How do you cook tiger shrimp? Learn the best ways to prepare this sweet and meaty seafood delicacy. Find out how to cook tiger shrimp like a pro!
What is a tiger shrimp?
Tiger shrimp is a term used to refer to several species of large shrimp. They have distinctive black stripes or spots on their shells. The most common species of tiger shrimp are the black tiger shrimp and the white tiger shrimp.
Black tiger shrimp are native to the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. White tiger shrimp are native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Mexico to Peru. Both species are widely farmed for food and are popular in many cuisines around the world.
Tiger shrimp are larger than many other species of shrimp, with black tiger shrimp typically growing up to 12 inches in length, while white tiger shrimp are usually smaller, growing up to 8 inches in length. They are also known for their sweet and meaty texture, which makes them a popular ingredient in many seafood dishes.
Do tiger shrimp taste different?
Tiger shrimp can have slightly different taste profiles depending on the species, but in general, they are known for their sweet and meaty flavor. Black tiger shrimp, for example, has a more distinct and robust flavor compared to other shrimp species.
White tiger shrimp, on the other hand, have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to black tiger shrimp. However, the taste of tiger shrimp can also be influenced by various factors such as the method of cooking, seasoning, and freshness.
It’s also worth noting that tiger shrimp can be more expensive than other shrimp species due to their larger size and popularity, so they may not be a viable option for all budgets. Nonetheless, if you enjoy seafood, tiger shrimp can be a delicious and satisfying addition to many dishes.
How do you cook tiger shrimp?
Black tiger shrimp can be cooked in several ways, depending on your preference. Here’s a simple method for cooking black tiger shrimp:
- Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and start to curl. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can become tough and rubbery.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate.
- You can serve the cooked shrimp as is or season them with salt and pepper or other spices, such as garlic or cayenne pepper.
Black tiger shrimp can also be grilled, baked, or sautéed with other ingredients to create delicious dishes such as shrimp scampi, tacos, or stir-fry.
How do you know when tiger shrimp are cooked?
You can tell when tiger shrimp are cooked by observing their color and texture. Here are a few signs that can help you determine when tiger shrimp are done:
- Color: Raw tiger shrimp are grayish-blue in color, but they turn pink or orange when cooked. As they cook, the flesh becomes opaque and the shell turns bright in color.
- Texture: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so it’s important to cook them just until they are tender and slightly firm. Cooked shrimp should be slightly firm to the touch and have a slightly springy texture.
- Time and temperature: Shrimp typically cook very quickly, usually taking only 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp, which should be at least 145°F (63°C).
When the shrimp turn pink or orange and the flesh becomes opaque, and they have a slightly firm, springy texture, they are likely done. It’s important not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and lose flavor. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat and serve them immediately to enjoy them at their best.
What are the differences between shrimp and prawns?
Shrimp and prawns are both crustaceans that belong to the same family, but they are different in several ways:
- Physical appearance: Shrimp and prawns look different. Shrimp have a slightly curved body, while prawns have a more elongated body. Prawns also have longer legs and a longer second pair of pincers.
- Size: Generally, prawns are larger than shrimp. However, there are some species of shrimp that can grow to be quite large, such as the black tiger shrimp.
- Habitat: Shrimp and prawns live in different environments. Shrimp are primarily found in saltwater environments, such as the ocean, while prawns can be found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, such as rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
- Taste: While both shrimp and prawns have a similar sweet and delicate flavor, prawns tend to have a slightly sweeter taste than shrimp.
- Culinary uses: Shrimp and prawns can be used interchangeably in many recipes, but they are used differently in different cuisines. For example, in the United States, shrimp is more commonly used in dishes like shrimp scampi and shrimp cocktail, while prawns are more commonly used in Asian cuisines, such as in prawn curry or prawn stir-fry.
In general, the difference between shrimp and prawns is not always clear-cut, and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, if you’re looking for larger, sweeter crustaceans, prawns are a good option, while if you want smaller, more versatile crustaceans, shrimp are a good choice.
Black Tiger Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta in a Green Curry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb black tiger shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp green curry paste
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
- Add the green curry paste to the pan and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the can of full-fat coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through.
- Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.
- Enjoy your delicious and dairy-free meal!
