Prawns vs Lobster | Key Differences You Must Know

January 6, 2026 Odiraa

Prawns vs Lobster 🦐🦞 | Key Differences You Must Know Before Cooking. Please watch this video for clarity:

Seafood lovers often confuse prawns and lobsters, especially because they both belong to the crustacean family and are commonly served in restaurants and home kitchens.

However, despite their similarities, : Knowing these differences is important, especially if you want to cook seafood properly and avoid costly mistakes.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about prawns vs lobster, so you can confidently choose the right one for your next meal.

Prawns vs Lobster: What Are Prawns?

Prawns are small to medium-sized crustaceans that are widely consumed across the world. They are especially popular in African, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines.

In Nigeria, prawns are commonly used in dishes like seafood okra, pepper soup, fried rice, jollof rice, pasta, and stews.

Key Characteristics of Prawns:

Slim body with a soft shell
Long antennae
Small claws or no visible claws
Usually pink, grey, or light orange when cooked
Cook very quickly

Prawns can live in both freshwater and saltwater, which makes them more widely available and affordable.

Prawns vs Lobster: What Are Lobsters?

Lobsters are large marine crustaceans considered a luxury seafood. They are mainly found in oceans and are popular in high-end restaurants. Lobsters are known for their large claws, thick shell, and rich flavor.

Key Characteristics of Lobsters:

Very large body size
Thick, hard shell
Big front claws used for defense
Bright red when cooked
Firm and meaty flesh

Lobsters live only in saltwater, usually in rocky ocean floors, which contributes to their high price.

Major Differences Between Prawns and Lobsters

1. Size and Appearance

One of the most obvious differences is size.

Prawns are small to medium-sized and lightweight.
Lobsters are much larger and heavier, often weighing several kilograms.

Lobsters also have a bulkier appearance with prominent claws, while prawns look slender and delicate.

2. Shell and Body Structure

Prawns have a thin, soft shell that is easy to peel.
Lobsters have a thick, hard shell that requires cracking tools.

This difference affects both cooking time and preparation methods.

3. Habitat

Prawns can live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and saltwater oceans.
Lobsters live only in saltwater oceans.

This is why prawns are more commonly available in local markets, while lobsters are usually imported or sold live.

4. Taste and Texture

Prawns have a mild, slightly sweet taste with a soft and juicy texture.
Lobsters have a richer, buttery flavor and firmer meat.

Because of their stronger flavor, lobsters are often served with minimal seasoning to let the natural taste shine.

5. Cooking Time

Prawns cook very fast, usually in 3–5 minutes.
Lobsters take much longer, often 15–25 minutes, depending on size.

Overcooking prawns can make them rubbery, while undercooking lobster can be unsafe.

6. Cooking Methods

Common ways to cook prawns:

Stir-frying
Boiling
Grilling
Deep frying
Adding to soups and stews

Common ways to cook lobster:

Boiling whole
Steaming
Grilling
Baking with butter
Serving as lobster tail

Prawns are versatile and absorb spices easily, while lobster is usually paired with butter, garlic, and light herbs.

7. Price and Availability

Prawns are affordable and widely available.
Lobsters are expensive and considered luxury seafood.

In many countries, lobster is reserved for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or fine dining experiences.

Which Is Better for Cooking?

The answer depends on your budget, recipe, and occasion.

Choose prawns for everyday cooking, Nigerian soups, fried rice, pasta, and quick meals.
Choose lobster for special events, celebrations, or when you want an impressive dish.

Both are nutritious, rich in protein, and low in fat when cooked properly.

Nutritional Comparison

Both prawns and lobsters offer excellent health benefits:

High-quality protein
Low calories
Rich in vitamins like B12
Contains minerals such as zinc, iodine, and selenium

Lobster generally has slightly more protein per serving, while prawns are lower in calories.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Prawns and Lobsters

Overcooking prawns until they become tough
Using too many spices on lobster, masking its natural flavor
Not deveining prawns properly
Undercooking lobster meat

Understanding their differences helps avoid these mistakes.

PHOTO CREDIT

Conclusion

While prawns and lobsters may seem similar at first glance, they are very different in size, taste, texture, price, and cooking methods. Prawns are perfect for everyday meals and quick cooking, while lobsters are best reserved for special occasions and luxury dining.

Knowing the difference between prawns vs lobster will help you cook smarter, spend wisely, and enjoy seafood at its best.