Wild Alaska Spot Prawns (technically considered spot "shrimp") are considered one of the most prized shellfish in the world. Sweet, delicate, and incredibly fresh when handled properly, they are very different from typical shrimp you might find at the grocery store. Because of that, they are also handled very differently from the moment they are caught.
If you have ever ordered spot prawns from Premier Catch, you have noticed they arrived frozen together as a single block, not individually frozen. This article will explain exactly why that happens and how to work with them at home.
How spot prawns are handled from the start
Wild Alaska Spot Prawns are frozen at sea within hours of being harvested. This is the gold standard for preserving their texture, flavor, and freshness. Freezing them immediately locks in that clean, sweet taste and prevents any degradation that can happen when shellfish sit unfrozen for extended periods of time.
Because they are frozen so quickly and never thawed on land, spot prawns are often frozen together rather than individually loose. This is intentional and done to protect the integrity of the prawn.
Why spot prawns are frozen together
Separating spot prawns into individual pieces would require thawing them on land and then refreezing them. That extra handling step can negatively impact both texture and flavor, especially for a shellfish as delicate as spot prawns.
Instead, they are frozen together at sea and kept that way all the way to your freezer. While this may look different than shrimp that has been processed and repacked on land, it is actually a sign of minimal handling and higher quality.
That frozen block is not added ice or excess water. It is simply the result of freezing ultra fresh prawns at sea to preserve them at their peak.
How to use a portion now and save the rest for later
Spot prawns should never be forced apart while fully frozen. Doing so can cause them to break. The key is gentle handling.
Here is the best way to separate them while keeping the remaining prawns frozen.
• Keep the prawns in their packaging
• Run the frozen block under cold running water, rotating it slowly
• Do not soak the prawns and do not use warm water
• After a minute or two, the outer prawns will begin to loosen
• Gently separate only the amount you plan to use
• Immediately return the remaining frozen portion to the freezer, making sure it is well sealed to prevent freezer burn
This method allows you to enjoy a portion now while preserving the rest at the same premium quality for another meal.
How to fully thaw spot prawns
When you are ready to prepare them, the safest way to fully thaw spot prawns is under refrigeration.
• Gently rinse under cold water
• Place in a colander set over a plate or tray
• Thaw in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours or overnight
• Keep refrigerated until preparing or serving
• Consume within 1 day of defrosting
How to peel spot prawns
Our spot prawns arrive head off and do not require deveining. Spot prawns naturally lack the dark digestive vein found in many shrimp, so there is very little cleaning needed. Once thawed, simply peel away the shell starting at the legs. You can leave the tail on or remove it depending on how you plan to cook them. Handle gently, as spot prawns are very delicate and cook quickly.
How to cook spot prawns
Spot prawns are incredibly versatile and cook very quickly. Because of their delicate texture and sweet flavor, simple preparations are often best.
They can be grilled, sautéed, roasted, or gently pan cooked. A quick cook in olive oil or butter with garlic, sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon is often all they need. Be careful not to overcook, as spot prawns become firm very quickly.
For step by step instructions and inspiration, you can explore our spot prawn recipes here, including simple weeknight meals and special occasion dishes.
The takeaway
Spot prawns are a true delicacy, and the way they are frozen and packed is a reflection of their quality, not a flaw. Arriving frozen together means they have never been thawed or refrozen on land and have been handled as carefully as possible from the boat to your freezer.
Once you know how to gently separate and thaw them, they are easy to work with and absolutely worth it.
