What is Black Tiger Shrimp? A Guide to This Jumbo Shrimp Variety

Black tiger shrimp are one of the most popular shrimp varieties found in grocery stores and restaurants. If you’ve ever ordered jumbo shrimp cocktail or scampi, chances are it was made with black tigers. Known for their large size, bold black stripes, and sweet mild taste, black tiger shrimp have become a seafood staple. But what exactly are they, and what makes them different than other shrimp?

An Overview of Black Tiger Shrimp

Black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) are a species of giant tiger prawn native to the Indo-Pacific region. They get their name from the dark tiger-like black stripes that run horizontally along their grayish-brown shells. They have long antennae and can grow up to a foot long making them the largest shrimp species in the world.

While some black tigers are still wild-caught the majority sold today are farm-raised in ponds through aquaculture especially in major producing countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This provides a reliable, consistent supply to meet global demand.

When it comes to taste and texture, black tiger shrimp have a sweeter more subtle flavor compared to wild shrimp varieties. Their flesh is also softer and less chewy when cooked. Since they are so large black tiger shrimp are often sold by the number needed to make one pound, such as “10-15 count per pound.” The lower the count, the bigger the shrimp. Colossal black tigers can have as few as 6 shrimp per pound!

Benefits and Uses of Black Tiger Shrimp

There are many reasons why black tiger shrimp are so highly prized in restaurants and home kitchens:

• Large size – Their jumbo size makes them perfect for displaying whole on platters, skewers, and in shrimp cocktails. The meat also holds up well in soups, pastas, and stir fries.

• Mild, sweet taste – Their sweeter and more delicate flavor allows other ingredients to shine through when used in recipes. They take on the flavors of sauces and spices nicely.

• Versatile – Their gentle taste works with a variety of global cuisines, from Italian scampi to Chinese garlic shrimp. They’re a universal ingredient.

• Year-round availability – Farmed black tigers provide a stable supply, so they can be found fresh or frozen in stores anytime.

• Nutritious – Black tiger shrimp provide protein, omega-3s, selenium, vitamins, and minerals. They make a healthy addition to many meals.

How to Buy Black Tiger Shrimp

When shopping for black tiger shrimp, either fresh or frozen, here are some tips for selecting the best quality:

• Check the size – Choose a count size suitable for your recipe. Larger shrimp are impressive for appetizers while smaller ones work for shrimp pasta.

• Look for firmness – Meat should be firm and spring back when pressed gently. Avoid mushy or limp shrimp.

• Even color – Fresh black tigers have a consistent natural pink-gray color. Avoid blackened or yellow spots.

• Intact shells – Shells should fit snuggly around the meat and not appear cracked or peeling.

• Good seafood odor – Shrimp should smell fresh from the sea, not fishy or ammonia-like.

• Clear eyes – Eyes should be clear and not cloudy. Cloudiness indicates age.

For best flavor and texture, cook black tiger shrimp within a few days of purchase if fresh or within 1-2 days of thawing if frozen.

How to Prepare and Cook Black Tiger Shrimp

Black tiger shrimp can be prepared many ways, but their large size makes them ideal for grilling, broiling, sautéing, or baking whole. Some tips:

• Peel/devein – Use a paring knife or shrimp deveiner tool. Leave tails on for presentation.

• Season simply – A squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of salt and pepper is often all they need.

• Brush with oil – Coat lightly with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

• Grill or broil – Cook 2-3 minutes per side just until opaque in center. Don’t overcook.

• Saute or pan sear – Cook on high heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

• Bake – Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on a sheet pan.

Since they have a milder flavor, black tigers also do well with bolder sauces and seasonings. Try garlic butter, Cajun spices, jerk marinade, or tangy mango salsa. They make an easy and impressive appetizer or entree.

Popular Black Tiger Shrimp Recipe Ideas

Here are just a few delicious ways to put black tiger shrimp to use:

• Baked black tiger shrimp scampi – Bake with butter, garlic, white wine, and parsley over pasta

• Black tiger coconut shrimp – Toss in coconut flour and pan fry with a coconut dipping sauce

• Grilled black tiger shrimp skewers – Alternate shrimp and veggies on skewers for easy grilling

• Black tiger shrimp tacos – Top corn tortillas with shrimp, avocado, cotija cheese and lime crema

• Black tiger shrimp stir fry – Quickly stir fry shrimp with veggies and teriyaki or oyster sauce

• Cajun blackened shrimp – Coat black tigers with Cajun seasoning and sear in a hot skillet

• Black tiger shrimp linguine – Toss shrimp with linguine, tomatoes, spinach, olive oil, and Parmesan

• Black tiger shrimp cocktail – The classic appetizer! Serve chilled, peeled shrimp with cocktail sauce

• Black tiger shrimp fried rice – Saute shrimp with rice, peas, carrots, onions, and eggs for an easy one-pan meal

The options are endless for creating casual or elegant meals with these shrimp. Take advantage of their versatility in your cooking.

Are Black Tiger Shrimp Sustainable?

With wild shrimp populations facing pressure, efforts have been made in recent years to make black tiger shrimp aquaculture more sustainable. Here’s an overview:

• Certification programs – Farm standards set by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Best Aquaculture Practices aim to reduce environmental impacts through improved feed, water use, biosecurity, and ecosystem protection.

• U.S. imports – Only 5% of shrimp imported to the U.S. is from uncertified farms, down from 26% in 2012, indicating progress.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium rating – Black tiger shrimp farmed in Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, Honduras, and Mexico earn a “Good Alternative” or “Best Choice” rating by Seafood Watch.

So while work remains to be done, it is possible to source sustainable black tiger shrimp, especially from ASC/BAP-certified farms. Look for certification on packaging or ask your retailer. This ensures your shrimp dinner doesn’t come at an environmental cost.

Black Tiger Shrimp vs. White Shrimp

Since black tiger and white shrimp are two common shrimp varieties, here’s a look at how they compare:

• Size – Black tiger shrimp run larger, while white shrimp are smaller.

• Flavor – Black tigers have a sweeter, more subtle taste compared to the bolder, brinier flavor of white shrimp.

• Texture – Black tiger shrimp have a softer, more tender consistency versus the firm, snappy bite of white shrimp.

• Color – Black tigers are gray with dark stripes, while white shrimp have a translucent grayish-pink appearance.

• Origin – White shrimp are native to the Gulf coast while black tiger shrimp come from southern Asia.

• Price – The giant size of black tigers makes them more expensive per pound compared to smaller, domestic white shrimp.

Where to Buy Black Tiger Shrimp

The good news about the popularity of black tiger shrimp is that they are widely available both fresh and frozen at major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and more. They can also be found at club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. Independent fish markets and Asian supermarkets are other good options. Online sources like Seattle Fish Company and Blue Harbor Fish Co. provide mail order black tiger shrimp. And of course, black tiger shrimp are menu staples at many seafood restaurants for shrimp cocktail, pasta, and grilled entrees. With so many purchasing options, there’s no excuse not to enjoy these jumbo, sweet shrimp in your cooking anytime!