Argentinian red shrimp are my absolute favorite shrimp to cook at home. These large, sweet shrimp have an incredible depth of flavor and meaty texture While fresh Argentinian shrimp would be ideal, the frozen product makes a great substitute With the right thawing and cooking techniques, you can achieve excellent results cooking frozen Argentinian red shrimp right in your own kitchen.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share my foolproof process for handling and preparing frozen Argentinian red shrimp, along with tips for cooking them to perfection Let’s get started!
Selecting Frozen Shrimp
When buying frozen Argentinian red shrimp, you’ll want to look for a few key qualities:
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Raw, shell-on shrimp – Steer clear of pre-cooked or peeled versions, which tend to be lower quality.
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Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) – This freezing process preserves texture and flavor better than block frozen options.
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Minimally processed – Opt for shrimp frozen soon after catching with no additives or sodium added.
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Red color – A bright, reddish-pink shell indicates higher quality shrimp Avoid black spots or yellowing
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Firm texture – Shrimp should not have signs of freezer burn or excessive ice crystals when frozen.
Buying a high quality IQF raw shell-on product will give you the best flavor and texture when cooked.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
Always thaw frozen shrimp gently to prevent loss of moisture and texture damage. Here are a few thawing methods I recommend:
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Refrigerator Thawing – Place frozen shrimp in a single layer on a tray and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thaw prevents moisture loss.
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Cold Water Thaw – Place shrimp in a colander and run cold tap water over them until thawed. Change the water every 30 minutes. Thaws faster than the fridge but can lead to some moisture loss.
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Microwave Thaw – Thaw shrimp on the “defrost” setting in 30 second increments, rearranging between cycles. Use immediately after thawing. This is the fastest method but can create the most moisture loss.
No matter which method you use, be sure to pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking. Removing excess surface moisture helps promote good browning.
Seasoning the Shrimp
Argentinian red shrimp have a naturally sweet, briny flavor that pairs well with simple seasonings. Here are some easy seasoning options:
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Olive oil, salt and pepper – Enhance their natural flavor with just a light coating of olive oil and s&p.
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Lemon, garlic, parsley – Brighten up the shrimp with a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley.
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Cajun seasoning – A Cajun or Creole seasoning blend adds warmth without overpowering their sweetness.
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Chili and lime – For a Southwestern flair, add chili powder, cumin, lime juice and cilantro.
Avoid heavy batters or overly complicated rubs. A light hand with seasonings is all you need.
Cooking the Shrimp
When cooking thawed Argentinian red shrimp, choosing the right technique is key. I recommend one of these simple cooking methods:
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Pan searing – Cook shrimp over medium-high heat in an oiled pan until opaque and lightly charred on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Grilling – Grill the shrimp in a grill basket over direct medium heat for 2-4 minutes per side. Move shrimp around to prevent sticking.
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Baking – Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until opaque and lightly browned.
Whichever cooking method you choose, watch the shrimp carefully to avoid overcooking. Properly cooked shrimp will turn opaque and become firm with a light char on the outside.
Immediately remove shrimp from heat when they are just cooked through to prevent going past that perfect stage of doneness. Then dig in and enjoy their incredible sweet, juicy flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Argentinian red shrimp really shine when prepared simply and served in ways that highlight their natural flavor:
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Chilled shrimp cocktail with lemon and cocktail sauce
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Garlic shrimp scampi over linguine
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Blackened shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw
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Shrimp skewers with chimichurri sauce
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Shrimp salad stuffed in avocado halves
With their impressive size, vibrant color and mildly sweet taste, Argentinian red shrimp are perfect for casual seafood dishes. Just remember to source high-quality frozen shrimp, thaw them gently, and avoid overcooking. Follow my guide and you’ll be enjoying incredible restaurant-quality shrimp cooked right in your own kitchen.
More Delicious Recipes Featuring Argentine Red Shrimp
I hope you enjoyed learning how to cook frozen Argentine Red Shrimp. Now it’s time to test your newfound skills with some tasty recipes. From appetizers to main courses, this versatile shrimp can be the star of many dishes. For a classic start, try the Argentine Red Shrimp Cocktail. For a fun family dinner, try the Grilled Argentine Red Shrimp Tacos and see what you like best. If you want something rich and comforting, the Creamy Garlic Argentine Red Shrimp Risotto is a great choice. It has a creamy texture and a strong flavor. Each recipe gives you a different way to enjoy this tasty seafood, so you can improve your cooking skills and wow your guests with little work. Share your tips and techniques for cooking frozen Argentine red shrimp in the.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp
Now that your shrimp are seasoned, it’s time to cook them. Here are two popular cooking methods:
- To sauté, put a pan over medium-high heat and add a little butter or olive oil. Set the shrimp in the pan and season them. Cook for two to three minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the shrimp with olive oil or marinade, then grill them for two to three minutes on each side, until they are fully cooked.