a specially curated selection of products.

Discover More Shrimp for Hot Pot

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the numbers on shrimp mean (e.g., 13/15)?

These numbers indicate the size of the shrimp by defining the number of pieces per unit of weight (usually per pound, lb). A count like "13/15" means that it takes 13 to 15 shrimp of that size to make up one pound. The lower the numbers, the larger the individual shrimp.

Should you buy shrimp raw or cooked?

The choice depends on the intended use. Raw shrimp offer more flexibility and control during cooking and are suitable for dishes where they will be pan-fried, grilled, or cooked in sauces. Cooked shrimp are a time-saving option for cold dishes like salads and cocktails or as a quick ingredient for warm meals.

What is the right way to thaw frozen shrimp?

The recommended method is to let the frozen shrimp thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This best preserves the texture. If you're in a hurry, you can place the shrimp in a sealed bag under cold, running water for about 10-15 minutes until they are thawed. Avoid thawing in the microwave or at room temperature, as this can compromise the quality. Thawed shrimp should not be refrozen.