Tiger shrimp are a popular species of seafood due to their distinctive black stripes and large size. They’re also healthy, providing protein, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to the body.
Farmers around the world have begun to switch from vannamei farming to tiger shrimp because they can grow fast and suffer from fewer diseases, which reduces farming costs. Another great option is crystal red shrimp.
1. They’re Delicious
Tiger shrimp are a delicious protein that can be served in many different ways. They’re a staple in seafood boils and gumbos, as well as on salads and in savory pasta dishes. They also make a terrific snack or appetizer. They’re easy to cook, affordable and have a unique flavor that makes them stand out from other shrimp.
Named for the stripes that adorn their shells, these large and versatile crustaceans are beloved for both their beauty and their taste. The largest species of commercially available shrimp, they’re ideal for a wide range of recipes. Try them steamed and tossed in Old Bay, sautéed with garlic, butter and lemon for the perfect pasta topping, or grilled on their own or alongside vegetables to make crave-able kebobs.
The tropical species Halocaridina rubra is native to Hawaii where it inhabits lava tubes. The lava rocks encourage the growth of algae and biofilm, and they serve as a natural food source for these omnivorous creatures. Natives call them opa’e-ula, and they are one of the few species that can live in both freshwater and seawater because they have an adapted gill system.
This versatile and healthy seafood is sold both farmed and wild, making it a sustainable option for consumers. Our farm raised tiger shrimp are flash-frozen and arrive fully peeled and deveined with the tails still on. They’re ready to be boiled, grilled, baked or steamed and are a great addition to any meal.
2. They’re Easy to Prepare
Despite having a bit of a scary name, lava tiger shrimp are actually a great option for beginners looking to get into the hobby. They have a mild flavor, and their cooked meat is softer than that of other shrimp species. This makes them easy to prepare and a delicious addition to almost any meal.
This shrimp is also quite durable, making it a good choice for those just getting started in aquascaping. They can handle a variety of substrates, and will often thrive in environments with a mix of hardscape materials. This includes lava rock, which provides natural crevices and holes that shrimp can crawl inside to create shelter. In addition, lava rock is porous by nature, which helps to keep water parameters stable and harbor beneficial bacteria.
Tiger shrimp are easy to feed, and they will usually eat whatever you put into their aquarium. However, if you want to provide an even more nutritious diet, try feeding them a combination of commercial plant-based shrimp pellets and wafers. These will give your tiger shrimp an extra boost of nutrients and help to keep their coloration vibrant.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook tiger shrimp, try adding them to a stir fry. Start by frying some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add your shrimp and let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve with rice and a side of greens and you’ve got a healthy, filling dinner that’s ready in about 15 minutes. Try this stir fry with a variety of different sauces and spices to see what you like best.
3. They’re Healthy
Tiger prawns are low in fat and calories, and they’re an excellent source of protein. They’re also rich in minerals and vitamins, such as selenium, choline and vitamin B12. They’re especially high in the antioxidant astaxanthin, which helps prevent oxidative stress.
Tiger shrimp are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. They’re also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and boost immunity. In addition, they contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help strengthen bones and joints.
The chitin in a tiger prawn’s shell is actually a type of fibrous protein called glucosamine, which can act as a prebiotic and support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. In fact, tiger prawns are one of the best food sources of this protein, which is important for maintaining gut health.
Many Asian farmers turned to vannamei farming after the outbreak of white spot syndrome virus, but advances in breeding technology and market changes have rekindled interest in black tiger shrimp. These prawns can grow relatively quickly and suffer from fewer diseases than vannamei, resulting in lower farming costs.
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious seafood, try JALA’s premium, frozen tiger prawns. They’re a great source of protein and other nutrients, including selenium, choline and vitamin A, and they’re available in a range of sizes. For a healthier diet, pair your tiger prawns with whole grains and vegetables. Our nutritionist-created meal plan is a great place to start! Try it free for seven days! Click here to learn more.
4. They’re Affordable
Our Tiger Shrimp arrive farm raised and flash frozen, making them an incredibly affordable choice for a seafood dinner. They’re a perfect option for those looking to add a splash of color and flavor to any meal. They’re delicious baked, grilled, boiled or steamed and will add an ocean-like taste to your meals.
They are an excellent choice for aquarists and come in a variety of colors. Caridina shrimp are scavengers that feed on algae, biofilm, detritus, and other decaying organic matter. Adding hardscape elements to an aquarium can encourage the growth of these materials, providing additional food for your shrimp to eat. Additionally, lava rock can help improve water circulation, which reduces stress on the shrimp.
The Black Tiger is a relatively new species of Caridina that was introduced to the world around 15 years ago. It has since become a favorite among chefs and consumers alike because of its superior meat quality, appearance, and texture. It also has a more mild and ocean-like flavor than other varieties of Caridina shrimp.
Many farmers have begun to switch from vannamei farming to black tiger shrimp in recent years due to the higher operational costs of vannamei production. Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Senior Vice President Robins McIntosh called black tiger shrimp the “poor farmer’s shrimp” because they grow quickly, are less susceptible to diseases and can be produced at lower cost than Pacific white shrimp.
These factors combined make black tiger shrimp an ideal replacement for vannamei shrimp in Asia. It is also a sustainable alternative because the black tiger is not harvested from the wild. However, it is important to note that this shrimp is not immune to WSSV and other diseases.
5. They’re Versatile
A great addition to pasta dishes, seafood stews, and stir fries, tiger shrimp can be easily prepared in a variety of ways. Their large size and rich flavor makes them a great choice for grilling, sauteing, or frying. They are also delicious eaten cold in a salad or as an appetizer with garlic butter.
Caridina shrimp are incredibly versatile and available in many eye-catching hues. In fact, their stunning beauty is one of the reasons they are so popular among aquarium owners. They come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant reds and blues to striking blacks and whites. Whether they are used for food or ornamental purposes, the brightly colored varieties of this species will make your tank stand out from the crowd.
Despite their unique appearance, tiger shrimp are very similar to other shrimp in terms of their nutritional value. They are a low-fat source of high-quality protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. They are also a great alternative to lean red meat as they have less fat and fewer calories.
While tiger shrimp are versatile, they are not without their shortcomings. For example, they are susceptible to a number of diseases, such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). As a result, it is important that farmers take precautions when growing this species.
Some farmers are now shifting back to black tiger shrimp farming from vannamei, as it is more resistant to WSSV. However, it remains to be seen if consumers are willing to accept the higher prices that will inevitably come with this shift. This was one of the key themes discussed at the Global Shrimp Forum in September.