Best Argentine Red Shrimp Recipe
Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious shrimp recipe? This mouthwatering Argentine red shrimp recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and delivers big on flavor. With a simple garlic butter sauce, these tender wild-caught shrimp bake up with a subtle sweetness you’re sure to love.
One of the best parts of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Thanks to a short prep time, you can have these shrimp on the table in under half an hour. It’s a great option for a fast weeknight meal or easy appetizer when you’re short on time.
On top of being fast, this recipe is also healthy and low in carbs. With no sugar added, the shrimp packs in protein and heart-healthy omega-3s. It’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Argentine red shrimp recipe will become your new go-to. For starters, the preparation couldn’t be simpler. Just toss the shrimp with garlic butter, pop it in the oven, and in less than 15 minutes you have a fantastic main or appetizer.
You’ll also love how incredibly tender and flavorful the shrimp turns out. The garlic butter sauce seeps into every bite, making the shrimp juicy and enhancing its natural sweetness. It takes just a few ingredients to draw out the very best in the shrimp.
Another great aspect of this recipe is that it requires just one baking dish. No messy sautéing, steaming, or boiling needed. Just bake the shrimp in the same pan you’ll bring to the table for serving. Easy and delicious.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this tasty Argentine red shrimp recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb Argentine red shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1⁄4 tsp sea salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- Lemon slices
- Chopped parsley for garnish
If you don’t have melted butter on hand, you can substitute ghee instead. For the garlic, you can swap minced cloves for 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder to cut down on prep time.
The paprika adds a subtle smoky spiciness that complements the shrimp beautifully. It’s an optional ingredient if heat is a concern. Be sure to season with salt and pepper before baking.
Fresh lemon slices mixed into the dish provide a brightness that balances the rich garlic butter. Chopped parsley as a garnish gives a pop of color and freshness.
What is Argentine Red Shrimp?
Argentine red shrimp are a premium variety of wild-caught shrimp sourced from the Southwestern Atlantic ocean. Compared to regular deep water shrimp, Argentine reds are smaller in size but pack big on flavor.
These shrimp get their name from their striking bright red color when raw. It’s only when cooked that they turn opaque pink like regular shrimp. Their color comes from their diet rich in red marine algae.
In terms of taste and texture, Argentine red shrimp have a slightly sweeter flavor and more tender bite. Their superior taste and texture make them perfect for this flavorful garlic butter bake.
Argentina is one of the leading exporters of red shrimp, with nearly 80% of its catch sent abroad. These shrimp have a short reproduction cycle, allowing them to be sustainably harvested year-round.
Nutritionally, Argentine red shrimp are an excellent choice for low carb, Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 diets. Their impressive nutrient profile provides many health benefits.
Nutritional Value
Each 1⁄2 cup serving of Argentine red shrimp contains:
- Less than 10 calories
- 1.5 g protein
- 105 mg omega-3 fatty acids
- 20% DV vitamin B12
- 5% DV zinc
- 4% DV potassium
- 2% DV iron
With minimal calories and carbs, these shrimp provide high-quality protein important for building muscle. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health by lowering triglycerides and blood pressure.
Other nutrients like B12, zinc, and iron make Argentine red shrimp a well-rounded and healthy choice.
Taste & Texture
When it comes to flavor, Argentine red shrimp have a slightly sweeter taste compared to regular shrimp. Their natural sweetness gets enhanced by the rich garlic butter sauce in this recipe.
You’ll notice lovely garlic and buttery notes in each bite, with the paprika adding a hint of smokiness. The flavors marry beautifully with the shrimp’s subtle brininess.
In terms of texture, Argentine reds are incredibly tender with a soft bite. When cooked properly they become opaque and juicy. The garlic butter helps keep them moist and tender.
How to Make
Ready to make this easy and flavorful Argentine red shrimp recipe? Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shrimp in a baking dish in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic. Pour butter mixture over shrimp.
- Sprinkle shrimp with paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Nestle lemon slices among shrimp.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and serve shrimp with garlic butter sauce, lemon slices, and chopped parsley.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Use these pro tips for the very best results when making this Argentine red shrimp recipe:
- Seek out fresh, never frozen shrimp for optimal texture and flavor.
- Shrimp are fully cooked when opaque all the way through.
- Use plenty of melted butter to thoroughly coat and flavor the shrimp.
Where to Buy Argentine Red Shrimp
You can find Argentine red shrimp at many grocery stores, usually near the seafood department. Check the labels closely to ensure you’re getting true Argentine reds.
For the best selection, order shrimp online from retailers like Wild Fork Foods. They source and deliver premium Argentine red shrimp right to your door.
How to Serve & Store
This Argentine red shrimp recipe is best served immediately after baking. Place the cooked shrimp on a platter with the garlicky butter sauce, lemon slices, and chopped parsley for garnish.
Try pairing it with low carb sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad. The shrimp also make fantastic taco fillings, sandwich toppers, or pasta-free scampi.
Leftovers will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. The butter sauce may solidify when chilled. Gently reheat to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Argentine red shrimp high quality?
Yes! Wild-caught Argentine red shrimp are considered a premium variety prized for their sweet flavor and tender texture.
Do they taste different than regular shrimp?
Argentine reds have a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to regular shrimp. Their taste really shines through when prepared simply.
What do the garlic butter flavors taste like?
You’ll taste lovely garlicky and buttery notes in the sauce that complement the shrimp perfectly. The paprika also adds subtle smokiness.
Can I eat this recipe on a Keto/Paleo/Whole30 diet?
Definitely! With minimal carbs and no sugar, this recipe aligns beautifully with low carb, Keto, Whole30, and Paleo diets.
