African Tiger Prawns | U2

The Tomahawk of the Sea

Meet the African Tiger Prawn (U2)—the largest denomination of prawn sold commercially. Often called the "Tomahawk of the Sea," these monumental crustaceans are wild-caught off the coast of Africa and deliver a culinary experience that rivals the finest lobster tails. Each prawn weighs between 0.4 and 0.6 lbs, making them a true centerpiece for any table.

Unlike farmed alternatives, these wild tiger prawns offer a firm, meaty bite and a rich, buttery texture that shines whether you’re grilling them alongside a steak, sautéing them with garlic and butter, or serving them chilled as a show-stopping shrimp cocktail. They are 100% natural, with no chemicals or preservatives—just pure, ocean-fresh flavor.

Sourcing & Quality

Meat N’ Bone sources these prawns directly from wild fisheries off the African coast. We prioritize responsible sourcing and culinary performance, ensuring that every prawn meets our best-in-class standards. Because they are wild-caught, you’ll notice a deeper, more complex sweetness and a firmer texture that holds up beautifully to high-heat cooking methods.

Each package contains two prawns, frozen whole with the head, shell, and tail on. This "head-on" presentation not only preserves maximum flavor during cooking but also makes for a dramatic presentation when served. Note that these prawns are individually packaged and do not come vacuum-sealed.

Culinary Performance

• Texture: Firm, meaty, and buttery—often compared to lobster for its richness.
• Flavor: Sweet, clean, and deeply savory with a distinct wild-caught profile.
• Versatility: Ideal for grilling, BBQ, sautéing, or elegant shrimp cocktails.
• Size: U2 (Under 2 per pound), each prawn is a substantial 0.4–0.6 lbs.

How to Thaw & Prepare

For the best results, thaw your prawns overnight in the refrigerator. Keep it simple: a touch of butter, salt, and garlic is all you need to let their natural flavor shine. Many of our customers enjoy butterflying them and baking at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, or grilling them over high heat for a smoky, charred finish.

FAQ

How big are the African Tiger Prawns?

These are U2 size prawns, meaning there are fewer than two per pound. Each individual prawn weighs between 0.4 and 0.6 lbs, making them comparable in heft to a large lobster tail.

Are these prawns wild-caught or farmed?

They are 100% wild-caught off the coast of Africa. We do not sell farmed tiger prawns, ensuring you get the superior texture and flavor of a wild-harvested product.

How should I thaw these prawns?

Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature or in warm water, as this can affect the texture of the meat.

Are there any chemicals or preservatives?

No. These prawns are 100% natural with no added chemicals, preservatives, or sodium tripolyphosphate (STP).

How are they packaged?

They are frozen whole (head, shell, and tail on) and individually packaged. They do not come vacuum-sealed.

What is the best way to cook them?

Because of their size and firm texture, they are excellent for grilling, sautéing, or baking. Many customers enjoy butterflying them and cooking with butter and garlic, or serving them chilled as a premium shrimp cocktail.

How do they compare to lobster?

Many customers describe the texture as buttery and firm, with a sweetness that rivals lobster. They offer a similar level of richness but with the unique flavor profile of a wild tiger prawn.

Do you offer overnight shipping?

Yes, overnight shipping is available to ensure your prawns arrive in perfect condition. We also offer free shipping in South Florida.