Preparation Tips
HOW DO I DEFROST MY PRAWNS?
Shark Bay Prawns are frozen on board our vessels. This makes sure they they lock in their freshness. Sometimes, your fishmonger may have defrosted them for you. If you purchase them frozen they are easy to defrost:
- Either: defrost them slowly, overnight in a refrigerator.
- Or, if you are pushed for time, you can place the prawns in a waterproof bag in a basin of warm water.
Try to avoid soaking prawns cold water as this will compromise their amazing taste.
HOW DO I PEEL MY PRAWNS?
Shark Bay Prawns are available cooked and raw, shell on and shell off. Depending on what type of recipe you are cooking and how much time you have, choose the format most suitable for you!
If you purchase whole prawns, follow these simple instructions to peel and devein them:
Step 1: Ensure prawns are defrosted.
Step 2: Remove the head by twisting off. Squeeze the legs between thumb and forefinger and peel off.
Step 3: Peel the remaining shell from the prawn, from the head of the body towards the tail.
Step 4: Squeeze the tail to remove it from the body (some like to keep 'tail on')
Step 5: To devein a prawn, use a small sharp knife to make a slit along the middle of the back to expose the dark vein. Pull out the vein.
Step 6: OR to devein a prawn without cutting the back, use your fingers to carefully pull the vein through the opening at the head end to remove.
If it's a few days till bin day, wrap the disguarded shell in a plastic bag and store in the freezer. This is particularly important in summer!
See our interesting links and recipe pages for videos on how to prepare prawns and some tasty recipes.
HOW DO I STORE PRAWNS?
If you buy chilled prawns, as soon as you are home, put the prawns in an airtight container and put them in the bottom of the fridge. It is best to keep raw and cooked food separate. Put your prawns in the lowest and coldest section of your fridge.
Make sure you eat them within a day or two. Don’t store them in the fridge for longer than 3 days without eating.
If you buy frozen prawns, place them in the freezer and store. Ensure your freezer runs below - 18 degrees and they should comfortably last for 3 months.