Listen up seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking these amazing Argentine red shrimp for years and lemme tell you – they’re totally worth mastering. These aren’t your average shrimp – they’re often called “poor man’s lobster” because of their sweet, lobster-like taste and texture. Today I’m gonna share my tried-and-true methods for cooking these frozen beauties to perfection.
Why Argentine Red Shrimp Are Special
Before we dive into cooking methods. here’s why these shrimp are different
- They’re wild-caught from the icy waters of Patagonia
- They have a naturally sweet, lobster-like flavor
- They’re individually flash frozen and already cleaned/deveined
- They’re larger than regular shrimp (usually 20/25 count)
- They cook faster than regular shrimp
Essential First Step: Proper Thawing
Let’s start with the most crucial step – thawing Never cook these babies from frozen! Here are your best options
Method 1: Overnight Thawing (Best Method)
- Place shrimp in a covered glass bowl
- Put in refrigerator overnight
- Drain excess water before cooking
Method 2: Quick Thaw Method (When You’re in a Hurry)
- Place shrimp in a plastic bag
- Run cold water over the bag
- Thaw for about 15 minutes
- Stir occasionally for even thawing
Method 3: Cold Water Bath
- Put shrimp in a bowl
- Cover with cold water
- Stir every 5 minutes
- Takes about 15-20 minutes
❌ Never Use These Methods:
- Microwave thawing (ruins texture)
- Hot water thawing (affects taste and texture)
- Cooking from frozen (they’ll shrink and get tough)
Cooking Methods & Recipes
1. Classic Garlic Scampi Style
Ingredients:
- Thawed Argentine red shrimp
- Olive oil
- Lots of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: white wine, lemon juice
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Heat olive oil in pan over medium heat
- Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds
- Add shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes per side
- Remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque
2. One-Side Pan Fry Method (Restaurant Style)
- Heat pan with oil/butter mix
- Cook shrimp on one side only until pink
- Remove from pan
- Finish cooking in your sauce for 30 seconds
3. Thai-Style Curry Shrimp
Ingredients:
- Thawed Argentine red shrimp
- Thai red curry sauce
- Veggies (onions, carrots, celery)
- Coconut milk (optional)
- Jasmine rice
Instructions:
- Sauté veggies in oil
- Add curry sauce and coconut milk
- Simmer veggies until tender
- Add shrimp last 2 minutes only
- Serve over rice
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
-
Watch the Time: These shrimp cook faster than regular ones – usually 2-3 minutes total
-
Color Check: They’re done when they:
- Turn pink
- Are no longer translucent
- Form a ‘C’ shape (if they’re in a tight ‘O’, they’re overcooked)
-
Storage Tips:
- Double-bag unused portions
- Use freezer-safe bags
- Remove as much air as possible
- Use within 3 months for best quality
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (biggest mistake!)
- Not patting dry before cooking
- Cooking too many at once
- Using too high heat
- Not having ingredients ready before starting
Bonus Recipe: Poor Man’s Lobster Roll
This is my fave way to use these shrimp – it’s amazing how lobster-like they taste in this recipe!
Ingredients:
- Thawed Argentine red shrimp
- Mayo
- Lemon juice
- Brioche bun
- Optional: Old Bay seasoning or dill
Instructions:
- Poach shrimp gently for 90 seconds
- Cool in ice water
- Chop into chunks
- Mix with mayo and lemon juice
- Serve on buttered, toasted brioche
Final Thoughts
Look, I know I’ve thrown a lot of info at ya, but these shrimp are seriously worth the effort. They’re not just any frozen shrimp – they’re special enough to deserve proper treatment. Once you nail these techniques, you’ll never want to cook regular shrimp again!
Remember: The key to success is in the thawing and not overcooking. When in doubt, take them off the heat a little earlier than you think – you can always cook them more, but you can’t uncook them!
Happy cooking, seafood lovers! Drop me a comment if you try any of these methods – I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!
Some ways to prepare Atlantic red shrimp
The method of preparing Atlantic red shrimp is very diverse, the way to cook Atlantic red shrimp also depends on each persons preference and taste. Here are some popular preparation methods:
The smoky burnt flavor is a great choice. Shrimp retains the freshness and firmness of its meat. Skewer the shrimp to hold it firmly and brush with a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and raisins. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are firm and nicely colored.
For a quick and easy method of cooking on the stovetop, stir-frying is the best way. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and desired seasonings and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp is cooked through and nicely firm.
Boiling shrimp is a traditional method that helps maintain the natural flavor of shrimp. Boil water and add a little salt. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is firm and has a nice bright red color.
Drain the shrimp in chilled ice water to firm the meat.
Enjoy the distinct flavor of delicious Atlantic red shrimp
Stimulating your taste buds with a simple, fresh seafood dish, you cant miss Atlantic red shrimp in the shell. Shrimp is combined and prepared in a variety of ways, so it has a flavor and color that will impress diners and your palate.
The succulent crustaceans are harvested on the pristine coast of Argentina, where the cold and nutrient-rich currents of the South Atlantic Ocean are exposed. The vibrant color of shrimp meat and succulent shrimp shells set red shrimp apart from other types of shrimp. The reason why many diners choose red shrimp is because the outstanding flavor is the sweet and salty taste of the shrimp meat. Their meaty texture and rich flavor make them a favorite of seafood enthusiasts around the world.
Wild Argentine Red Shrimp Pan seared from frozen
FAQ
Can you cook Argentine red shrimp from frozen?
Yes, you can cook Argentine red shrimp from frozen.
Does frozen shrimp need to be thawed before cooking?
What is the best way to cook Argentine shrimp?
- 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.
- To a bowl add the shrimp, oil, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and salt.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side.
How to defrost Argentinian red shrimp?