How to Cook Succulent Argentine Red Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Argentine red shrimp are becoming an increasingly popular delicacy, prized for their tender texture and mildly sweet flavor. Their vibrant crimson hue also makes them visually striking If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on fresh Argentine red shrimp, you’ll want to cook them just right to savor their delicious taste and texture

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook Argentine red shrimp perfectly. We’ll cover buying and preparing the shrimp, cooking methods, recipe ideas, and more. Let’s dive in!

Argentine red shrimp, also called Patagonian shrimp or Argentinian pink shrimp, are a cold water species found in the chilly South Atlantic waters off Argentina. Their natural habitat results in shrimp with firm flesh and a concentrated seafood essence.

Compared to regular shrimp, Argentine reds have a more lobster-like flavor and texture, along with a striking reddish-pink shell. When cooked, the flesh turns opaque white with reddish stripes from the shell Their sweet, mild taste works well in a variety of dishes from pastas to skewers.

When buying, look for plump shrimp with a solid color and no dark spots on the shells. Sustainably farmed shrimp is the best choice for environmental stewardship. Fresh is always preferable, but frozen and thawed shrimp also work beautifully.

Now let’s get cooking!

Prepping Raw Argentine Red Shrimp

Before cooking, the shrimp need some quick and easy prep:

• Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry. This removes any ice crystals if frozen or debris if fresh caught.

• Peel away the shell, leaving the tail intact if desired. The shell can be discarded or saved to make seafood stock.

• Use a paring knife to make a shallow cut down the back to expose the digestive vein.

• Use the tip of the knife to remove the vein in one piece. Rinse away any residue.

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking so they sear instead of steaming.

With that, your shrimp are ready for the cooking method of your choice!

Best Cooking Methods for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Argentine red shrimp cook very quickly, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Their delicacy calls for fast, hot cooking methods to achieve perfection. Here are some top techniques:

Pan Searing

• Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and spices of choice.

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering.

• Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until opaque.

• Flip shrimp gently to prevent curling. Cook until just opaque through the center.

Grilling

• Toss shrimp in olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs or chili powder.

• Grill over direct high heat, flipping once, until opaque and lightly charred.

• Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur. Grill 2-3 minutes total.

Sautéing

• Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

• Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

• Add shrimp and sauté 2 minutes per side until opaque.

• Splash in lemon juice, wine, or broth at the end.

Baking

• Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper and breadcrumbs or panko.

• Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.

• Bake at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until cooked through.

• For a crispy texture, broil 2-3 minutes at the end.

Delicious Argentine Red Shrimp Recipe Ideas

Argentine red shrimp lend themselves to all sorts of global cuisine. Here are just a few recipe ideas to inspire you:

• Shrimp scampi – Sauté shrimp in lemon garlic butter sauce over pasta or rice.

• Shrimp tacos – Pan sear shrimp with cumin, chili powder and lime juice. Stuff in warm tortillas or lettuce wraps.

• Coconut shrimp curry – Simmer shrimp in an aromatic Thai red or green curry with coconut milk.

• Shrimp skewers – Alternate shrimp and veggies on skewers. Grill and glaze with your favorite sauce.

• Shrimp ceviche – Marinate raw shrimp in lemon or lime juice with chili, onion and cilantro. Chill and serve.

• Shrimp salad – Toss chilled grilled shrimp with mixed greens, avocado and citrus vinaigrette.

• Shrimp pizza – Top pizza dough with seared shrimp, tomato sauce, spinach and feta cheese.

The options are endless for making the most of Argentine red shrimp’s sweet flavor and tender bite. Just avoid overcooking these delicate morsels, and let their taste shine through.

Key Tips for Cooking Success

To help ensure perfect Argentine red shrimp every time, keep these key tips in mind:

• Start with ultra-fresh, properly thawed shrimp whenever possible.

• Prep the shrimp cleanly by removing veins and drying well before cooking.

• Use hot, fast cooking methods like grilling, pan searing or sautéing.

• Don’t overcook! Cook just until the shrimp turn opaque in the center, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Add aromatics like lemon, garlic, herbs and spices to bring out the shrimp’s flavor.

• Allow the shrimp’s sweet taste and tender texture to take center stage.

Savor the Delights of Argentine Red Shrimp

With their lobster-like richness and striking color, Argentine red shrimp are a real treat for any seafood aficionado. Treating them with care from prep to cook time allows their delectable flavor to take the spotlight.