Zesty Southern Pickled Shrimp Recipe: A Tangy Coastal Delight

Seafood enthusiasts adore this classic southern pickled shrimp recipe for its bold, tangy flavors.

Briny ocean-fresh shrimp marinate in a zesty blend of vinegar, spices, and aromatics that dance on your palate.

The dish brings a refreshing twist to traditional seafood preparations, offering a delightful balance of acidity and subtle heat.

Crisp onions and vibrant herbs complement the tender shrimp, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or light meal.

Each bite delivers a burst of coastal charm that transports you to the warm, breezy shores of the South.

This versatile recipe works perfectly for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as an elegant starter for sophisticated dinner parties.

Dive into this irresistible pickled shrimp experience and elevate your culinary repertoire with a single, unforgettable recipe.

Steps To Prepare Pickled Shrimp

• Shrimp Bath

A quick dance in seasoned boiling water transforms ordinary shrimp into tender, flavorful morsels. Hot water with lemon and spices creates a magical cooking environment that guarantees perfectly cooked seafood.

• Flavor Symphony

Whisking together a vibrant marinade combines tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, sharp mustard, and aromatic herbs. Each ingredient tells a delicious story of coastal cuisine, blending Mediterranean and Southern American traditions.

• Marination Magic

Gently submerge warm shrimp into the flavor-packed liquid, ensuring every curve and curve gets coated. Transfer the mixture into a glass container, creating a delectable marine pickle that will develop complex tastes over time.

• Patience and Anticipation

Let the shrimp rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify. A few gentle stirs encourage complete seasoning absorption, transforming simple seafood into a gourmet experience.

• Culinary Presentation

Serve these tangy ocean jewels chilled as a sophisticated appetizer. Pair with crisp crackers, scatter over fresh greens, or showcase on an elegant seafood platter that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Tips For Better Pickled Shrimp

• Seafood Shrimp Pickling Secrets: Pro Tips & Delicious Twists
• Freshness First: Select high-quality, fresh shrimp with no fishy odor for the best pickled results. Wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp work wonderfully.
• Perfect Poaching Technique: Do not overcook shrimp – remove them immediately when they turn pink to maintain tender, succulent texture. Overcooking leads to rubbery, tough seafood.
• Marinating Magic: Let shrimp pickle for at least 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion. Longer marinating times develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Spice Spectrum: Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, or herbes de provence to create unique pickled shrimp variations.
• Dietary Adaptations: For low-sodium diets, reduce salt content and use herb-based seasonings. Gluten-free individuals can serve with gluten-free crackers or lettuce wraps.

Ways To Serve Pickled Shrimp

• Seafood Party Starter: Arrange pickled shrimp on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during cocktail parties or gatherings.
• Zesty Salad Topper: Slice chilled pickled shrimp and scatter over mixed green salads for an extra tangy protein boost that adds exciting flavor and texture.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Create a beautiful appetizer spread by placing pickled shrimp alongside olives, feta cheese, hummus, and crusty bread for a stunning Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
• Crunchy Seafood Taco Filling: Chop pickled shrimp and use as a unique, zingy filling for soft tacos, adding a bright and unexpected twist to traditional taco recipes.

Storage Ideas For Pickled Shrimp

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep pickled shrimp in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. These tangy seafood bites stay fresh for 3-5 days when completely submerged in marinade and stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Quick Marination Magic: Let shrimp absorb flavors gradually by refrigerating for minimum 4 hours. Overnight marination delivers deeper, more complex taste profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Smart Serving Suggestions: Enjoy chilled pickled shrimp as a protein-packed appetizer, salad topper, or elegant seafood platter centerpiece. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor nuances.
• Temperature Safety Tips: Always handle seafood with clean utensils and maintain consistent refrigeration below 40°F. Discard pickled shrimp if any unusual odor, discoloration, or texture changes occur after 5 days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Pickled Shrimp Recipe

• Shrimp: Wild-caught, gulf shrimp offer superior flavor and texture with sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic maritime spice blend that infuses robust coastal warmth and signature seafood complexity.

• Lemon: Bright citrus cuts through richness and tenderizes shrimp while adding zesty freshness.
• Garlic: Aromatic allium that provides deep, earthy undertones and traditional Mediterranean essence.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable introducing subtle pungent notes and vibrant color contrast.
• Capers: Tangy, briny little gems that deliver unexpected pops of Mediterranean-inspired intensity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and dynamic spiciness without overwhelming delicate seafood.
• Black Peppercorns: Whole spice that releases complex, warming depth and traditional pickling character.
• Bay Leaf: Woodsy, herbaceous element contributing subtle background complexity and traditional preservation technique.

• Vinegar
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich liquid that helps bind marinade and adds luxurious Mediterranean undertone.
• Dijon Mustard: Piquant condiment providing emulsification and sophisticated, sharp flavor dimension.
• Salt: Essential mineral that balances flavors and assists preservation process.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adding vibrant green color and light, clean herbal brightness.

Tools You’ll Use For Pickled Shrimp

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling shrimp quickly and evenly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing marinade and combining shrimp.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: Great for transferring cooked shrimp without splashing.
• Glass Jar or Container: Ideal for storing and marinating shrimp.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing lemons and chopping herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for preparing ingredients precisely.
• Colander: Helpful for draining boiled shrimp.
• Ice Bath Container: Crucial for stopping shrimp from overcooking.

Tangy Pickled Shrimp Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Southern pickled shrimp deliver a tangy, zesty punch of flavor perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp, briny seafood marinates in a bold vinegar blend that elevates classic coastal cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (675 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsps Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps capers (optional)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Poaching: Bring a large pot of water seasoned with Old Bay and lemon slices to a gentle simmer. Delicately cook shrimp until they transform from translucent to pink, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Cooling: Immediately plunge shrimp into an ice bath to halt cooking, then drain completely and set aside to cool.
3. Marinade Creation: Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Blend in garlic, red onion, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, bay leaf, parsley, and capers to form a vibrant, multi-layered marinade.
4. Marinating: Gently combine cooled shrimp with the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Transfer the mixture to a clean glass container, fully submerging the shrimp in the liquid.
5. Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate the sealed container for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop a complex flavor profile. Occasionally stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Serving: Present chilled pickled shrimp as an elegant appetizer, accompanying with crackers, garnishing salads, or featuring on a seafood platter.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking: Watch shrimp closely during boiling, removing them immediately when they turn pink to maintain tender, succulent texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let shrimp marinate overnight for deeper, more complex taste profile, allowing seasonings to thoroughly penetrate and enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness.
• Ensure Proper Cooling: Use ice bath technique immediately after boiling to stop cooking process, preserving shrimp’s delicate texture and preventing potential toughness.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize heat intensity, making the dish adaptable for different taste preferences and spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg