Overview & Identification
Tiger Prawns (Penaeus monodon), known locally as Kala Tiger (کالا ٹائیگر), are among the largest and most premium prawns available in Pakistan. They belong to the family Penaeidae, order Decapoda, class Malacostraca. They are easily recognised by their dark striped shells, long firm bodies and thick, meaty tails, and they run noticeably larger than King Prawns. In the wild they inhabit tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Arabian Sea and wider Indo-Pacific, favouring mangrove estuaries and shallow seabeds where they feed on organic matter and small marine organisms. Because demand outstrips wild supply, they are also raised in controlled aquaculture. Daily Catch sources them both ways — wild catch from the Arabian Sea and responsibly farmed stock — to keep supply steady without compromising freshness.
Flavour & Texture
Tiger Prawns are prized for a bold, slightly sweet flavour and a firm, juicy bite. The meat is dense and absorbs marinades exceptionally well, holding onto spice and butter rather than washing it out, which is why they hold up in heavily spiced curries and rich sauces alike. They stay succulent whether grilled, stir-fried, deep-fried or steamed. Their natural brininess suits both traditional Pakistani cooking and international preparations. One honest note for customers: Tiger Prawns carry more natural fat than Indian White Prawns, and those fats begin oxidising even slightly after harvest, so they naturally have a stronger aroma. That is a characteristic of the species, not a sign of poor quality — leaner white prawns simply smell milder by comparison.
Sizing, Cutting & Yield
Expect roughly 8–12 whole prawns per kilogram, though the exact count depends on what the harbour lands on your delivery day. The minimum order for this product is 2 kg. All pricing is quoted on pre-cleaning weight, currently ₨ 3,800 per kg (reduced from ₨ 4,900), and prawns are weighed before cleaning, so your final delivered weight depends on the preparation you choose. Three peeling options are available: headless with shell on, peeled and deveined with tail on, and fully peeled and deveined. Approximate yields are 100% whole and uncleaned, 70% headless shell-on, and 48% for both tail-on peeled-deveined and fully peeled-deveined. Ordering 2 kg fully peeled therefore delivers close to 960 g of cleaned meat.
Cooking & Health Benefits
Their size and firmness make Tiger Prawns a natural fit for gourmet presentation — butter-garlic grills, char-grilled skewers, Mediterranean, Thai and wider Asian dishes, spicy prawn curries, or a simple sauté with aromatic herbs. Many customers order them whole or tail-on specifically for the visual impact on a platter. Nutritionally they are a lean protein source that supports muscle repair and immune function, with Omega-3 fats that benefit heart health and help manage cholesterol and blood pressure. They also supply vitamin B12 and iodine, which support brain function and thyroid balance, plus selenium, an antioxidant linked to immune strength and blood sugar regulation. Despite their richness on the plate, they stay low in unhealthy fats, making them a genuinely heart-friendly indulgence.
