Instant pot Argentine red shrimp is a quick, simple, and easy recipe that can be used for any meal or as an appetizer. It only takes 10 minutes and only needs two ingredients.
Argentinian red shrimp have grown in popularity over the past few years. If youve ever wondered if they taste good, the answer is yes (especially when making air-fried recipes)!.
These tasty shrimp are naturally sweet, tender, and full of flavor. They taste a little sweeter than regular shrimp, and some people may even say they taste like lobster! They are very versatile and can be used as a base protein in many recipes.
Argentinian shrimp, also known as red shrimp or Patagonian shrimp, are a delicious and popular seafood choice loved for their sweet, briny flavor and tender texture when cooked just right. But knowing exactly how long to cook them can be tricky. Undercook them and they’ll be chewy Overcook them and they’ll be rubbery. So what’s the perfect cooking time for these colorful crustaceans?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook Argentinian shrimp to tender, mouthwatering perfection every time.
Argentinian shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), often called “red shrimp” or “Patagonian shrimp”, are a species found in the cold, rich waters off the coast of Argentina. They get their name from their vibrant reddish-pink shells.
Compared to regular shrimp, Argentinian shrimp have a larger size, sweeter taste, and firmer texture. Their meat is thicker and plumper thanks to their cold water habitat. This gives them a succulent, lobster-like flavor when cooked properly.
In terms of nutrition, Argentinian shrimp are low in calories and fat but high in protein, making them a healthy choice. They also contain important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant
Key Factors That Determine Argentinian Shrimp Cooking Time
Several key factors impact how long you should cook Argentinian shrimp
1. Shrimp Size
Argentinian shrimp come in different sizes, from small to jumbo. The larger the shrimp, the longer the cooking time. Jumbo shrimp around 5-8 shrimp per pound may need 1-2 minutes more cooking than smaller Argentinian shrimp that are 15-20 shrimp per pound.
2. Cooking Method
The technique you use to cook shrimp greatly affects doneness time. Grilling, broiling, sautéing, or stir-frying will cook shrimp faster than steaming, boiling, or baking. Rule of thumb: dry heat methods cook quicker than moist heat methods.
3. Desired Doneness
Do you want your shrimp just opaque and cooked through? Or are you aiming for extra firm, crunchy shrimp? Cook time varies depending on your texture preferences.
Understanding these factors will help you determine the perfect shrimp cooking time. Now let’s look at guidelines for common preparation methods.
Argentinian Shrimp Cooking Times by Method
Grilling
Grilling Argentinian shrimp over direct high heat results in delicious caramelized, smoky flavor. Shrimp cook fast on the grill, so watch them closely.
- Small shrimp – 1 to 2 minutes per side
- Medium shrimp – 2 to 3 minutes per side
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 3 to 4 minutes per side
Brush shrimp with olive oil or marinate in your favorite sauce before grilling. Grill until opaque and lightly charred.
Broiling
Broiling uses high, direct heat from above, so it also cooks shrimp quickly.
- Small shrimp – 2 to 3 minutes
- Medium shrimp – 3 to 4 minutes
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 4 to 5 minutes
Place oiled shrimp on a broiler pan and broil 4-6 inches from heat, flipping halfway through. Cook until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
Sautéing
Pan frying shrimp in a little oil over moderately-high heat delivers delicious caramelized flavor.
- Small shrimp – 1 to 2 minutes per side
- Medium shrimp – 2 to 3 minutes per side
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 3 to 4 minutes per side
Sauté until shrimp turn opaque and are lightly browned.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying combines sautéing with constant tossing of ingredients. It cooks shrimp fast.
- Small shrimp – 1 to 2 minutes
- Medium shrimp – 2 to 3 minutes
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 3 to 4 minutes
Continually toss shrimp in a hot wok or skillet over high heat until opaque.
Steaming
Steaming cooks shrimp more gently using indirect moist heat. It takes a bit longer than high-heat methods.
- Small shrimp – 2 to 3 minutes
- Medium shrimp – 3 to 4 minutes
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 4 to 5 minutes
Steam in a single layer until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Boiling
Boiling shrimp submerges them in gently simmering liquid. The delicate meatCook shrimp until no longer translucent, about:
- Small shrimp – 1 to 2 minutes
- Medium shrimp – 2 to 3 minutes
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 3 to 5 minutes
Once boiled, immediately plunge shrimp into an ice bath to stop cooking. This prevents overcooking.
Baking
Baking shrimp in the oven is a low-fuss (but lengthier) cooking method.
- Small shrimp – 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F
- Medium shrimp – 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F
Bake in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan until opaque and cooked through.
Air Frying
Air frying uses super hot, circulating air for crispy, browned results. Shrimp cook fast in the air fryer.
- Small shrimp – 3 to 5 minutes at 390°F
- Medium shrimp – 5 to 7 minutes at 390°F
- Large/jumbo shrimp – 7 to 10 minutes at 390°F
Cook until shrimp are curled and opaque. Agitate the basket halfway through.
How to Tell When Argentinian Shrimp Are Properly Cooked
Checking doneness visual cues and temperatures will help you determine perfect cook time. Signs Argentinian shrimp are fully cooked:
- Opaque, milky interior – no more translucent gray
- Pinkish-orange color throughout
- Plump, curled shape
- Firm, succulent texture when bitten
- Flaky, opaque flesh
- 145°F internal temperature
If shrimp have blackened or dried edges, they are likely overcooked. Undercooked shrimp will be soft and mushy. Follow the guidelines for your cooking method, and rely on visual tests for perfect timing.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Argentinian Shrimp
Here are some extra tips for ensuring tender, juicy Argentinian shrimp every time:
- Buy fresh or thawed shrimp – do not cook frozen
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking for best browning
- Brine shrimp in saltwater for added juiciness (5 mins)
- Use a leave-in meat thermometer for precise doneness
- Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan or pot
- For boiled shrimp, plunge into an ice bath immediately to stop cooking
- Do not refreeze previously frozen shrimp
- Be careful not to overcook – check doneness early
Mastering the Perfect Cook Time
Cooking those beautiful red Argentinian shrimp to tender, mouthwatering perfection is easy once you know a few simple guidelines. Keep shrimp size, cooking method, and your texture preferences in mind. Rely on visual cues like opacity and curling along with the accurate temperature of 145°F. In no time, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality Argentinian shrimp right at home. ¡Buen provecho!
Frequency of entities:
argentinian shrimp – 34
shrimp – 32
cook – 15
red shrimp – 4
patagonian shrimp – 2
minutes – 13
small shrimp – 6
medium shrimp – 6
large shrimp – 5
jumbo shrimp – 5
cooking time – 4
cooking method – 2
How to Make This Argentine Red Shrimp Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Defrost shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Start with 1 teaspoon of seasoning and add more if desired.
Place shrimp in the basket and air fry at 400F. Let the shrimp cook for 6-8 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp.
Serving, Freezing, Make Ahead, Storage, & Reheating
Cooked shrimp are delicious to serve hot or allow them to cool to top a salad. They are a great source of protein for so many recipes!.
Some of my favorite ways to eat red shrimp are in shrimp tacos, salads, bowls, or wraps.
Their meaty texture makes them a great addition to fettuccine alfredo or other pasta dishes.
Wild Argentine Red Shrimp Pan seared from frozen
How do you cook Argentine shrimp?
To sauté Argentine shrimp, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, then add some minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a splash of white wine for extra flavor. Serve the sautéed Argentine shrimp over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
How do you Grill Argentine red shrimp?
A simple combination of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice can go a long way in bringing out the delicious taste of the shrimp. If you’re grilling Argentine red shrimp, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
How do you season Argentine red shrimp?
Argentine red shrimp can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the natural flavor of the shrimp. 4. Can I marinate Argentine red shrimp before cooking?
How do you cook Argentine shrimp skewers?
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred. Serve your succulent grilled Argentine shrimp skewers with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. They pair beautifully with a side of tangy chimichurri sauce! 2. Argentine Shrimp Ceviche