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. Their plankton diet contribute to their renowned 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.
These prawns live in the cool waters of the sea floor where they are typically caught by smaller boats using traps or trawl nets. Not only does this make them difficult to catch but often even harder to find, building upon their exclusivity. These factors have made them expensive but the prawns uses extend beyond just their meat which can be used in raw preparation.
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
Catch Region: East Atlantic from Portugal to South Africa
Size: varies
Seasonality: Year Round
Catch Method: Nets, Trawls
Flavor Profile: Strong yet sweet
Texture Profile: Firm
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