Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: dennisK on May 12, 2019, 06:57:39 PM

Title: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: dennisK on May 12, 2019, 06:57:39 PM
hey all

any decent places to get spot prawns? whats the going price these days..been a while but i've got family from out of town and they want to try some..thanks
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Fish Assassin on May 12, 2019, 07:06:10 PM
Super Store was selling them for 29.00 per lb.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: poper on May 12, 2019, 09:40:14 PM
29$ is a bit high, 20$ a lb at the docks seems to be the going rate, they are the best I think
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Hike_and_fish on May 12, 2019, 09:59:28 PM
The docks are spotty ( no pun intended). The last bag I bought was bad. They were full of eggs. Every last one. PLUS they sell out FAST. There is usually a long line of seniors that are up at the crack of dawn waiting to scoop them up. Good luck
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Blood_Orange on May 13, 2019, 06:50:50 AM
We've always had good luck at the docks in Steveston. Try to arrive 30-45 mins before the boat's due to beat the worst of the lineup. It's been $20 a pound for the last couple of years. You can get daily updates on their FB page: https://preview.tinyurl.com/y2g9e5j8

If you're only buying a pound or two, just buy them from a store for $25-30/lb and save yourself the time/gas of driving out to Steveston.

Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: adriaticum on May 13, 2019, 11:14:20 AM
Steveston or New Westminster docks
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: bigblockfox on May 13, 2019, 11:51:05 AM
was at t&t the other day and they wanted $40 per pound. must become cheaper when they become available locally. alot more fun catching them your self.


(https://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g365/bigblockfox545/20190309_184624_zpsrtp5jjr4.jpg) (https://s1098.photobucket.com/user/bigblockfox545/media/20190309_184624_zpsrtp5jjr4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: fishtruck on May 13, 2019, 03:24:04 PM
We bought some live ones from 2000 Supermarket in Richmond on Sunday for $20 per pound. 8388 Capstan way
Hopefully the sales price is still around
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Blood_Orange on May 13, 2019, 04:53:40 PM
Steveston or New Westminster docks
Where are the docks in New West where they sell spot prawns?
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: adriaticum on May 14, 2019, 01:32:44 PM
Where are the docks in New West where they sell spot prawns?

It's been 10 years since I lived there but you could by fish right on the Westminster key.
They used to sell fish there on some days.
You should inquire at the Westminster key public market. Even there you might find fish products.



Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Blood_Orange on May 14, 2019, 06:16:16 PM
It's been 10 years since I lived there but you could by fish right on the Westminster key.
They used to sell fish there on some days.
You should inquire at the Westminster key public market. Even there you might find fish products.

No fish to be seen at the Quay these days. They remodelled it a few years ago and it's full of boutiques and hipster restaurants. There's even a circus school on the second floor. The Crab Shop (of North Van) had a store there in the very beginning after the renovations but they folded after just a few months. It was replaced by a great Thai restaurant called Longtail which is still there. The Russian sub is also long gone ;)
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: fic on May 15, 2019, 04:02:44 PM
19.99 at Metrotown T and T.  On sale.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: bigblockfox on May 15, 2019, 05:27:52 PM
That's a good price.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: firstlight on May 17, 2019, 06:36:59 AM
T&T flyer shows $18.99 sale.
17th - cant remember when it ends .
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Blood_Orange on May 18, 2019, 08:29:17 AM
T&T flyer shows $18.99 sale.
17th - cant remember when it ends .

$19 is a great price. The last time they were under $20 in Steveston was 3 or 4 years ago (@$18).
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on May 19, 2019, 09:33:34 AM
Not all the boats that you see at these docks actually fish.
They get their product from wholesalers or other boats.

I know, I used to supply them.

BUT if you buy them there you can say Ì got them fresh off the boat`

There`s that feeling of satisfaction of buying as fresh as you can get when you buy right off the boat and that`s what their selling.

I mean, really...
How come all those boats are at the dock
Should`nt they be out fishing

The boats at the dock are just floating fish stores and the price is preset.
Any deals are because someone is willing to cut their margin and TnT hopes you buy buy something else when you come in for your prawns.
Its called a lost leader.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: firstlight on May 19, 2019, 10:48:44 AM
Picked up some Prawns from T&T this am and now taking the heads off as i read that this is important.

Now what do i do with them?

Anyone have a special recipe for them ?

Otherwise i will be just stir fry them in oil and garlic and ginger.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Blood_Orange on May 19, 2019, 12:47:07 PM
Picked up some Prawns from T&T this am and now taking the heads off as i read that this is important.

Now what do i do with them?

Anyone have a special recipe for them ?

Otherwise i will be just stir fry them in oil and garlic and ginger.
Rip the heads off live for best quality. We buy lots each year to freeze and then vacuum-seal them in parchment paper (otherwise the spines puncture the bags). Use them in any recipe that calls for shrimp/prawns... you can't go wrong!
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Fish Assassin on May 19, 2019, 01:35:35 PM
Picked up some Prawns from T&T this am and now taking the heads off as i read that this is important.

Now what do i do with them?

Anyone have a special recipe for them ?

Otherwise i will be just stir fry them in oil and garlic and ginger.

Stir fry them with minched garlic, green onions and Hoisin sauce. Awesome !
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: GordJ on May 19, 2019, 05:15:05 PM
Picked up some Prawns from T&T this am and now taking the heads off as i read that this is important.

Now what do i do with them?

Anyone have a special recipe for them ?

Otherwise i will be just stir fry them in oil and garlic and ginger.
We picked up some the other day and just boiled them. It was the first time that I have really found a difference between spots and other prawns. It's a very delicate flavour and I have never liked flavouring our crabs or prawns/shrimp with other spices because, to me, it is just covering up the existing flavour. I wouldn't use spots again in a seafood linguini for instance. Use the malaysian farmed prawns if you are going to put a strong sauce or spice on them. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: bigblockfox on May 19, 2019, 07:27:52 PM
Really enjoy them steamed. Then dip into your favourite sauce.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: firstlight on May 19, 2019, 11:58:56 PM
I just ended up sauteing them in some butter and garlic.
They were very good and much sweeter than what i had expected.
Glad i tried them out but will probably not buy them again as they are very pricey even at $19 per lb.

The sale ends May 20 th at T&T.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on May 20, 2019, 10:06:32 AM
When you buy whole prawns
Half the weight is head.
1 pound whole prawn = 1/2 pound tails (meat)
Save the heads and you can freeze them.

Make a moi poux (finely sliced celery, carrot, onion and a bit of garlic)
saute this then add the prawn heads.
the prawn heads get redder and will have a bit of a sear
When this happens add 1 cup of white wine and deglaze the pan.
simmer about 10 minutes.
Add some water if need be.
Strain (I use some cheese cloth)

A good stock for chowders or perhaps a valoute sauce
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: firstlight on May 20, 2019, 04:05:18 PM
When you buy whole prawns
Half the weight is head.
1 pound whole prawn = 1/2 pound tails (meat)
Save the heads and you can freeze them.

Make a moi poux (finely sliced celery, carrot, onion and a bit of garlic)
saute this then add the prawn heads.
the prawn heads get redder and will have a bit of a sear
When this happens add 1 cup of white wine and deglaze the pan.
simmer about 10 minutes.
Add some water if need be.
Strain (I use some cheese cloth)

A good stock for chowders or perhaps a valoute sauce

Yes i knew i should have done something with them heads but unfortunately i didnt.
Was thinking it woukd have made a good base for some seafood Pho.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: RalphH on May 20, 2019, 05:57:32 PM
buy them live. bring a small bucket and put them in. Keep in fridge to keep them alive. You can rip the heads off before cooking if you prefer or as my friend the chef recommends, cook them whole, break the heads off and suck the juice out of the head before eating the meat in the tail. Your choice!

We bought whole live for $24 which is about $5 less than the price we paid the last few years.

Oh for the best value, catch your own!
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: firstlight on May 20, 2019, 09:27:30 PM
Yes, catching your own only costs $50 per lb. ;)
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: StillAqua on May 21, 2019, 07:24:34 PM
Steam them and eat them with just some melted butter. Also, don't just pull the heads off. There's a lot of meat in the head that's delicious that you'll lose. Wiggle the head side to side to loosen it, stick your finger under the top back of the head shell and pull forward to peel it off and expose the head meat attached to the tail. Peel the rest of the tail shell off, dip and eat. Yum.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Blood_Orange on May 26, 2019, 06:22:08 PM
firstlight: I was thinking of this recipe when you first posted your question but couldn't remember the name.

https://www.cookstr.com/recipes/jumbo-shrimp-with-garlic-and-mustard-seeds

This is one of my favourite recipes to cook with spot prawns. Subtle tastes that don't distract from the prawns. It's great on pasta instead of rice! I dug out the cookbook because we're making it tonight :D
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: firstlight on May 26, 2019, 09:15:04 PM
firstlight: I was thinking of this recipe when you first posted your question but couldn't remember the name.

https://www.cookstr.com/recipes/jumbo-shrimp-with-garlic-and-mustard-seeds

This is one of my favourite recipes to cook with spot prawns. Subtle tastes that don't distract from the prawns. It's great on pasta instead of rice! I dug out the cookbook because we're making it tonight :D

That looks very good.
Will give it a try with some other frozen prawns we have.
Thank you.
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: Dogbreath on June 03, 2019, 10:10:19 PM
Dinner tonight-Garlic, Kecap Manis, Ginger & Thai Sweet Chile Sauce

(https://i.ibb.co/3FvTcy4/20190603-172119-1.jpg)
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: wildmanyeah on June 04, 2019, 08:16:42 AM
Was in port McNeil and picked some up off the docks from some fishermen while they were off loading. $12 a pound
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: RalphH on June 04, 2019, 06:02:03 PM
WOW! I am flying right up there to buy 10 or 15lbs! Anyone know what the return airfare to Port McNeil is?

 8)
Title: Re: tips on where to buy spot prawns more affordably?
Post by: wildmanyeah on June 04, 2019, 06:06:40 PM
Good by Ralph