ONE OF THE MOST COVETED PRAWNS IN KITCHENS WORLDWIDE. Beautiful Carabineros are a large deep-sea prawn species that hail from the Eastern Atlantic into the Mediterranean Sea. They are renowned for their jumbo size and striking bright red color.
Known by a plethora of names:
- In Spanish and Portuguese it is “Carabineros.”
- To the English as “Scarlet Shrimp or “Cardinal Prawns.”
- To the French as the “Crevette Imperiale.”
Carabineros translates as “police” in Spanish. Apparently, because the color of their shells matched the uniforms of Spanish customs police.
Their distinct red color does not change when cooked. More distinct and robust in flavor than other shrimps or langoustine, they are also coveted for their large size.
While their meat resides in the tail, their cephalothoraxes (head and body) are not to be overlooked and are excellent for making clear and creamed soups and sauces to which it adds flavor and red color. None of this prawn should go to waste, and some Europeans consider the flavor of their heads as a “delicacy”.
Traditionally prepared in Spain and Portugal as simply salted and grilled, some suggest that they should be treated as a delicate small lobster versus a simple shrimp.
When cooking they can be:
- poached
- sautéed
- steamed
They are also excellent in paellas and robust stews. Many chefs value the “plate appeal” of their color and size when served whole.
The Spanish Jumbo Prawn
Our Carabineros are caught off the coasts of Morocco or Spain.
Whole and head on, they are individually quick frozen and packaged in 2-3 pound boxes. They are “Jumbo” 5-7 per Pound.
If you are interested in learning more about where and how we source our wild shellfish click here & check out our blog!
If you are wondering what the best practices are for the storage & care of fresh & frozen seafood check out our blog article on the subject by clicking here.
Catch Region: East Atlantic from Portugal to South Africa
Size: U 5-7 per Pound
Seasonality: Year Round
Catch Method: Nets, Trawls
Flavor Profile: Strong yet sweet
Texture Profile: Firm
Substitute:
- Tiger Shrimp
- Lobster Meat
- Langoustines
