If you’re curious about the different types of shrimp and how to distinguish between them, read on! Shrimp, like squid, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Let’s explore the various types of shrimp and their unique characteristics.
Shrimp is a nutritious seafood option, packed with protein and other essential nutrients. In 100g of shrimp, you’ll find 18.4g of protein, and it’s worth noting that this protein is of the highest quality. Shrimp is also a great source of minerals and vitamins, especially calcium.
Shrimp can be categorized based on their habitat, such as river shrimp and sea shrimp, as well as farmed and wild shrimp. Let’s delve into the different types of shrimp and their distinct features.
1 Nutritional Value of Shrimp
Shrimp is a nutrient-rich seafood option.
As mentioned earlier, shrimp is an excellent source of protein, with a high concentration in every serving. This protein is of superior quality, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, shrimp is rich in minerals and vitamins, especially calcium, making it a top food for those looking to boost their calcium intake.
Shrimp can be categorized based on their habitat. River shrimp and sea shrimp are two distinct types, each with their unique characteristics. Additionally, there are farmed and wild shrimp, each with their own set of benefits. Let’s explore these varieties in more detail.
2 13 Most Common Types of Shrimp
Black Tiger Shrimp
– Black tiger shrimp, also known as giant tiger prawns, are characterized by their firm texture, large size, and sweet flavor. They are commonly used in a variety of dishes and are available in both farmed and wild-caught forms in the Vietnamese market.
– Farmed black tiger shrimp typically have a deep blue-green color with black and yellow stripes running along their backs, from head to tail. On the other hand, wild-caught black tiger shrimp have a yellowish-brown color with similar black and yellow stripes.
– Due to their firm texture and natural sweetness, black tiger shrimp are often chosen for dishes that require a fresh and crispy texture, such as steamed shrimp, boiled shrimp, and Thai-style raw shrimp.
– The price of black tiger shrimp can vary depending on their size, ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND per kilogram.
Black Tiger Shrimp
Banana Shrimp
– Banana shrimp, also known as shrimp he, are yellow or light green in color with green eyes and a very thin shell. They have firm meat and a sweet taste, packed with nutrients. These shrimp are typically found in islands and rocky areas. In Vietnam, banana shrimp from Quang Ninh province are considered a delicacy due to their unique sweetness, and they can only be caught in the wild, not farmed.
Note: Banana shrimp have stripes that resemble those of black tiger shrimp, which can lead to confusion between the two types. However, it’s important to remember that they are distinct species.
– Banana shrimp are rare and, therefore, command a high price. On average, frozen banana shrimp cost between 300,000 and 400,000 VND per kilogram, while fresh banana shrimp can cost up to 600,000 VND per kilogram.
Banana Shrimp
Mud Shrimp
– Mud shrimp, also known as tôm đất, are found in muddy environments such as rivers, ponds, and marshes. They can be either freshwater or saltwater shrimp, with the saltwater variety having slightly thicker shells. Mud shrimp are typically brownish-red in color, with a sweet and crispy taste, and a slender body shape. They are small in size, approximately the length of an adult’s pinky finger.
– Mud shrimp have a naturally sweet taste and are less fishy than sea shrimp. They are commonly used in dishes that require a fresh texture, especially in the cuisine of Binh Dinh province.
– Mud shrimp are relatively affordable, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram depending on the season.
Mud Shrimp
Whiteleg Shrimp
– Whiteleg shrimp, also known as tôm thẻ or tôm bạc, are commonly farmed in Vietnam. They have a thin shell, a plump body, and a white to pale green color with white legs. Whiteleg shrimp have six segments and a slender shape. They are known for their sweet taste and soft texture, and they are smaller in size.
– The price of whiteleg shrimp depends on their size, with the variety that has 20-30 shrimp per kilogram typically costing between 150,000 and 200,000 VND per kilogram.
Whiteleg Shrimp
Greasyback Shrimp
– Greasyback shrimp, also known as tôm sắt, are a type of sea shrimp with a slightly hard shell and a deep green-black color. They have white stripes between their segments, and they are smaller than other types of sea shrimp. Their meat is chewy, and when grilled or steamed, they offer a sweet and savory taste.
– In Vietnam, greasyback shrimp are commonly found in the regions from Cat Ba to Vinh Dien Chau and Vung Tau to Da Bac.
– Greasyback shrimp are relatively affordable, with prices ranging from 170,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram.
Greasyback Shrimp
Lobster
– Lobster is a type of shrimp known for its large size and colorful claws, which can be green, pink, or yellow. Their shells are typically glossy and hard, and their meat is abundant and chewy. Lobster is the largest shrimp variety.
– Within the lobster category, there are several subtypes, including spiny lobster, slipper lobster, baby lobster, bamboo lobster, Canadian lobster, and Alaskan lobster. The most common way to prepare lobster is by boiling, steaming, or grilling.
– Lobster is typically the most expensive type of shrimp, with prices depending on their size. On average, they cost between 500,000 and 1,000,000 VND per kilogram, and frozen or “stunned” lobsters are usually cheaper.
Lobster
Giant River Prawn
– Giant river prawn, also known as tôm càng xanh, originates from the Indo-Pacific region, including the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and northern Australia. They are a type of freshwater shrimp with small green claws and chewy, sweet meat.
– The price of giant river prawns can vary depending on their size, ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND per kilogram.
Giant River Prawn
Slipper Lobster
– Slipper lobster, also known as tôm tích, tôm tít, or tôm thuyền, is a type of sea shrimp commonly found in warm oceans like the Pacific Ocean. In Vietnam, they are usually found in the central coastal regions. Slipper lobsters have a unique appearance, with a shrimp-like body and mantis-like claws.
Slipper Lobster
– Slipper lobsters have the remarkable ability to change their color from brown to green, light pink, or even black, and some can even emit light.
– The price of slipper lobster can vary depending on their size, with an average range of 200,000 to 300,000 VND per kilogram.
Spiny Lobster
– Spiny lobster, also known as tôm mũ ni, belongs to the Decapoda order of crustaceans. This type of seafood is typically found in deeper waters, such as reefs and coral reefs. As a result, harvesting spiny lobsters is more challenging compared to other types of shrimp.
– The average weight of spiny lobsters ranges from 0.5 to 1.2 kg per individual, with some specimens reaching 1.5 to 2 kg. However, it’s important to note that their shells are thick and heavy, and the edible meat only accounts for about one-third to half of their total weight.
Spiny Lobster
– Spiny lobsters have sweet, chewy, and flavorful meat. In terms of nutrition, they even surpass lobsters.
– Spiny lobsters are currently sold at prices ranging from 500,000 VND per kilogram to over 1,000,000 VND per kilogram, depending on their size and the place of purchase.
Slipper Lobster
– Slipper lobster, also known as tôm càng biển or tôm phốc, is commonly found in the central regions of Vietnam, such as Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai. These shrimp typically weigh 40-70 grams per individual.
– Slipper lobsters have a distinct appearance, with a red upper body and a whitish lower body. They have two long claws, approximately 10 cm in length, and four legs on each side. Their long claws are what earned them the name “slipper lobster” among local fishermen.
Slipper Lobster
– The price of slipper lobsters can vary depending on their size, with an average range of 430,000 to 780,000 VND per kilogram.
Ridgeback Prawn
Rising Demand for Shrimp Outpaces Cost of Lobsters
Do you know which type of shrimp is more expensive than lobster? Research reveals two luxurious varieties, even pricier than lobsters! Learn what makes these exclusive shrimp extraordinary and find out why they cost more than regular lobsters!
Buying shrimps: Should they be curved or straight? Insider tips for choosing the freshest and most delicious shrimp, don’t miss out on this crucial detail.
Shrimp is a popular and nutritious food, with high economic value. However, if you don’t pay attention to the type of shrimp you choose, it can be harmful to your health. Many shrimp on the market are contaminated with harmful chemicals and antibiotics that can pose serious risks to consumers. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable about the different types of shrimp and how to ensure their safety. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable information on selecting and preparing shrimp to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
