spot prawn with head on over ocean

Meet the Catch: Wild Alaska Spot Prawns

Posted by Joci Besecker on

There’s a reason these beauties fly out of our freezers every spring. Wild Alaska Spot Prawns are a true seasonal delicacy—sweet, succulent, and only available in limited quantities each year.

Often called the “lobster of Alaska,” these prawns are known for their rich, buttery flavor and impressive size. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the spot prawn game, this feature will tell you everything you need to know: what they are, why they’re good for you, how they’re sustainably harvested, and how to cook them like a pro.

Let’s dive into what makes this catch so special—and why you’ll want to grab them while you can.

What Are Alaska Spot Prawns?

Wild Alaska Spot Prawns are not your average shrimp. They’re larger, meatier, and have a naturally sweet, buttery taste that holds up beautifully in everything from pastas to tacos.

Caught in the cold, pristine waters of Southeast Alaska, these prawns are harvested each year during a tightly regulated season that typically opens in spring. That timing can vary depending on Alaska’s fishery management, which adjusts annually to protect the health of the population.

One of the things that makes our spot prawns stand out is how fast they get from the ocean to you. They’re caught daily in small pots and flown in by float plane straight from the fishing grounds to the dock—making them some of the freshest spot prawns on the market.

Nutritional Benefits That Pack a Punch

Spot prawns are not only delicious—they’re incredibly nutrient-dense.

Just one serving offers:

  • High-quality protein

  • Very low fat

  • A natural source of selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12

  • Omega-3 fatty acids for heart, brain, and joint health

They’re also naturally low in calories and free from additives or preservatives. Just pure, wild-caught seafood you can feel great about eating—and feeding to your family.

Sustainability, Alaska-Style

Sustainability is baked into Alaska’s fisheries. The state is known globally for managing its resources with long-term health in mind—and spot prawns are no exception.

Here’s how Premier Catch spot prawns are responsibly harvested:

  • Caught in small batches using low-impact pot gear

  • Fished under strict quotas to protect future populations

  • Season dates and harvest levels are adjusted annually based on scientific data

  • Flash-frozen right at the dock to preserve quality and freshness

This is seafood you can feel good about—caught with care, for you and for the ocean.

How to Store and Prepare Them

Your spot prawns arrive flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed for peak freshness.

  • Storage: Keep them frozen until ready to use.

  • Thawing: For best results, take prawns out of the tray and place on a plate or shallow bowl, cover with plastic wrap and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. In a pinch, remove the prawns from the tray and place them in a colander in the sink. Run cold water over then until they begin to separate. Leave to thaw, while periodically running cold water over them for approximately 30 min and then they are ready to peel or use in your favorite recipe.

  • Prepping: We ship them with the heads already removed. You can peel the shells before or after cooking, depending on the recipe and your preference.

Cooking Tips and Favorite Recipes

Spot prawns are incredibly versatile and cook quickly—just a few minutes per side.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

Pro tip: Don’t overcook them. A minute or two per side is all they need.

Limited Season, Big Flavor — Stock Up Now

Because harvest season is regulated and short, wild Alaska spot prawns are only available for a limited time each year. Once they’re gone, they’re gone until next season.

We’re proud to offer the freshest, most responsibly sourced spot prawns on the market—straight from Southeast Alaska to your doorstep.

Shop our wild seafood during the month of April and receive a free tray of our Wild Alaska Spot Prawns with each order over $225.


Photo credit: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

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