Argentine Red Shrimp Scampi

There are moments when all it takes is a fresh perspective on a classic dish to revitalize your meal routine. That’s precisely what happened in my kitchen when I stumbled upon beautiful Argentine red shrimp at an irresistible sale price. Known for their naturally sweet taste and delicate texture, these vibrant crustaceans were the perfect canvas for my go-to easy scampi sauce. The result? A truly extraordinary meal that transformed simple ingredients into a gourmet delight.

Serving this delectable seafood creation over a bed of al dente pasta is a timeless choice, while for those seeking lighter alternatives, low-carb pasta or fresh zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) provide an equally satisfying base. This versatile scampi sauce, crafted from readily available ingredients, consistently delivers exceptional flavor, making it a foolproof companion for various types of shrimp. However, if you get the chance, Argentine red shrimp should undoubtedly be at the top of your list to try – their unique qualities truly shine in this preparation.

Why This Argentine Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a quick, elegant, and incredibly flavorful meal, this Argentine Shrimp Scampi is your answer. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

• Gourmet Flavor, Effortless Execution: Despite its impressive taste and appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Premium Seafood Experience: Argentine Red Shrimp elevates the dish with its naturally sweet, lobster-like flavor and tender texture, offering a luxurious seafood experience.
• Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this exquisite meal on the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Pairing: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from classic pasta to low-carb options like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, accommodating diverse dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The rich, garlicky, lemon-butter sauce is universally loved and makes this scampi a fantastic dish for entertaining guests or a special family dinner.

What are Argentine Red Shrimp and Why Are They Special?

Argentine Red Shrimp, scientifically known as Pleoticus muelleri, are a truly distinct and prized seafood delicacy. Sourced from the pristine, deep, and cold waters off Argentina’s coast, particularly in the Patagonian region of the South Atlantic, these shrimp boast several unique characteristics that set them apart:

• Striking Appearance: Before cooking, Argentine Red Shrimp display a vibrant, reddish-pink hue, which deepens to an even more appealing red once cooked. This natural coloration makes them visually stunning on any plate.
• Sweet, Lobster-like Flavor: Often compared to lobster or langostino, their flesh is remarkably sweet and clean-tasting. This inherent sweetness means they require minimal seasoning to shine, allowing their natural flavor to be the star.
• Delicate Yet Meaty Texture: Unlike some other shrimp varieties that can become tough if overcooked, Argentine Red Shrimp possess a delicate tenderness combined with a satisfyingly meaty bite. This makes them incredibly enjoyable and less prone to rubberiness if handled correctly.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Many Argentine Red Shrimp fisheries are managed with sustainability in mind, making them a responsible choice for seafood lovers.
• Other Names: You might also find them referred to as Patagonian Red Shrimp or Patagonian King Prawns.

These unique shrimp are sometimes confused with royal red shrimp, which are caught off the Florida coast. While both are red, they are distinct species with different flavor profiles and origins. You can often find Argentine Red Shrimp in specialty grocery stores, seafood markets, or even popular retailers like Trader Joe’s, especially when they are in season. They are perfectly safe and delicious to eat when cooked to the proper temperature, turning opaque and firm.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Crafting this easy Argentine Shrimp Scampi requires a handful of high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature bright, savory, and rich flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful tips for substitutions:

• Argentine Red Shrimp: The star of our dish. Look for fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Their naturally sweet flavor makes them ideal for scampi. While colossal-sized shrimp offer an impressive presentation, any size will work beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our rich sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil complements the butter, adding depth and a slightly fruity note to the sauce while also helping to prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced or pressed garlic is crucial for authentic scampi flavor. Do not skimp on the garlic – it’s a key component.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the seafood flavor. For an even more intense citrus aroma, consider zesting the lemon before juicing it.
• Dry White Wine (Optional but Recommended): A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Blanc) adds complexity and depth to the sauce, deglazing the pan and infusing a subtle acidity. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a touch of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. Flat-leaf Italian parsley is generally preferred for its more robust flavor compared to curly parsley.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic to introduce a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.

Flavorful Substitutions and Variations:

• Wine Alternatives: If you prefer not to use wine, or simply don’t have any on hand, good quality chicken or vegetable broth makes an excellent substitute. Avoid “cooking wines” found in the condiment aisle, as they often contain excessive salt and artificial flavors.
• Lemon Zest: As mentioned, always zest your fresh lemons before juicing them. The zest contains essential oils that impart a more vibrant, aromatic lemon flavor to your sauce.
• Shrimp Variety: While Argentine Red Shrimp are exceptional, this scampi recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can use any type or size of shrimp you prefer, such as colossal, jumbo, large, or medium domestic shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly for smaller shrimp.

How to Prepare Argentine Shrimp for Cooking

Proper shrimp preparation is key to a perfectly cooked and enjoyable scampi. Depending on how your Argentine shrimp were purchased (fresh, frozen, shelled, or unshelled), you might need to perform a few simple steps:

• Peel On or Off? This is primarily a matter of personal preference. Keeping the shell on during cooking can impart additional flavor to the shrimp and the sauce, as the shells contain compounds that contribute to depth. However, for scampi, where the shrimp are meant to be easily eaten with the sauce, most people prefer peeled shrimp. “EZ Peel” shrimp are a great option, as they are typically deveined, and the shell is slit, making it effortless to remove. If your shrimp are raw and unpeeled, simply grasp the legs and gently peel the shell away, starting from the head end.
• Tail On or Off? Leaving the tail on often enhances the visual presentation, giving the dish a more elegant look, and provides a convenient handle for picking up the shrimp, especially if serving as an appetizer. However, if you’re serving the scampi mixed with pasta or prefer to eat without getting your fingers messy, feel free to remove the tails.
• Deveined or Not? The “vein” in shrimp is actually its digestive tract, and while it’s not harmful to eat, it can sometimes contain grit and have a less appealing appearance. For a refined dish like scampi, we highly recommend taking the extra step to devein the shrimp if it hasn’t been done already. It’s a quick and easy process:
  • Shell Off: Lay the shrimp flat on a cutting board. Insert the tip of a small paring knife about ¼ inch deep along the back curve of the shrimp. Make a shallow cut down the middle, exposing the dark vein. Use the knife tip or your fingers to gently pull the vein out and discard it. Rinse the shrimp under cold water if necessary to remove any remaining pieces.
  • Shell On (if preferred): Use a paring knife to carefully cut a slit through the shell and flesh along the shrimp’s back. This exposes the vein, which you can then pull out. (Refer to the image below for visual guidance.)

Step-by-Step Directions for Argentine Shrimp Scampi

Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping Argentine Shrimp Scampi. For this demonstration, we used peeled and deveined shrimp, with some tails left on for presentation.

Part 1: Perfectly Cooking the Argentine Shrimp

The key to tender, flavorful shrimp is quick cooking. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.

1. Prepare the Skillet: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron) over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil helps raise the smoke point of the butter, preventing it from burning.
2. Infuse with Garlic: Add your minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. If you like a little heat, now is the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Add the Shrimp: Place the prepared Argentine shrimp into the skillet. Toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the butter, olive oil, and garlic mixture. Then, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the shrimp instead of searing them, preventing that beautiful golden crust. If necessary, cook the shrimp in two batches.
4. Cook to Perfection: Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on the first side until they begin to turn opaque and pink. Flip each shrimp to the other side and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp. Key indicator: Shrimp are done when they curl into a C-shape and turn completely opaque throughout. They should be firm but still tender to the touch. Remember, overcooked shrimp become rubbery!
5. Rest the Shrimp: Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean serving dish. Cover loosely with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the sauce. Leave any excess butter and garlic bits in the skillet – these will form the flavorful base of your scampi sauce.

Part 2: Crafting the Flavorful Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the scampi, bright, tangy, and irresistibly buttery.

1. Build the Sauce Base: Return the skillet (with the reserved pan drippings) to low-medium heat. Add the remaining butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely.
2. Deglaze and Enhance: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and dry white wine (or vegetable/chicken broth). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are packed with flavor!
3. Simmer and Reduce: Allow the sauce to gently simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until it has visibly reduced and thickened slightly. You should be able to drag a spatula across the bottom of the pan and see the trail for a moment. This reduction concentrates the flavors beautifully.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the warm, cooked Argentine shrimp to the pan with the reduced scampi sauce. Toss gently to coat every shrimp generously with the luscious sauce. Alternatively, if your serving dish is large enough, you can pour the sauce directly over the shrimp.

Finishing Touches: If you’re serving the scampi with pasta, reserve about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Stir this into the sauce for extra body and to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the pan, tossing to combine. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a few extra lemon slices for a pop of color and citrus aroma. Serve immediately and savor every bite!

Serving Ideas for Argentine Shrimp Scampi

Argentine Shrimp Scampi is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, whether you’re aiming for a comforting classic or a lighter, health-conscious meal. Here are some delightful ways to complete your menu:

• Classic Pasta: The most traditional pairing! Any long pasta works wonderfully – spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair. The rich scampi sauce clings perfectly to the noodles. For a lighter, low-carb option, consider “Carba-Nada Low-carb Pasta” or similar alternatives.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): A fantastic grain-free and low-carb choice. Lightly sautéed zoodles provide a fresh, slightly crisp texture that complements the tender shrimp. You can also combine zoodles with regular pasta for a “half-and-half” approach.
• Risotto or Rice: A creamy Parmesan risotto or simple steamed white or brown rice can absorb the delicious scampi sauce, offering a satisfying and hearty accompaniment.
• Crusty Bread: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible lemon-butter-garlic sauce. A warm baguette, ciabatta, or garlic bread is perfect.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: To add freshness and fiber, serve alongside simply prepared vegetables. Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or cherry tomatoes roasted with a drizzle of olive oil are excellent choices.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: For a comforting side, smooth mashed potatoes or a low-carb cauliflower mash provide a velvety base for the scampi.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scampi.
• Fresh Herbs & Parmesan: Always finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra chopped parsley for garnish and added flavor.

Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies, such as sautéed mushrooms or blanched asparagus, directly into the scampi at the end of cooking for a complete one-pan meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To enjoy your delicious Argentine Shrimp Scampi leftovers, proper storage is key. Transfer any remaining scampi to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cooked shrimp can also be frozen for longer storage, typically up to 2 months. When freezing, ensure the shrimp and sauce are completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.

For reheating, gently warm the scampi in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until just heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery. A splash of broth or white wine can help rehydrate the sauce if it has thickened too much in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions at short intervals, stirring between each, until warm.

Discover More Delicious Shrimp Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with Argentine shrimp, or simply enjoy versatile seafood, you’ll love these other fantastic shrimp recipes:

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