This recipe for Argentine red shrimp is simple, takes less than 15 minutes to make, and tastes great!
After I found frozen Argentine Red Shrimp at Trader Joes, my life was changed. If you shop at Trader Joes, you might have seen them. These wild shrimp are sweet and juicy. They taste very similar to lobster BUT they cost much less.
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp A Comprehensive Guide
Trader Joe’s Argentinian red shrimp are becoming increasingly popular due to their sweet, tender texture and savory flavor. Their rich, briny taste is similar to lobster or prawns, which makes them an excellent and more affordable alternative for seafood lovers.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to cook perfect Argentinian red shrimp every time. We’ll cover how to buy, store, prepare, season, and cook these delicious crustaceans using simple techniques and flavorful recipes. Read on for pro tips, step-by-step instructions, and mouthwatering recipe ideas to make the most of Trader Joe’s Argentinian red shrimp!
An Introduction to Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
Trader Joe’s sources their Argentinian red shrimp from the clean, cold waters off the coast of Argentina in South America. They are wild-caught, sustainably harvested warm water shrimp known for their bright scarlet shells and tails.
Unlike many farmed shrimp, Argentinian reds have a naturally sweet, lobster-like flavor and tender bite. Their meat is plump and juicy with a mildly briny finish.
In comparison to other shrimp varietals:
- They are larger in size, similar to jumbo shrimp
- Their shells are firmer and crunchier
- The meat has a smoother, silkier texture
- The taste is sweeter and more pronounced
Argentinian reds can be used in any recipe calling for regular shrimp. Their rich flavor and texture make them ideal for shrimp cocktails, salads, pasta, tacos, stir fries, and more.
Where to Buy Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
Trader Joe’s is currently the exclusive retailer for Argentinian red shrimp in the United States. They are sold frozen in 1 pound bags for around $11.99 per bag.
Trader Joe’s seafood selection does vary by location, so call ahead to check availability at your local store. The shrimp are usually stocked in the frozen seafood section.
If you can’t find them at your Trader Joe’s, ask an employee when they expect the next shipment. The bags are labeled “Argentinian Red Shrimp” with thawing/cooking instructions on the back.
How to Store Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
Proper storage is key to ensuring Argentinian red shrimp retain their sweet flavor and tender texture. Here are some tips:
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Keep frozen until ready to use. The frozen shrimp have a 1 year shelf life.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or by placing the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water. Never thaw at room temperature.
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Once thawed, use within 1-2 days for best quality. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp.
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Store cooked shrimp for 2-3 days max in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Freeze extra cooked shrimp for longer storage. They’ll keep for 2-3 months in a freezer bag.
How to Prepare Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
Thawed Argentinian red shrimp just need a quick rinse and pat dry before cooking. For peak flavor and texture, I recommend the following prep:
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Rinse thawed shrimp under cold water to remove any ice crystals.
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Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the shrimp soggy.
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Devein by using a paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back and removing the digestive tract.
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Leave shells on for grilling or sautéing to keep moisture in. Peel for shrimp cocktails, salads, and other served cold dishes.
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Remove tails on large shrimp or leave on for presentation.
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Lightly pat the shrimp dry again after de-shelling and de-veining. The drier they are, the better they’ll brown.
Seasoning Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
Argentinian red shrimp have a naturally sweet, succulent flavor that pairs well with most seasonings. Simple olive oil, salt, and pepper is all you need to let their taste shine. But here are some seasoning ideas if you want to add more flavor:
- Fresh lemon or lime juice – 1 tbsp per lb of shrimp
- Minced garlic – 1 clove per lb
- Chili powder or cayenne – 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 tsp for a little heat
- Old Bay or Cajun seasoning – 1-2 tsp per lb
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil – 1-2 tbsp chopped
- Grated citrus zest – from 1 lemon or lime
- Cracked black pepper and sea salt
- Chili-lime seasoning or lemon pepper blend
A light hand is best for seasoning so the natural sweetness isn’t overwhelmed. Sprinkle seasonings over shrimp right before cooking so they don’t leach out moisture.
The Best Ways to Cook Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
Thanks to their versatility, Argentinian red shrimp can be prepared using almost any cooking method. Their firm texture holds up well to high heat cooking. Here are some of my favorite ways to cook them:
Pan Sear
The high heat of a cast iron skillet or grill pan caramelizes the shells beautifully and imparted a smoky char.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices
- Heat a few tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until opaque
Grill
Like searing, the grill gives a nice char while locking in juices.
- Toss shrimp with oil and seasonings
- Grill over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Move to indirect heat if they’re cooking too fast
Bake
Roasting concentrates flavors and couldn’t be easier.
- Toss shrimp with oil, seasonings, and minced garlic
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until opaque and lightly charred
Air Fry
The hot circulating air makes shrimp extra crispy.
- Toss raw shrimp with seasoned oil or breadcrumbs
- Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, tossing halfway
Sauté
A quick stovetop sauté is perfect for weeknight meals.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through
- Splash in lemon juice, herbs, or sauce at the end
Boil
Boiling is ideal for shrimp cocktails and salads.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil
- Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes until opaque, turning pink
- Shock in an ice bath to stop cooking
The shrimp are fully cooked when the flesh is opaque and white with a touch of pink. Be careful not to overcook them or they can become rubbery. The cooking time is very quick, usually just 1-2 minutes per side for grilling, sautéing, and pan searing.
Now let’s get to the fun part – the recipes! Keep reading for my favorite ways to serve up tender, juicy Argentinian reds.
Simple and Delicious Recipes Using Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp
These easy yet delectable recipes allow the sweet brininess of the Argentinian red shrimp to be the star.
- Shrimp Cocktail
For this classic appetizer, boil or simmer the shrimp for just 1 minute until cooked through. Chill in an ice bath, then peel and devein. Serve with juicy tomato wedges, peppery lettuce cups, and a tangy cocktail sauce for dipping.
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Sauté the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley and red pepper flakes. Toss with hot linguine and pasta water for an easy yet impressive one-pan dinner.
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Roast the shrimp with quartered baby potatoes, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage for an indoor shrimp boil. Serve in bowls with drawn butter for dipping.
- Shrimp Tacos
Quickly sauté the shrimp with chili powder and cumin. Pile into warm corn tortillas and top with avocado, Cotija cheese, and lime crema.
- Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
For this NOLA classic, make a rich roux and simmer the shrimp with andouille sausage, okra, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Serve over white rice.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Marinate the shrimp in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and chili flakes. Thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions, then grill to perfection.
- Citrus Shrimp Salad
For this summery salad, boil shrimp and toss with juicy oranges, grapefruit, avocado, and arugula. Drizzle with a citrus v
How do you cook Argentine Red Shrimp?
A complete list of ingredients, amounts and instructions is located on the recipe card below.
- Defrost the shrimp. I typically defrost them overnight in the fridge. I find that’s the best way.
- Once defrosted, pat them dry to remove excess water.
- Put the oil, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Add the shrimp.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat.
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Put the heat on low and add the parsley, lemon juice, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Unless the shrimp are very dry, the sauce will be too wet.
- Dont skip the coconut milk. It makes the sauce so decadent!.
- If you want to use lemon juice and herbs, get them fresh instead of in a bottle or dried.
Store cooked shrimp in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Argentine red shrimp are more red in color, sweeter and juicer than other shrimp varieties. They taste similar to lobster.
Argentine shrimp are done when they turn white and curl up into a “c” shape. They typically take 1-2 minutes to cook per side.
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Why you’ll love this Argentine Red Shrimp Recipe:
- Toss the shrimp with oil and spices, cook them, and then add coconut milk, lemon, and parsley. This is a very simple recipe.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free—it doesn’t need any butter or cream—but the canned coconut milk makes it rich.
- The cheaper option is these, which taste like lobster but don’t cost as much!
- There is no need to wait for this recipe to finish if you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
- argentine red shrimp: They should be peeled, deveined, and have their tails cut off. They come like this from Trader Joes.
- avocado oil – Any neutral oil will work fine.
- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper are the best spices to use together.
- It works just like cream. I use thick, unsweetened, full-fat canned coconut milk instead of cream. You shouldn’t use light coconut milk or anything from a can. Both wont yield the same results.
- fresh lemon juice – No bottled stuff!
- fresh dill or parsley, but make sure it’s fresh.