It only takes 20 minutes to make this Argentine red shrimp recipe, which is quick, easy, and tastes great! This healthy recipe is low carb, no sugar, high protein and high flavor. It is great for weeknight family dinners, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions!.
Argentinian red shrimp, also known as langostino, are prized for their sweet, lobster-like flavor and firm texture. Their rich, reddish-pink shells turn bright coral when cooked, making for an impressive presentation. While loved in their native Argentina, these wild-caught shrimp are now readily available globally thanks to aquaculture efforts. Their versatility makes them a seafood lover’s dream.
If you’ve managed to get your hands on fresh or frozen Argentinian red shrimp, you may be wondering how best to cook them to highlight their naturally sweet taste From quick sautés to slow simmering stews, there are countless fantastic ways to prepare this luxe seafood
In this complete guide, I’ll share my proven tips and techniques for cooking Argentinian red shrimp to succulent perfection every time Let’s get cooking!
Purchasing and Prepping Argentinian Red Shrimp
Before we dive into recipes, let’s go over some key pointers for buying and prepping raw Argentinian red shrimp:
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Look for fresh or frozen shrimp with undamaged shells and a pleasant ocean aroma. Avoid any strong ammonia odors.
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Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Do not microwave.
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Peel and devein shrimp, leaving the tails intact if desired. Rinse well.
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Pat shrimp dry before cooking so they sear versus steam
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Use raw, peeled shrimp within a day or two. Freeze any extra peeled shrimp for later use.
Quick and Easy Cooking Methods
Thanks to their petite size, Argentinian red shrimp cook lightning fast. Here are some easy cooking methods perfect for weeknight meals:
Sautéing
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add shrimp and sauté 1-2 minutes per side until opaque.
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, parsley, etc.
Grilling
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Toss shrimp in olive oil, salt and pepper.
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Grill over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Splash with lemon juice and chili flakes when done.
Stir Frying
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Heat vegetable oil in wok on high heat.
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Stir fry shrimp 2 minutes until cooked through.
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Toss with stir fry sauce and serve over rice.
Air Frying
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Toss raw shrimp with oil, salt and pepper.
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Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Elevated Argentinian Red Shrimp Recipes
Ready to move beyond the basics? Here are some more involved recipes that showcase Argentinian red shrimp in all their glory:
Shrimp Stew
Simmer shrimp in a tomato-based stew with white wine, garlic, onions, potatoes, chili flakes and cilantro. Ladle over crusty bread.
Shrimp Risotto
Sauté shrimp with shallots and garlic, then fold into creamy arborio rice with Parmesan.
Shrimp Tacos
Marinate shrimp in smoky ancho chile sauce. Grill and add to corn tortillas with avocado salsa and lime crema.
Shrimp Pasta
Sauté shrimp with cherry tomatoes, basil, lemon and chili flakes. Toss with linguine and shaved Parm.
Shrimp Ceviche
“Cook” raw shrimp in lemon and lime juice with tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and cilantro. Chill and serve with tortilla chips.
Handy Tips for Cooking Success
Follow these tips and tricks for flawlessly cooked Argentinian red shrimp every time:
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Don’t overcook! Shrimp need just 1-2 minutes per side to turn opaque and become firm.
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Brine shrimp in saltwater for 30 minutes before cooking for enhanced juiciness.
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Skewer and grill shrimp with shells on for more flavor, then peel once cooked.
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Add aromatics like garlic, chili and herbs at the end to prevent burning.
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Resist the urge to stir shrimp constantly. Let them sear to develop flavor.
Enjoying Your Cooked Argentinian Red Shrimp
Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, here are some serving suggestions:
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Serve shrimp over risotto, pasta, polenta or creamy grits as an elevated entrée.
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Pile shrimp onto toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich.
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Stuff shrimp into warmed soft corn or flour tortillas for easy tacos.
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Skewer shrimp on kebabs with veggies and fruit for an impressive appetizer.
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Layer shrimp on pizza, nachos or baked potatoes for extra richness.
Now that you’re armed with all the essential tips and techniques for selecting, prepping and cooking Argentinian red shrimp, it’s time to get cooking! Just remember, gently cooked shrimp paired with bright, acidic flavors is the key to shrimp perfection. ¡Buen provecho!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Argentine red shrimp recipe is quick and easy.
- The shrimp is so tender and flavorful.
- An easy garlic butter sauce adds so much flavor.
- It is made in one baking dish.
- This recipe is high in protein and low in carbs.
- It works with Whole30, Paleo, Keto, and is sugar-, gluten-, and low-carb.
- Another great idea is this Royal Red Shrimp recipe.
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Argentine red shrimp. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
Argentine red shrimp is widely sold in grocery stores. In addition, it is available online. Argentine red shrimp are slightly larger than typical shrimp. Feel free to use any type of shrimp in this recipe.
Melted butter creates the most delicious garlic butter sauce. Substitute ghee if needed.
Minced garlic adds a great garlicky flavor. If needed, use garlic powder.
Paprika adds a little bit of spice. This shrimp is not spicy, but flavorful.
Both sea salt and pepper add a touch of flavor.
Lemon slices add a sense of freshness. Lemon and seafood are great together.
Lastly, freshly chopped parsley is the best garnish. It adds flavor, color and freshness.
How to Serve & Store
Serve hot and fresh from the oven!
Top with garlic butter sauce, lemon slices and parsley. This combination is also delicious on Easy Sockeye Salmon!
For a spicy option, make this Buffalo Shrimp!
Serve alongside roasted veggies, a side salad, or French fries.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce will firm up when chilled.
Yes, Argentinian shrimp are great!
They are slightly sweeter than normal shrimp.
The garlic butter sauce is garlicky and buttery. There are no surprising flavors.
Yes, this recipe is both low carb and Keto. In addition, it is Whole30 compliant and Paleo.
Wild Argentine Red Shrimp Pan seared from frozen
How to cook Argentinian red shrimp?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. 2. Add the peeled and deveined Argentinian red shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat the shrimp with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. 3. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat.
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 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 know if Argentine red shrimp is cooked?
When Argentine red shrimp are cooked, they will turn pink and opaque. The flesh should also be firm to the touch, and the shrimp should have a slightly springy texture. 2. Can I grill Argentine red shrimp from frozen? Yes, Argentine red shrimp can be grilled from frozen, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking.