Prawns vs. Shrimp: Unveiling the Key Differences in Taste, Anatomy & Cooking Alternatively: Shrimp vs. Prawns: Know Your Seafood - A Guide to Taste, Texture, and Culinary Uses

Prawns and shrimp are two of the most widely enjoyed seafood options across the globe, frequently used interchangeably in recipes and on menus. While they share a similar flavour and appearance, these crustaceans have distinct differences in their biology, anatomy, and habitat. Prawns belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata, while shrimp fall under Pleocyemata, giving them unique physical structures and reproduction methods. They also vary in size, gill structure, and preferred environments, with prawns often found in freshwater and shrimp in saltwater. Understanding these differences helps seafood lovers choose the right ingredient for taste, texture, and culinary needs.While prawns and shrimps look similar, they differ in anatomy, habitat, and culinary use. Prawns usually have straight bodies, branching gills, and larger claws on their front legs, whereas shrimps feature curved bodies, lamellar gills, and one pair of larger pincers. They also vary in reproduction methods and are found in different water environments, making each unique despite their comparable taste.The biggest distinction between prawns and shrimp lies in their taxonomy:Both are decapods (10-legged crustaceans), but their biological differences are enough to categorise them separately. This impacts their body structure, breathing, and even reproductive methods.Here’s what sets them apart physically:Size: Generally, prawns are larger and meatier than shrimp, making them ideal for grilling and big platters.Habitat:This difference in habitat also affects flavour and availability in different regions.Prawns release eggs into the water for external fertilisation, and their larvae float freely before developing.Shrimp, on the other hand, carry their eggs on their abdomen until they hatch, giving them a slightly different lifecycle and behaviour in the wild.While prawns and shrimp taste very similar, here are the subtle differences:Both prawns and shrimp are:Q. Are prawns healthier than shrimp?No major difference. Both are rich in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients.Q. Can I use prawns and shrimp interchangeably in recipes?Yes! Most recipes allow swapping prawns and shrimp without affecting flavour or texture.Q. Why do some countries call them differently?It’s mainly cultural. The UK and Australia prefer “prawn,” while the US uses “shrimp.”Q. Do prawns and shrimp taste different?Both have a sweet, mild flavour. Differences are subtle and often unnoticeable in cooked dishes.Q. Which is more expensive?Prawns are often pricier due to their larger size and sourcing conditions.Also read | Maple Syrup vs. Honey: Which is the better sweetener for diabetes management