Prawns

Prawns are sold by count, the number of prawns per pound: a 21/25 pack has bigger prawns than a 31/40 pack, since fewer of them make up the same weight. Black Tiger prawns run bigger and have a firmer bite, good for grilling or a whole prawn dish where the size shows; Vannamei, or white, prawns are smaller and sweeter, the everyday choice for prawn noodles, sambal, or a curry. HOSO means head-on, shell-on, which keeps more flavour in the stock or gravy than a peeled prawn does, and IQF means each prawn was frozen separately, so you can pour out exactly what you need instead of thawing the whole block. A cooked pack needs just a quick reheat, while raw HOSO prawns want a proper cook, so check the label before you plan the dish.