Are you a seafood lover looking to try something new?
Look no further than Argentine Red Shrimp!
These wild-caught, cold-water shrimp are known for their delicate texture and sweet taste of the sea.
But before you can enjoy their delicious flavor, you need to know how to properly clean them.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to clean Argentine Red Shrimp, including removing the shell, deveining, and thawing.
With our tips, you’ll be able to prepare these tasty shrimp in no time!
So let’s get started.
How To Clean Argentine Red Shrimp?
Step 1: Removing the Shell
To start, pull off the head and legs of the shrimp. Then, starting from the head end, pull off the outer shell. You can keep the last segment of shell and the tail tip on for decorative purposes if you’d like.
Alternatively, you can leave the shell on and use kitchen scissors to cut along the outer edge of the shrimp’s back, cutting the shell so you can get to the vein. The shells hold a lot of flavor, so cooking shrimp with their shells on can add an extra layer of taste.
Step 2: Deveining
If you want to devein your shrimp, there are two methods you can use. The first method involves making a slit along the middle of the back with a small sharp knife and pulling out the dark vein (sometimes clear). This is the easiest way.
The second method involves using a skewer to devein shrimp. This technique is for maintaining maximum juiciness in the shrimp without cutting the back of shrimp open. Simply insert a skewer into the shrimp’s back and gently pull out the vein.
Step 3: Thawing
Thawing frozen Argentine Red Shrimp is straightforward and quick. Simply place them in a bowl of ice water and leave them to thaw for 20-30 minutes. Once thawed, remove any remaining ice by rinsing with cool water.
It’s important to avoid using hot water when thawing shrimp, as this will rapidly begin to cook them and affect their texture.
Introduction To Argentine Red Shrimp
Argentine Red Shrimp, also known as Pleoticus Muelleri, are a type of wild-caught shrimp found in the pristine waters off the southeastern tip of Argentina. They are highly valued for their exceptional size, bright color, and sweet flavor, which many people believe is closer to lobster than shrimp. The Argentine Red Shrimp is the most valuable fishery produce in Argentina and generates record-breaking foreign exchange earnings from exports and genuine employment. However, there are concerns about possible overexploitation of the resource and the consequences that these record-high levels of fishing could bear on the future of this species. Despite strict protection measures imposed by the Federal Fisheries Council, there are few instances of enforcement. Argentine Red Shrimp are caught naturally from the icy cold, clean waters just off Argentina, giving them a delicate texture and a sweet taste of the sea. They require minimal cooking and are beautiful just lightly grilled or sautéed in a pan over low heat. Before cooking, it’s important to properly clean and devein the shrimp to remove any unwanted parts. Thawing frozen Argentine Red Shrimp is also straightforward and quick, but it’s important to avoid using hot water as this will rapidly begin to cook them and affect their texture.
Removing The Shell
Removing the shell from Argentine Red Shrimp is a simple process that can be done before or after cooking. To remove the shell, start by pulling off the head and legs of the shrimp. Then, starting from the head end, pull off the outer shell. You can keep the last segment of shell and the tail tip on for decorative purposes if you’d like.
If you prefer to leave the shell on, you can use kitchen scissors to cut along the outer edge of the shrimp’s back, cutting the shell so you can get to the vein. The shells hold a lot of flavor, so cooking shrimp with their shells on can add an extra layer of taste.
It’s important to note that leaving the shell on can also make deveining easier, as it provides a guide for where to make the cut. However, if you prefer to devein your shrimp, you can make a slit along the middle of the back with a small sharp knife and pull out the dark vein (sometimes clear). Alternatively, you can use a skewer to gently pull out the vein without cutting open the back of the shrimp.
Deveining
Deveining is an important step in cleaning Argentine Red Shrimp, as it removes the digestive tract that can sometimes contain sand or grit. There are two methods to devein shrimp, depending on your preference.
The first method involves making a slit along the middle of the back with a small sharp knife and pulling out the dark vein (sometimes clear). This is the easiest way to devein shrimp.
The second method involves using a skewer to devein shrimp. This technique is for maintaining maximum juiciness in the shrimp without cutting the back of shrimp open. Simply insert a skewer into the shrimp’s back and gently pull out the vein.
Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to thoroughly rinse the shrimp after deveining to remove any remaining debris. Once you’ve finished cleaning and deveining your Argentine Red Shrimp, you’re ready to cook them up in your favorite recipe!
Thawing Argentine Red Shrimp
If you have frozen Argentine Red Shrimp that you need to thaw quickly, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to fill a large bowl with cold water and place the frozen shrimp in a sealed plastic bag. Submerge the bag in the cold water, placing a plate or lid over it to ensure it remains fully submerged. Let the shrimp sit for 20 to 30 minutes, until fully thawed.
Another option is to place the frozen shrimp on a leak-proof dish and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the shrimp from the packaging and drain them for 2-3 minutes before serving.
If you’re really in a hurry, you can also thaw the shrimp by placing them in a bag and submerging the bag in a bowl under a light stream of cold running water. Weight down the bag with a plate and they should be defrosted in 15-20 minutes.
It’s important to note that using hot water to thaw shrimp is not recommended, as it can cause them to cook inside the bag and affect their texture. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and safely thaw your Argentine Red Shrimp for delicious meals.
Tips For Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp
Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp is easy and quick. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most out of your shrimp:
1. Don’t overcook: Argentine Red Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook them until they turn a reddish-orange color and are just opaque.
2. Use high heat: Cooking Argentine Red Shrimp at high heat helps to give them a nice sear and keep them juicy.
3. Add flavor: Argentine Red Shrimp have a sweet and delicate flavor, so it’s important to use ingredients that will complement their taste. Garlic, lemon, parsley, and butter are all great options.
4. Keep it simple: Argentine Red Shrimp are delicious on their own, so there’s no need to overcomplicate things. A simple sauté with garlic and butter or a quick grill with some lemon juice and parsley is all you need.
5. Pair with complementary flavors: When serving Argentine Red Shrimp, consider pairing them with flavors that will complement their taste. Rice, pasta, and salads are all great options, as are other seafood dishes like ceviche or fish tacos.
By following these tips, you can easily prepare and enjoy delicious Argentine Red Shrimp at home.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Cleaned Argentine Red Shrimp
Now that you have successfully cleaned and thawed your Argentine Red Shrimp, it’s time to prepare and enjoy them! These sweet, delicate shrimp are perfect for a variety of dishes, from simple grilled shrimp to more complex shrimp scampi or stir-fry.
When cooking your Argentine Red Shrimp, remember that they require minimal cooking time due to their delicate texture. You can grill them or sauté them in a pan over low heat, just until they begin to curl and turn opaque white. For an added burst of flavor, try cooking them with garlic, lemon juice, and butter.
While some cultures enjoy raw shrimp, it’s important to note that raw shrimp can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it’s recommended to cook your Argentine Red Shrimp thoroughly before consuming.
