Seafood Market Report

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FACILITY & CAPABILITIES
Market Report
April 15, 2026
What you need to know this week:

DEEP DIVE: SKULL ISLAND TIGER PRAWNS

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on a product that brings a distinct sense of scale and origin to the table: the Skull Island Tiger Prawn. These prawns are a favorite for chefs who value a product with a clear story and a physical presence that fills the plate. They offer a unique combination of sustainable wild-capture and a massive size profile that makes them an ideal candidate for signature dishes.

Provenance & Profile

Harvested from the pristine waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia, these prawns are wild-caught and MSC certified sustainable. The remote, untouched environment of the Gulf produces a prawn that is not only massive in size but exceptionally consistent in quality.

Often compared to lobster for their firm, meaty snap, they offer a flavor profile that is bold and savory with an exceptional natural sweetness. Because they arrive head-on, they retain their full culinary integrity, allowing you to utilize the shells and heads for deep, flavorful bisques or infused oils.

Versatility in the Kitchen

The sheer size of these "Tigers" allows them to transition seamlessly from a high-impact starter to a decadent main event. Here are three ways to showcase them this season:

  • The Appetizer: Chilled Skull Island Cocktail
    The Plate: A single, colossal prawn perched over a crystal coup glass filled with a spicy yuzu-horseradish granita. Garnish with micro-cilantro and a charred lemon wheel for a modern, architectural take on a classic.
  • The Entree: Wood-Fired Prawns with Salsa Verde
    The Plate: Two prawns butterfly-split and grilled over open flame to highlight the tiger stripes. Served over a bed of creamy polenta and finished with a vibrant, herbaceous salsa verde and a drizzle of chili oil.
  • The Entree: "Prawn & Grits" Luxe
    The Plate: Three prawns seared in smoked paprika butter, served atop stone-ground white cheddar grits. Arrange the prawns vertically to emphasize their size, finished with a scattering of crispy pancetta and scallion curls.

April Promotion: Act Now

These Skull Island Tiger Prawns are currently featured on our April Promo at a sharp, set price of $9.40/lb. This special pricing is only available through the end of the month, making it an ideal time to feature a premium seafood option while maintaining your menu margins.

Secure your supply today:

  • Reach out to your Account Manager to add these to your next order.
  • Show us your craft: We are constantly inspired by what you do. If you feature these prawns on your menu, tag us on social media! We love sharing our customers’ incredible work with our wider community.

We’d love to see what you’ve created from JJ Seafood! Please tag us your photos, videos, and reels below!

Fresh Seafood Updates from the Buyers

J.J.MCDONNELL & CO.

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