Live California Spot Prawns (Botan Ebi)

Fished from the Pacific waters surrounding southern California’s San Clemente Islands, these live spotted prawns are guaranteed to make a stunning impression from the moment you meet them. Called Botan Ebi in Japanese, these creatures have a prehistoric handsomeness to them, but earn even greater adoration for their sweet, tender meat and umami-laden, technicolor roe.

Superficial splendor notwithstanding, Botan Ebi are truly a privilege to enjoy. Tucked deeply among nooks and crannies hundreds of feet below the surface and miles off the coast, they’re much trickier to catch than other, more familiar crustaceans. It is a testament to the talent and dedication of our fishing partners that we are able to share these prawns so far and wide, but the work is far from done once they first emerge from the sea. We and our partners are painstakingly committed to delivering these prawns to you alive and well, as few indulgences can compare to the marvel of obscure, fresh seafood. 

Botan Ebi are wonderful as a raw crudo, or lightly grilled with splashes of lemon and oil. The roe is absolutely lovely on its own and no less versatile, easily incorporated into any dish warranting a bright, briny finishing touch. 

*Please allow extra time for this product to ship, as it is subject to availability from our fishing partners in California.

*Please note that we are only able to ship live seafood from our California fishing partners on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. This policy is in effect to ensure that a possible one-business day delay on the part of our shipping partners, FedEx, does not result in product spoilage over the weekend. This stipulation is in the interest of upholding the absolute highest quality possible when you receive your order, and we tremendously appreciate your support and understanding.

San Clemente, California, United States