The Best Places to Buy Delicious Tiger Shrimp

Tiger shrimp, also known as giant tiger prawns, are a popular seafood choice loved for their sweet, nutty flavor and firm texture. Their large size, averaging 6-10 shrimp per pound, makes them ideal for grilling, broiling, and stir frying.

If you’re looking to buy fresh, high-quality tiger shrimp, knowing the best sources can ensure you get great tasting shrimp every time. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying tiger shrimp, including:

• What to look for when buying tiger shrimp
• The best places to buy tiger shrimp online
• Local stores and markets for fresh tiger shrimp
• How to store and handle tiger shrimp

After reading this, you’ll be an expert on picking out the best tiger shrimp to suit your needs!

What to Look for When Buying Tiger Shrimp

With tiger shrimp, quality and freshness are key. Here are the most important factors to consider

• Shell texture – Tiger shrimp shells should feel firm and shiny not slimy or gritty. Soft shells indicate old lower quality shrimp.

• Size – Check the shrimp count (number per pound). The lower the count, the bigger the shrimp. Ideal is 10 shrimp or less per pound.

• Color – Raw tiger shrimp are gray with dark stripes. Cooked shrimp turn pinkish white. Avoid black spots or yellowing.

• Scent – Raw shrimp should smell like the ocean. Discard any with a fishy or ammonia odor.

• Veins – Opt for tiger shrimp that are deveined for better flavor and appearance.

Keeping these attributes in mind will help you select the freshest, tastiest tiger shrimp.

Best Online Sources for Tiger Shrimp

One convenient way to access quality tiger shrimp is by ordering online. Here are some top online retailers:

Alaska King Crab Company

• Offers wild-caught XL tiger shrimp at 8-10 count per pound
• Shrimp are harvested from Malaysia and Indonesia
• Fully peeled, deveined, tail-on for easy cooking
• Ships overnight direct from their facility

Great Alaska Seafood

• Farms their tiger shrimp in Indonesia for sweet flavor
• Provides raw, shell-on XL shrimp at 8-12 count per pound
• Flash freezes shrimp to lock in freshness
• Overnight shipping available

Rastelli’s Seafood

• Sourced from Southeast Asia, their shrimp is antibiotic-free
• Choose from a range of sizes including U15, 16-20, and 21-25 counts
• Shrimp are harvested, processed, and shipped within 24 hours
• Insulated packaging with gel packs keeps shrimp cold

Seattle Fish Company

• Imports tiger shrimp from their partner farms in Indonesia
• Offers multiple size options: 16-20, 21-25, 26-30 count per pound
• Shrimp is responsibly aquaculture-raised
• Ships fresh, not frozen

Lobster Anywhere

• Hand selects their tiger shrimp for quality and sizing
• Provides accurate counts including 8-12, 13-15, and 16-20 per pound
• Harvested in Indonesia; processed in Canada
• Overnight delivery to USA and Canada

Check company reviews and ordering options to find the right one for your needs.

Buying Fresh Tiger Shrimp Locally

Beyond online companies, another good source for tiger shrimp is local fish markets and grocery stores with fresh seafood counters. Here are some tips for buying local:

• Look for tiger shrimp at independently owned fish markets, they often have the best quality.

• Asian grocery stores frequently carry raw, head-on tiger shrimp.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions – any reputable seller should know details about their shrimp source.

• Inspect the shrimp carefully yourself before purchasing.

• Buy shrimp the same day you plan to cook and eat them for ultimate freshness.

The day the shrimp arrives is often the freshest option at local seafood counters. Check labels for the harvest date.

How to Store and Handle Tiger Shrimp

To keep your tiger shrimp tasting great, proper storage and handling is important:

• Keep raw tiger shrimp chilled at 32-40°F. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

• Place shrimp in a bowl or shallow dish and cover with plastic wrap – don’t stack or overlap them.

• For maximum freshness, use raw shrimp within 2 days. Freeze extra shrimp.

• Cook frozen shrimp thawed gently under cool running water or overnight in the fridge.

• Discard any shrimp with an off odor, mushy texture, or blackened shells before cooking.

Following these guidelines will help maintain flavor and texture.

Cook Up Sweet, Succulent Tiger Shrimp

With their firm, plump texture and mildly sweet taste, tiger shrimp make a delicious addition to all sorts of seafood recipes. Their large size also makes for an impressive presentation.