Goatfish

What Is Caramote Prawn?

Caramote prawn (Melicertus kerathurus), known as teke in Turkish, is a large shrimp species with striped patterns on its shell that lives in shallow, sandy bottoms. It is known along Turkey's coasts as “teke” or “striped shrimp” and is valued for its plump, sweet flesh.

Being larger and meatier than ordinary shrimp, it is served individually in dishes like stews, grills, and sautés. When cooked, its shell turns reddish-orange and its body curls.

Nutritional Value of Caramote Prawn

100 grams of raw shrimp contains about 85 kcal of energy, 20 g of protein, and very low fat; it is a good source of selenium and vitamin B12. With its high protein and low calories, it is a light seafood.

What Are the Benefits of Caramote Prawn?

With its high protein, low fat, and selenium content, caramote prawn can be considered part of a balanced diet. Those with shellfish allergies should be cautious.

This information is general; caramote prawn is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Caramote Prawn?

Fresh caramote prawn has a shiny, firm shell, its head tightly attached to its body, and a clean sea smell. Specimens with blackened or loosened heads, or an ammonia smell, are stale.

• Shell should be shiny and firm, head tightly attached to the body
• Flesh should be firm and translucent-gray, without black spots
• Sea smell should be clean; an ammonia smell indicates staleness

How to Store Caramote Prawn?

Fresh caramote prawn should be kept on ice in the refrigerator for at most 1 day and, if possible, cooked the same day it was bought. Cleaned and placed in an airtight bag, it can be frozen for months.

Using Caramote Prawn in the Kitchen

Caramote prawn is most often cooked as a stew (shrimp casserole), grilled, and sautéed with olive oil and garlic; being large and meaty, it is served individually. It should be cooked very briefly so it doesn't toughen.

How Is Caramote Prawn Casserole Made?

Onion, garlic, pepper, and tomato are sautéed in olive oil; the cleaned prawns are baked briefly in a casserole dish, with or without cheddar cheese added, and served.

Why Does Caramote Prawn Toughen?

Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking makes the flesh lose water and toughen. It is done once its color changes and its body curls, and should be removed from the heat then.

Which Recipes Use Caramote Prawn?

Prawn casserole, grilled prawn, sautéed prawn, and seafood pasta are its best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are caramote prawn and shrimp the same?

Caramote prawn is a type of shrimp; it is larger, striped-shelled, and meatier than ordinary shrimp, which is why it is referred to by a separate name.

How is the vein removed from caramote prawn?

A shallow cut is made along the back and the dark vein (intestine) inside is removed with the tip of a knife; the prawn is then washed in plenty of water.

Is caramote prawn cooked with the shell on?

It is mostly cooked with the shell on when grilled or in a casserole; the shell adds flavor and protects the flesh from drying out, and can be peeled before serving.

Can caramote prawn be eaten raw?

For safety it is recommended to be thoroughly cooked; risk groups in particular should not eat it raw.

Can frozen caramote prawn be bought?

Yes; when fresh is unavailable, frozen caramote prawn can also be used, thawed slowly in the refrigerator and cooked right away.