If the last two years have taught us anything, it is that anything can be purchased online — and fresh prawns are no exception. Ordering fresh prawns online is safe, but it is also a great way to save time and access different species, including king prawns, tiger prawns, Atlantic prawns, etc. As a result, many Brits who once trusted conventional means of buying prawns from a fish market are gradually shifting to online means. It is a wise choice because it offers far greater accessibility and convenience.
If you want to make the jump but are unsure where to start, here’s everything you need to know about prawns and online seafood delivery.
What Should You Look for When Selecting and Buying Prawns?
When buying prawns, freshness is key. Here’s how you can ensure you’re selecting the best:
Smell:
Fresh prawns should not have a strong fishy odour. If they smell overly pungent, they may not be fresh.
Appearance:
Fresh prawns should look moist and firm. If you’re buying prawns with their shells on, make sure the shells aren’t dried out or cracked.
Colour:
Look for prawns with a blue-grey colour. Avoid any prawns with discolouration or that look overly pale or dull.
Types of Prawns Online
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Fresh Prawns
Fresh prawns are available from many online seafood suppliers and are ideal for immediate use. When purchasing, look for prawns that are plump and moist with a slight sheen.
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Frozen Prawns
Frozen prawns are a convenient alternative if you're not planning to use them straight away. Many online shops flash-freeze prawns, locking in their flavour and texture. Ensure the prawns have no signs of freezer burn or excessive ice crystals, which may indicate poor storage.
What Do Prawns Taste Like?
Prawns have a sweet, slightly briny flavour, which is more pronounced than shrimp. They’re also meatier and less tender than shrimp, making them a popular choice in various dishes. Keep in mind that prawns and shrimp are often used interchangeably in recipes, but prawns generally offer a larger and more satisfying bite.
How to Store Prawns?
Fresh prawns should be consumed as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of purchase. If you need to store them longer, keep them in a sealed container in the coldest part of your fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze prawns to extend their shelf life. For more detailed information, check out our article: "Can You Freeze Prawns? | Fresh (or Raw) and Cooked".
Easy Prawn Recipes You Can Try
If you’re ready to enjoy some delicious prawns at home, here are a few easy prawn recipes to get you started:
- Chilli Prawn and Basil Pasta:
A spicy, flavour-packed pasta dish with fresh prawns and fragrant basil.
- Spinach, Avocado, and Prawn Salad:
A healthy and refreshing salad perfect for summer.
- Prawn Pad Thai:
A classic Thai dish combining prawns with noodles and a tangy sauce.
- Bruschetta Prawn Pasta:
A light and zesty dish with a Mediterranean twist.
- Cajun Prawns:
Smoky, spicy prawns that are perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
What Do Prawns Taste Like?
If you have never bought prawns before and want to buy them online, you should first know that shrimp and prawns are not the same. Prawns are bigger, and shrimps are smaller. However, culinarily speaking, they are essentially the same — and their names are commonly used interchangeably. Prawns do have a unique flavour profile that is somewhat sweeter than shrimp. They are also meatier and less tender than shrimp.
What Should You Look for When Buying Prawns?
There are a few ways to ensure that the prawns you buy are fresh. When fresh, prawns — like any other seafood — do not have a foul-fishy odour. So, start with the smell. Another way to determine the freshness of prawns is to examine their appearance. The prawns you buy should look moist. If you buy prawns in their shells, they should not look dried or have fractured shells. Finally, look at the prawn’s colour — fresh prawns often have a blue-grey colour.
How to Clean Prawns?
Cleaning prawns at home is surprisingly easy! Peeling and deveining are the two main steps involved.
To peel the prawn (cooked or uncooked):
- Grab its body with one hand and the head with the other, then twist to remove it.
- Peel the shell off in segments by pushing your thumb into the underside of the shell near the legs.
- Pinch the tail and gently pull it away from the body to prevent breaking the flesh.
To devein uncooked prawns:
- Peel the prawn.
- Use a kitchen knife to cut a shallow slit down the prawn’s back.
- Pull out the dark-coloured intestinal tract with a toothpick or skewer.
To devein cooked prawns:
- Peel the prawn.
- Make a shallow slit in the back and take out the intestinal tract. Alternatively, hold the intestinal tract from the top and pull away from the body using the strip of muscle that goes down the back.
Alternatively, you can devein the prawn without peeling or cutting it open:
- Start by removing the head.
- Grab the top of the intestinal tract with your thumb and forefinger, then pull it out in one piece.
Buy Fresh Seafood Online
If you are looking for an online seafood delivery, contact Seafood Direct today. Click here to view our delectable selection of fresh prawns! If you have any queries regarding our seafood products or need to order a custom seafood box, please call us at 01472 566000 or email us at sales@seafooddirect.co.uk.
Takeaway
Buying prawns online is a convenient and reliable way to enjoy fresh seafood. Whether you prefer fresh prawns or frozen prawns, ordering online ensures you get the best quality delivered right to your door. If you’re looking to purchase fresh seafood, Seafood Direct offers a delectable selection of prawns and other seafood products.