I threw this meal together on a weeknight when I had exactly zero energy and even less time, and let me just say — Trader Joe’s Argentinian shrimp totally saved dinner. These big, pink beauties cook up fast and soak up flavor like a dream. I tossed them in garlic butter, hit them with lemon, and served it all over pasta. It was simple, but tasted like something you’d order at a seafood bistro.
This is one of those “wow with no work” kind of meals. The shrimp come already peeled and cleaned, and since they’re wild-caught, the flavor is rich and almost lobster-like. I make this when I want something cozy but fancy-ish — and nobody ever guesses how easy it is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is one of the easiest ways to impress with almost no effort. Trader Joe’s Argentinian shrimp are tender, flavorful, and cook in just minutes. Paired with a buttery garlic sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and a little pasta or rice, it becomes a full meal that feels elevated but totally doable.
It’s naturally gluten-free (if served with rice or GF pasta), high in protein, and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a main course, appetizer, or toss it into a salad, this shrimp recipe brings restaurant-level flavor straight into your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Trader Joe’s frozen Argentinian red shrimp (peeled & deveined, tail on or off)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional for serving
- Cooked linguine or spaghetti
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Extra lemon wedges
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pro Tips
- Thaw shrimp quickly in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking — moisture prevents a good sear.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook — shrimp are done in just a few minutes.
- Add lemon juice after cooking to keep the flavor bright.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Microplane or zester
- Garlic press or knife
- Mixing bowl (for thawing shrimp)
- Pasta pot or rice cooker (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
- Use any large shrimp if TJ’s brand isn’t available.
- Swap butter for all olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Replace parsley with basil, cilantro, or chives.
- Add cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or spinach for more veggies.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is best fresh, but you can:
- Thaw and prep shrimp up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Cook rice or pasta in advance and reheat before serving.
- Pre-mince garlic and zest lemons earlier in the day.
Leftovers reheat well — just warm gently or eat cold in a salad.
Instructions
1. Thaw & Prep the Shrimp
Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes. Drain and pat completely dry.
2. Heat the Pan
Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Lay shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly golden. Work in batches if needed.
4. Add Lemon & Season
Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss with parsley.
5. Serve
Spoon shrimp and sauce over pasta or rice. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with fettuccine or linguine for shrimp scampi vibes
- Serve over jasmine rice or orzo bowls
- Pair with sautéed greens or roasted veggies
- Tuck into warm tortillas with slaw for shrimp tacos
- Serve with toasted baguette slices as a quick starter
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or butter.
- Avoid microwaving too long — shrimp toughen easily.
- Cold leftovers are great tossed into pasta salads.
Nutrition & Benefits
Trader Joe’s Argentinian shrimp are wild-caught, lean, and protein-rich. They’re also a good source of omega-3s, vitamin B12, and minerals like selenium and zinc. Garlic adds antioxidants, olive oil brings healthy fats, and lemon keeps it fresh without heavy sauces.
Pairing shrimp with whole grains or veggies makes this a balanced meal that feels indulgent but nourishing.
Recipe FAQ
Are Argentinian red shrimp already cooked?
No — they’re pink when raw, which can be confusing. They still need to be cooked.
Can I grill them instead of pan-cooking?
Yes — marinate in garlic oil and lemon, then grill 2–3 minutes per side.
How do I thaw them fast?
Place in cold water for 15–20 minutes. Avoid hot water or microwaving.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but only warm them gently in the garlic butter so they don’t overcook.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes — it’s totally adjustable.
The Final Squeeze
This Trader Joe’s Argentinian shrimp recipe is the kind of dish I lean on when I need something quick but crave-worthy. It’s garlicky, buttery, lemony, and full of tender shrimp that taste straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re tossing it over pasta, spooning it on rice, or serving it up with crusty bread, it’s one of those recipes that makes weeknights feel just a little more special.