The pros: Trader Joe's Argentinian Red Shrimp are lobster like but far more tender.
The cons: Since these are "red" shrimp they already looked cooked, however they are not. These might be more challenging for some to figure out when they are done.
The verdict: Â
I used to order seafood a lot when I went out to dinner. I find myself doing so less and less. Once you learn how to handle it properly, you can enjoy those super expensive dinners at home. Trader Joe's does offer some very well done options in the frozen seafood section and this is no exception.
There are two options available for shrimp at Trader Joe's: Argentinian Red Shrimp and Wild Blue Shrimp. What's the difference between the two? Availability, price, taste, and texture. One of the most common complaints about this product is the fact it's not available all the time and there does not seem to be a rhyme or reason when it comes and goes. This is $7 cheaper than the blue shrimp for the same quantity. This item is currently priced at $9.99 for a full pound of shrimp.
The biggest distinction here is the texture and the flavor. These are closer to lobster in flavor but seem to have a more delicate flavor. Because these are already red, there can be some confusion as to when they are done cooking. I found these to cook a bit quicker than regular shrimp. I also found that unlike other shrimp these seemed to not get as rubbery when overcooked.
Overall, if you want lobster taste and a soft texture then this is the bag to reach for. If you prefer the more dense texture and shrimp taste, then reach for the Wild Blues. Both were good, but were noticeably different from one another. I'd willingly buy either again.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The bag of Trader Joe's Argentinian Red Shrimp:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
How to prepare these is up to you. However, I chose to use Ina Garten's Baked Shrimp Recipe and it came out like this:
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Argentinian Red Shrimp again. If they were unavailable, then I would reach for Trader Joe's Wild Blue Uncooked Shrimp in their place although it does cost significantly more. While the Blue shrimp were more firm, they are still a good substitute if the red ones are not available.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
I've not seen this but, I don't look over the seafood section as often as I should... I will find and try these shrimp...
Both this and the blue shrimp are solid choices.
Brenda, based upon your recommendation, I bought these and loved them, but I did not like having to cook them. So, this time, I tried the cooked Jumbo Shrimp - they were terrible, the shrimp were all covered in ice crystals and there were big blobs of ice in the bag, they were mealy and terrible. Very disappointing.
Hey Ellen! I havent tried the fully cooked shrimp yet. I noticed the same thing about them having "protective ice" on them. Thanks for sharing. On the flip side these do take less time to cook than regular shrimp. Glad I could help.
Just a followup, I have been buying these regularly, there is a good YouTube video on how to cook shrimp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsQAJqGJSek followed that and I have been very happy, I love them and thank you Brenda for introducing them to me.
Thanks for sharing Ellen!
Hi, I no longer buy these shrimp because, while I love the taste, after trying them on three different occasions I became violently ill. I’m not allergic to seafood so I thought it was something in the ingredients though the package claims shrimp and salt. Wondering if anyone else has had the same experience.
I haven't had the same experience Lynn, but I would absolutely report that to the store you purchased it from and let them know. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience.