Trader Joe’s Argentinian Shrimp Recipes: Worth the Hype?

If you’ve ever strolled the frozen aisles of Trader Joe’s, you’ve probably noticed those bright red shrimp. They’re not your average cocktail shrimp; these are Argentinian Shrimp Recipes, and they’re a total game-changer for quick and delicious seafood meals. I’m a huge fan, and today I’m sharing everything you need to know to master these tasty shrimp at home!

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Key Takeaways

• Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are a delicious and convenient frozen option.
• Their sweet flavor and firm texture come from their Argentinian origin.
• The included ginger garlic butter sauce offers a flavor boost, perfect for many dishes.
• You can cook these shrimp in various ways: sautéing, baking, air frying, or grilling.

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What are Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp?

These shrimp aren’t just called “red” for fun – they’re naturally a vibrant red color even before cooking! That’s because they’re wild-caught in the icy waters off Argentina. This cold-water origin is why they have a sweet, almost lobster-like flavor and a beautifully firm, meaty texture.

The ones from Trader Joe’s come already peeled, deveined, and pre-cooked. So, all you really need to do is heat them through and add some flavor. Each bag includes a tasty ginger garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of togarashi seasoning for a touch of spice.

How to Cook Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp

Alright, let’s dive deeper into exactly how to cook those tasty Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp!

First Things First: Thawing

The ideal way to thaw these shrimp is overnight in the fridge. That gives them plenty of time to defrost gently, which helps maintain their texture. But hey, life happens! If you’re in a hurry, the “quick thaw” method works like a charm. Just put the bag of frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes, and they’ll be good to go.

Choose Your Cooking Adventure!

Here’s the fun part – Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are incredibly versatile. Let’s explore the most popular cooking methods:

• Stovetop (Sautéing): My personal favorite. It’s lightning-fast! Heat a pan over medium-high heat with some olive oil and butter (the combo is the best of both worlds). Toss in your shrimp, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to turn opaque throughout. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery!
• Baking: This method is perfect when you want a hands-off way to cook your shrimp. Preheat your oven to 400°F and spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet. Pop them in for approximately 8-10 minutes and voila! Perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp.
• Air Fryer: Talk about a time-saver! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spritz the shrimp with a touch of oil, then add them to the basket. In just 3-4 minutes, you’ll have crispy, delicious shrimp ready to devour.
• Grilling: It’s grilling season! Skewer your shrimp (this helps them stay put on the grill) and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. They’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Just be sure to watch them closely – shrimp cook quickly!

Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp Recipe Ideas

1.Shrimp Scampi

The Magic of Scampi

• Those Shrimp: Naturally, Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are a fantastic choice. Their sweetness and texture are perfect for this dish.
• Garlic, and Lots of It: We’re not playing around here! Think at least 4-5 cloves, minced. Garlic lovers, feel free to go even heavier.
• Good Quality Olive Oil: This is the base of our sauce and adds a lovely richness.
• Butter: It wouldn’t be scampi without that glorious buttery flavor.
• White Wine: A dry white wine is best, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens everything up.
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley brings a burst of freshness.

The Technique

Making shrimp scampi is a breeze! Here’s the basic rundown:

1. Garlic Power: Sauté your minced garlic in olive oil and butter until it’s fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Shrimp Time: Add your shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Wine and Butter: Pour in about a 1/4 cup of white wine and let it simmer, then swirl in a generous pat of butter.
4. Finishing Touches: Squeeze in some lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley, and give it all a good toss.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta is the classic pairing for shrimp scampi. Linguine and angel hair are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. But don’t limit yourself! This dish is also amazing with crusty bread for dipping or served over fluffy rice. A simple green salad completes the meal.

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2.Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here’s how we’re going to transform the standard Trader Joe’s shrimp into a fiery flavor bomb:

• The Garlic: Start with a generous amount – at least 4 cloves, minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: The star of the show! Start with 1/2 teaspoon, but adjust to your heat tolerance. If you love serious spice, feel free to go even bolder.
• Fresh or Dried Chili Peppers: For extra heat and complexity, finely chop a fresh chili pepper like a jalapeño or serrano.
• The Rest: We’ll stick with the usual suspects – butter, olive oil, maybe a splash of white wine, salt, and pepper. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley at the end.

The Method

Making this dish is a breeze, and here’s how it goes:

1. Sizzle and Spice: Sauté your garlic and red pepper flakes (and fresh chili, if using) in the butter and olive oil. Let the spices infuse the oil – about 30 seconds.
2. Cook Those Shrimp: Add your Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp and sauté until just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Amp Up the Flavor: If you’re feeling fancy, add a splash of white wine. Finish with some fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Serving Ideas

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp works with so many dishes! Serve it over pasta, rice, with crusty bread, or toss them into a spicy shrimp salad for a tasty lunch.

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3.Argentinian Red Shrimp Cocktail

Let’s talk shrimp cocktails! While it’s not what I usually order when I’m craving something spicy, the Argentinian Red Shrimp are absolutely perfect for this classic appetizer. Their pre-cooked nature makes it a total cinch to pull together.

They’ve got a few things going for them:

• Sweet & Snappy: Argentinian Red Shrimp have a lovely sweetness that pairs super well with the tangy cocktail sauce. Their texture is also firm with a delightful snap.
• The Color: They’re bright red, even when raw. A platter of them looks stunning!
• Convenience: Trader Joe’s shrimp come pre-cooked. So really, this “recipe” is more about assembly.

The Sauce is Key

While the shrimp are naturally the star, you can’t have a shrimp cocktail without that iconic sauce! Most recipes are a mix of these essentials:

• Ketchup: The base of the sauce, providing sweetness and tartness.
• Horseradish: Gives it that signature kick! Start with a tablespoon or two, then adjust to your preference
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and acidity.
• Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite! Tabasco is a common choice, but anything works.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth.

How to Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Make the Sauce: Combine your ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. Taste and adjust! Prefer it spicier? Add more horseradish or hot sauce!
2. Chill Out: Get those shrimp nice and cold. Arrange them on a platter or individual cocktail glasses.
3. Serve: Spoon the sauce into small bowls or place it directly over the shrimp. Garnish with a lemon wedge if you’re feeling fancy!

Leveling Up

Here are some ideas to take your shrimp cocktail to the next level:

• Homemade Sauce Upgrade: Mix things up with spicy mayo, remoulade, or even a tangy mango salsa.
• Texture Play: Add a sprinkle of finely diced celery or onion to your sauce.
• Go Retro: Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of sauce on a bed of shredded lettuce for that classic shrimp cocktail vibe!

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4.Asian-Inspired Shrimp

Ooh, I absolutely love Asian-inspired shrimp dishes! The ginger garlic butter base you get with the Trader Joe’s shrimp is the perfect springboard for exploring these flavor profiles. Let’s get cooking!

Here’s what we’ll be working with:

• The Shrimp: Of course, Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are our star ingredient.
• Ginger Garlic Butter: Think of this as your base sauce with tons of flavor potential.
• Soy Sauce: The backbone of many Asian sauces. It provides saltiness and umami.
• Scallions: These add a mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of green.
• The Sweet & Spicy: Choose your own adventure! Honey, sriracha, hoisin sauce, or even sweet chili sauce all work beautifully.

Getting Started

The cooking process is super simple:

1. Sauté Time: Heat a pan with some olive oil and add your shrimp. Cook them until they’re just turning pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce and the ginger garlic butter. Let it sizzle and infuse the shrimp with flavor.
3. Choose Your Sweetness: Drizzle in a teaspoon of honey, a squirt of sriracha, or your chosen sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste!
4. Finishing Touches: Toss in those chopped scallions for a fresh, vibrant kick.

Serving Suggestions

Asian-Inspired Shrimp is incredibly versatile, and here’s how to enjoy it:

• Rice Bowls: Build a bowl with your favorite rice, the shrimp, and any stir-fried veggies you love. Drizzle with extra sauce, and dinner is served!
• Noodles: Toss the shrimp with cooked noodles and an Asian-inspired sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, fill lettuce leaves with the shrimp mixture and add toppings like shredded carrots and cucumbers.
• Straight Up: Honestly, these shrimp are so good they can even be enjoyed as a flavorful and satisfying snack!

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Tips for the Best Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp Dishes

Here are a few tricks to ensure your shrimp dishes turn out amazing:

• Don’t overcook them! Shrimp cook very quickly, and become tough and rubbery if overdone. They’re done when just opaque throughout.
• Pat them dry: Excess moisture can make the shrimp steam instead of sear. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
• Fresh herbs are your friend: A sprinkle of parsley, cilantro, or basil adds brightness and extra flavor at the end.
• Serve with something delicious: Think pasta, rice, crusty bread for soaking up sauces, or a fresh salad.

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Nutritional Information

Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are a good source of protein and relatively low in calories. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving (check the package for specifics):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	90
Fat	1g
Protein	17g
Carbs	0g
Sodium	480mg

Storing and Reheating Trader Joe’s Argentinian Shrimp

• Storing leftovers: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results. You can microwave, but you risk overcooking them. Avoid refreezing cooked shrimp if you can.

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Customizing the Flavor

These shrimp come with their signature ginger garlic butter, but you can easily adapt them to suit your tastes! Here’s how:

• Spice it up: Try adding Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or your favorite spice blend.
• DIY Sauces: Think teriyaki, BBQ sauce, or even a simple honey garlic glaze.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, onions, broccoli – they all work great in shrimp dishes!

Serving Ideas

Think beyond the shrimp cocktail! Let’s get creative with how you serve these tasty shrimp:

• Pasta: Creamy sauces, tomato-based sauces, pesto… shrimp pairs well with so many pasta dishes!
• Rice Bowls: Build bowls with your favorite rice, the shrimp, stir-fried veggies, and a flavorful sauce.
• Salads: Add them to a Caesar salad, a Greek salad, or create your own combo.
• Appetizers: Skewer them for grilling, or toss them in a spicy buffalo sauce!

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FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions about Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp:

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Argentinian Shrimp Recipes Conclusion

Trader Joe’s Argentinian Red Shrimp are a delicious and easy-to-use ingredient that I always keep in my freezer.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or want an impressive appetizer, these shrimp have your back. With their sweet flavor and snappy texture, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Remember, the best way to enjoy these shrimp is to get creative in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to try new flavor combinations and explore cuisines from around the world.