California Spot Prawn
(summer-fall)
Also called Alaskan prawn, is a shrimp of the genus Pandalus. Spot shrimp are a large shrimp found in the North Pacific
The Meat
Obviously the remarkable thing about spots is the size. In fact I'm thinking of trying out a new market name: pygmy lobster. But the flavor and texture are ridiculously awesome too. Best to think of these as a treat that comes around a couple of times per year. Boil, steam, grill, fry etc. Please note that like all shellfish they are highly perishable, so eat them as soon as you can to enjoy them at their best.
Prep
If you want to waste your time deveining and deshelling these puppies, go crazy. Otherwise just cook 'em whole.
Gear and fishery info
Spot prawns are considered the prize jewel of California's fisheries (shrimperies?). The market price alone is daunting, so it's usually only a few very high end diners who get to eat them. Luckily I have high friends in low places--like fisherman's wharf. Otherwise I would not be able to get these to you! These spots are caught by trap. The trap selects for spot prawns only and does not have the problems with bycatch associated with shrimp fisheries on a global level. (See coonstriped shrimp section for more details on shrimp fisheries and the problems inherent in them).
Again there is really only one boat that can get us these spot prawns in anything approximating local waters. So when I am able to get these shrimp it really is nothing short of a miracle. They’re a specialty item, so when they’re available they’re offered on the store as an add-on.
#KnowYourFisherman
Our Spot Prawns are caught by the F/V Pale Horse our of Half Moon Bay
Fish Nerdism 101
Here comes my favorite term again: protandrous hermaphroditism (see coostriped shrimp for more on this). Spot prawns start out life as males and then become female by their third year. They normally mate once as males and twice as females. Spots are longer lived than coonstripeds, attaining an age of up to 6 years. Spots in warm water grow a lot faster than spots in colder northerly areas.
Health concerns
None that I've heard of.
Parting Shots
Spot prawns were first discovered by octopus fishermen in Monterey who occasionally caught them as bycatch. Now the opposite is true: shrimp fishermen catch octopus as bycatch. What a difference a century makes!
Recipes
Facts
Scientific Name: Pandalus platyceros
Habitat: Rocky offshore reefs, from 150-1,600 feet.
Diet: other shrimp, worms, sponges, small molluscs, fish carcasses, plankton
Size: to 10.5 inches (27 cm)
Range: Alaska to Baja California; Sea of Japan to the Korean Strait
Relatives: shrimp, crabs, lobsters; Class: Crustacea
Kirk isn’t kidding when he calls them pygmie lobsters, these fellas are big, way bigger even than the coonstripe shrimp! Plus the flavor and texture are ridiculously awesome too! Approaching cooking them like a lobster isn’t a bad idea. Please note that like all shellfish they are highly perishable, so eat them as soon as you can to enjoy them at their best.