History

Santa Barbara spot prawns (Pandalus platyceros) are the largest North American shrimp species and have been commercially fished from the Channel for decades. The fishery is managed under an annual catch limit and a seasonal closure to protect spawning populations. Direct boat-to-buyer sales happen at the Saturday Fisherman's Market at the harbour.

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Common allergens: Crustacean shellfish

Make it at home

Yield Serves 2Hands-on 15 minTotal 15 minDifficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh Santa Barbara spot prawns, heads on
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (Santa Barbara County Chardonnay works well)
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Method

  1. If using live prawns, chill in ice water for 5 minutes before cooking to sedate them.
  2. Melt butter in a wide pan over medium-high heat until it begins to foam.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add prawns in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes on the first side until the shells turn pink.
  5. Flip the prawns, add the white wine, and cook 1 minute more until just cooked through.
  6. Squeeze lemon over the pan, season with flaky salt, and scatter parsley.
  7. Serve immediately with crusty bread to catch the butter.

Tip from the editors. Spot prawns cook faster than most shrimp because of their size; pull them when the flesh just turns opaque. Overcooking by even 90 seconds makes them grainy.

Where to eat santa barbara spot prawns

Santa Barbara Spot Prawns in Santa Barbara

Brophy Bros. ★ 3.9

$$$ SeafoodHarbor

Third-generation family seafood house on the harbour dock since 1986. Award-winning clam chowder, garlic clams, bar overlooking the marina. No reservations.

SignatureNew England clam chowder, Garlic baked clams, Oysters on the half shell

Directions

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company ★ 3.8

$$ SeafoodStearns Wharf

Fish-shack counter at the tip of Stearns Wharf since 1980. Same-day-landed Channel crab, sea urchin, and shellfish on a communal outdoor deck with bay views.

SignatureFresh sea urchin, Steamed rock crab, Lobster bisque

Directions

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