Argentine red shrimp are a popular variety of wild-caught shrimp prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture when cooked just right. Finding the ideal boiling time is key to bringing out the best in these shrimp. Undercook them and they’ll be mushy and unsafe to eat. Boil them too long and they become disappointingly rubbery.
So what’s the perfect boiling time to achieve tender, juicy Argentine red shrimp every time? Keep reading for tips on nailing the ideal boil and serving up shrimp boil perfection.
Argentine red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) are a species of marine cold water shrimp fished from the Atlantic coast of South America. They live in deep cold ocean waters 200-300 meters below the surface.
The wild shrimp are harvested by boat using large nets dragged along the ocean floor. This method allows the shrimp to be caught at their peak freshness.
Some key facts about Argentine red shrimp
- Average 2-3 inches in size with reddish-pink shells
- Have firm flesh and a sweet, mild shrimp flavor
- Are low in fat and high in protein
- Are sustainably wild-caught
- Sold raw, peeled and deveined
- Available fresh or frozen
- Can be used in a variety of recipes
Why the Boil Time Matters
Cooking any shrimp properly is all about timing. Argentine reds have thin, delicate shells and flesh. This means they can overcook quickly and become rubbery.
Shrimp continue cooking even after being removed from a hot pan or boiling water. So you have to boil them just until done, then immediately stop the cooking process.
If boiled too briefly, harmful bacteria could remain. But letting them boil too long results in unsuitable texture and moisture loss.
Nailing the ideal boiling time ensures food safety while preserving the tender bite and signature sweetness of Argentine red shrimp.
How Long Should You Boil Argentine Red Shrimp?
The optimum boiling time for 1-3 ounce Argentine red shrimp is just 2-3 minutes once the water reaches a full rolling boil.
This brief 2-3 minute window is just long enough to cook the shrimp fully without allowing them to toughen up.
7 Tips for Perfectly Boiled Argentine Red Shrimp
Follow these tips for flawlessly boiled Argentine red shrimp every time:
1. Start with Very Fresh Shrimp
Seek out high quality fresh or properly frozen and thawed shrimp. Old, stale shrimp will never boil up tender and juicy.
2. Use Generously Salted Water
Add plenty of salt – 1-2 tbsp per quart of water. This infuses the shrimp with flavor.
3. Wait for a Rapid Boil
Don’t add shrimp until the water is at a full rolling boil. This ensures even cooking.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
Cook shrimp in batches if needed to allow water to return to a boil quickly. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
5. Set a Timer for 2 Minutes
Once the water boils again, start timing. Use a timer for precise 2 minute timing.
6. Remove Promptly at 2 Minutes
As soon as the timer goes off, immediately remove shrimp with a slotted spoon or strainer to stop cooking.
7. Shock in Ice Water
Plunge the boiled shrimp into an ice water bath. This halts carryover cooking for tender results.
Step-By-Step Boiling Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to perfectly boiled Argentine red shrimp:
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Fill a large pot with 1 quart of water per 1 pound of shrimp.
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Generously season the water with 1-2 tablespoons of salt.
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Bring the salted water to a rapid rolling boil over high heat.
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Add shrimp to the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd.
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Return to a boil then boil shrimp uncovered just until opaque, about 2 minutes.
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Drain shrimp immediately into a colander and run under cold water to stop cooking.
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Eat shrimp immediately for best texture or plunge into an ice bath to halt cooking.
And that’s all it takes for irresistibly tender and juicy boiled Argentine red shrimp!
Serving Suggestions for Perfectly Boiled Shrimp
Once you’ve mastered the ideal boil time, you can put these flawlessly cooked shrimp to work in endless recipes.
- Toss into salads, pasta dishes or rice bowls
- Layer on bruschetta or crostini
- Make shrimp cocktail with zesty cocktail sauce
- Use in seafood chowders, bisques or gumbos
- Stuff into tacos or burritos
- Top pizzas just before serving
- Mix into ceviche or shrimp salad
- Sauté with garlic butter for amazing scampi
- Simmer briefly in flavorful sauces or curry
Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp when incorporating into dishes.
Helpful Tips and Reminders
- Adjust boiling time up to 4 minutes for larger shrimp.
- Peel off shells before boiling for quicker cook time.
- Can boil frozen shrimp – add 1 minute to thaw.
- Add herbs, garlic, citrus, spices to boiling water for flavor.
- Wash hands, utensils after handling raw shrimp.
- Cooked shrimp should be pearly, shiny white.
- Discard any mushy or discolored boiled shrimp.
The Takeaway
With Argentine red shrimp, timing is everything. A 2-3 minute rapid boil yields tender, juicy results. Be sure to start with fresh shrimp, generously season your boil, and halt cooking immediately. In just minutes, you’ll have boiled shrimp ready to shine in recipes. Just keep a close eye on the clock for flawless texture and taste.
Prepare Your Argentine Red Shrimp
Before you start cooking, you’ll want to prepare the shrimp properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Argentine Red Shrimp that were frozen should be put in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you don’t have much time, you can also thaw them quickly by putting them in cold water in a sealed plastic bag.
- Clean the shrimp with cold water and dry them with a paper towel. Getting rid of any extra water will help your food get crispy when you cook it.
- Peel the shells off carefully, making sure to leave the tails on for a nice look.
- Cut each shrimp in half down the back with a sharp knife to get rid of the digestive tract. Rinse once again to ensure they are clean.
Choose the Freshest Ingredients
When it comes to cooking any seafood dish, freshness is key. Look for Argentine Red Shrimp that comes from a reputable supplier to make sure it is caught in a way that doesn’t harm the environment and is of the highest quality. You can find these exquisite shrimp at your local seafood market or order them online for added convenience.
Wild Argentine Red Shrimp Pan seared from frozen
How do you cook Argentine red shrimp?
Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the salt to the boiling water and stir well until dissolved. Gently place the Argentine red shrimp into the pot one by one, making sure they are fully submerged in the boiling water. Allow the shrimp to boil for 3-4 minutes or until they turn opaque and pink.
Can You boil Argentine red shrimp without removing the shells?
Yes, you can boil Argentine red shrimp with or without removing the shells. Boiling them with the shells on can help retain more flavor and moisture. However, if you prefer to remove the shells before boiling, it is entirely up to your personal preference. How long should I boil Argentine red shrimp?
Can Argentine red shrimp be marinated before cooking?
Yes, Argentine red shrimp can be marinated before cooking to add flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs can infuse the shrimp with delicious taste. Marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking for best results. 5. How long do I need to cook Argentine red shrimp on the grill?
How do you devein Argentine red shrimp?
Deveining Argentine red shrimp is a simple process. Start by using a sharp paring knife or kitchen shears to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Then, use the tip of the knife or your fingers to remove the dark vein that runs along its back. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.