How to Cook Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp: The Ultimate Guide for Lobster-Like Flavor

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been cooking with Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp for years now, and lemme tell you – these babies are a game-changer! They’re often called “poor man’s lobster” because of their amazing sweet, lobster-like taste and texture. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about cooking these delicious shrimp perfectly.

What Makes These Shrimp Special?

Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are

• Wild-caught from the cold waters off Argentina’s Patagonian coast
• Naturally red (even when raw!) thanks to their krill diet
• Sweet and lobster-like in flavor
• Large size (about 20-25 shrimp per pound)
• Already cleaned, deveined, and individually flash frozen

Essential Prep: Thawing Your Shrimp

Before we get cookin’, let’s talk about thawing. Here are your options

Best Method: Overnight in Fridge

1. Place shrimp in sealed container
2. Leave in fridge overnight
3. Drain excess water before cooking

Quick Method (when you’re in a hurry):

1. Put shrimp in sealed plastic bag
2. Submerge in cold water
3. Change water every 5 minutes
4. Ready in about 15-20 minutes

❌ Never thaw at room temperature or microwave – trust me, I learned this the hard way!

5 Awesome Ways to Cook These Bad Boys

1. Air Fryer Method (My Favorite!)

- Prep time: 5 minutes- Cook time: 8 minutes- Temperature: 400°F

1. Toss dried shrimp with:
   • Olive oil
   • Garlic powder
   • Salt
   • Pepper
   • Paprika
2. Air fry for 8 minutes until pink
3. Shake basket halfway through

2. Quick Sauté

- Prep time: 5 minutes- Cook time: 4-6 minutes

1. Heat pan over medium-high heat
2. Add butter or olive oil
3. Cook 2-3 minutes per side
4. Remove when pink and opaque

3. Grilling Method

- Prep time: 10 minutes- Cook time: 4-6 minutes

1. Thread onto skewers
2. Brush with oil
3. Season as desired
4. Grill 2-3 minutes each side

4. Oven Roasting

- Prep time: 5 minutes- Cook time: 5-7 minutes- Temperature: 400°F

1. Line baking sheet with parchment
2. Toss shrimp with oil and seasonings
3. Arrange in single layer
4. Roast until pink

5. Pan-Searing

- Prep time: 5 minutes- Cook time: 4-6 minutes

1. Pat shrimp super dry
2. Heat heavy pan until smoking hot
3. Add oil
4. Sear 2-3 minutes per side

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

1. Don’t Overcook! These shrimp cook faster than regular ones. When they’re pink and opaque, they’re done!

2. Season Simply: Their natural flavor is awesome, so don’t go crazy with seasonings. My go-to mix:

   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Garlic powder
   • Paprika
   • Squeeze of lemon

3. Storage Tips:

   • Cooked: 3-4 days in fridge
   • Frozen: Double-bag to prevent freezer burn
   • Raw: Use within 2 days once thawed

Tasty Ways to Serve

• Over pasta with garlic and olive oil
• In tacos with slaw and avocado
• On salads
• In stir-fries (add last!)
• As shrimp cocktail
• In a “poor man’s lobster roll”

Common Questions I Get

Q: Can I cook them from frozen?
A: Nah, don’t do it! They’ll shrink up and get tough.

Q: How long do they last in the freezer?
A: About 3-4 months if stored properly.

Q What’s the current price?A As of 2025, they’re running about $1199 per pound at TJ’s

The Bottom Line

These shrimp are seriously one of TJ’s best products! They’re wild-caught, super convenient, and taste amazing. Just remember: thaw properly, don’t overcook, and keep the seasonings simple to let their natural flavor shine.

Well, that’s all my secrets for cooking these awesome shrimp! If ya got any questions, drop ’em in the comments. Happy cooking, everyone!

Note: Prices and availability might vary by location and time.