How to Cook Argentine Red Shrimp on the Stovetop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Argentine red shrimp are a delicacy that offers sweet tender meat with a subtle briny flavor. Their rich reddish-pink shells make them stand out from other shrimp varieties. I love cooking up these succulent shrimp right on my stovetop to serve as an appetizer or add to main dishes.

If you’re new to cooking Argentine red shrimp, have no fear! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients to cook times. Read on to learn the secrets of cooking perfect Argentine red shrimp on the stovetop every time.

Overview of Argentine Red Shrimp

Before we dive into cooking methods let’s learn a bit more about this unique shrimp variety. Here are some key facts

• Native to the cold, clean waters off Argentina and Uruguay in South America. Their native regions lend a mild, briny flavor.

• Larger in size than many other shrimp, ranging from 4 to 7 inches long when mature.

• Bright reddish shells that turn even more vibrant when cooked. Interior meat is white.

• Sweet, tender texture and succulent meat. The shells are thin and easy to peel off.

• Fresh never frozen shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen/thawed work too.

• Sold both shell-on or peeled. For stovetop cooking, best to use peeled.

• Delicate flavor pairs well with garlic, lemon, herbs and spices.

Now that you’re acquainted with these lovely shrimp, let’s talk about how to cook them on the stove.

Ingredients for Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp

To cook a basic batch of Argentine red shrimp on the stovetop, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 lb peeled and deveined Argentine red shrimp
• 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

That’s it for a simple preparation! Of course you can get creative and add other seasonings or ingredients, but this covers the basics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp on Stovetop

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy Argentine red shrimp every time:

1. Prep the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure they are fully thawed if previously frozen.

2. Prepare Aromatics

Mince the garlic cloves. Zest the lemon and juice it. Chop parsley for garnish if desired.

3. Heat Oil in Skillet

Heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Carefully add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute on the first side. Flip and cook 1 minute on the second side until opaque.

5. Finish with Aromatics

Remove pan from heat. Add the garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

6. Garnish and Enjoy!

Plate the shrimp, garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

The whole process takes just 10 minutes at most. It’s a quick and easy way to highlight the natural flavor of Argentine red shrimp.

Stovetop Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp

Here are some top tips to ensure your stovetop shrimp turn out tender and delicious every time:

• Use high heat to cook them fast and prevent overcooking.

• Cook in a single layer so they brown properly. Don’t overcrowd.

• Flip only once during cooking for even results.

• Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque to prevent overcooking.

• Toss with aromatics off heat to preserve texture.

• Be careful not to overcook, as the meat can become rubbery.

• Allow 3-5 minutes for larger shrimp, 1-2 minutes for smaller.

• A sprinkle of cornstarch can help prevent mushiness.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll have flawlessly cooked Argentine red shrimp using the stovetop method.

Top Recipe Ideas for Argentine Red Shrimp

Argentine red shrimp offer versatility to shine in everything from appetizers to main dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

Simple Sautéed Shrimp

The basic preparation above makes a perfect quick appetizer or tapa. Serve with lemon wedges.

Shrimp Scampi

Sauté shrimp in garlic butter, white wine and parsley over pasta. A classic!

Shrimp Tacos

Fill warmed tortillas with crunchy slaw, avocado and spicy shrimp.

Shrimp & Grits

Smother creamy grits with a rich sauce of shrimp, bacon and green onions.

Shrimp Salad

Toss chilled shrimp with mixed greens, avocado and citrus vinaigrette.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Simmer shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce over linguine.

The options are endless! Argentine reds can shine in a variety of global recipes.

Common Questions about Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking this specialty shrimp:

How long does it take to cook Argentine red shrimp on the stovetop?

Cooking time ranges from 1-3 minutes per side depending on size. They cook very quickly, so watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Can you use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work fine, just thaw completely first and pat dry. Cooking time may be slightly longer.

What are the signs that the shrimp are cooked properly?

The shrimp will turn opaque throughout and feel firm yet still tender when pressed. No translucent spots should remain.

Is it better to cook them with shells on or peeled?

For stovetop cooking, peeled and deveined shrimp work best. The shells can hinder browning.

What are the best seasonings to use?

Simple flavors like garlic, lemon, butter, herbs and spices enhance their sweetness nicely. Avoid heavy sauces.

The Takeaway on Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp

Argentine red shrimp offer a sweet, succulent flavor and tender bite perfect for stovetop cooking. With just a few easy ingredients and 10 minutes cook time, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp appetizers at home. Sauté them in olive oil or butter with aromatic garlic, lemon and herbs for a simple yet impressive dish.