Name:

Spot Prawn

Pandalus platyceros

Seasonal Availability:

Open 2/1/2023-10/31/2023

For species-specific updates, please visit this website

Commercial Length or Size Requirements:

For species not believed to have a commercial size requirement, kindly refer to the CDFW or agency of jurisdiction website for further details.

Flavor Profile

Pacific spot prawns are sweet, succulent, and briny. They boast a tender, meaty texture and a delicate, yet complex flavor profile. The taste is reminiscent of the ocean, with subtle hints of sweet, buttery notes and a slightly nutty finish. They pair perfectly with lemon, garlic, and herbs such as thyme and parsley. A dash of butter or olive oil enhances their natural richness and flavor. Whether grilled, steamed, or sautéed, these prawns are a true delight for seafood lovers.

Our favorite ways to cook

Relish the exquisite flavors of butterflied and grilled Spot Prawns. Begin by gently preparing the prawns: by splitting them with a sharp knife down the leg side of the prawn. Heat the grill to medium-high, ensuring it's well-oiled and clean. Craft a marinade with melted butter, minced garlic, a hint of lemon zest, and your preferred fresh herbs. Lavishly brush this marinade onto the butterflied prawns, enveloping them in flavor. Place the prawns on the grill, shell side down, and grill for around 2-3 minutes. As the shells transform to vivid hues and the prawn meat turns opaque, gently flip them and grill for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. The result is a tantalizing creation that fuses the prawns' innate sweetness with the grill's smoky charm. Serve as a striking appetizer, atop salads, or as a stunning addition to seafood spreads. Enhance their succulent, charred essence with wedges of lemon.

Things you probably didn't know about Spot Prawn

California spot prawns are delicious seafood that are indigenous to the Pacific coast. They are known for their delicate flavor and firm texture, but did you know that they are also extremely nutritious? A single shrimp contains high levels of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which makes them a great addition to a healthy diet. Furthermore, California spot prawns are also excellent for sustainability because they are caught using traps, which reduce by-catch and environmental damage. These prawns are not only healthy and sustainable but also a true delicacy for seafood lovers.