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Southern Pickled Shrimp

Featured in Fresh Seafood Made Easy.

This Southern Pickled Shrimp recipe transforms fresh shrimp into a zesty, refreshing appetizer that's perfect for entertaining. The shrimp are first perfectly cooked with Old Bay seasoning, then marinated in a bright mixture of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. What makes this dish special is the careful balance of flavors - tangy vinegar, aromatic herbs, spicy pepper flakes, and briny capers combine to create a sophisticated appetizer. The marination process allows the shrimp to absorb all these flavors while maintaining their tender texture. This make-ahead dish is versatile enough to serve as an elegant appetizer, salad topping, or part of a larger seafood spread.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Fri, 14 Feb 2025 19:12:52 GMT
Pickled Shrimp Pin it
Pickled Shrimp | lastminrecipes.com

A Southern delicacy that's both elegant and effortless, Pickled Shrimp transforms fresh seafood into a bright, tangy appetizer that gets better with time. After discovering this recipe during a coastal vacation, I've perfected it through countless dinner parties and summer gatherings. The secret lies in the perfect balance of acidity and aromatics that enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Every time I serve these pickled shrimp at gatherings, guests are intrigued by their unique preparation. Even those who claim they don't like pickled foods find themselves coming back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh Shrimp: Choose medium to large (16-20 count) for the best texture and presentation
  • White Vinegar: Creates the base of your pickling liquid - use a good quality vinegar for best results
  • Fresh Lemons: Both juice and zest add brightness and depth
  • Red Onions: Provide color and sharp flavor that mellows beautifully during pickling
  • Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley add layers of flavor and visual appeal
Tangy and flavorful pickled shrimp, a Southern classic appetizer. Pin it
Tangy and flavorful pickled shrimp, a Southern classic appetizer. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Instructions

Perfect the Shrimp:
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to boil. Add shrimp in small batches to maintain temperature. Cook just until they turn pink and curl (2-3 minutes). Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Pat completely dry before pickling.
Create the Pickling Liquid:
Combine vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk in sugar and salt until completely dissolved. Add mustard seeds and crushed red pepper. Let mixture stand for 5 minutes to bloom spices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Layer Your Ingredients:
Start with a layer of sliced red onions at the bottom. Add a few sprigs of fresh dill and parsley. Layer in some of the cooked shrimp. Scatter peppercorns and bay leaves. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Pour pickling liquid over to completely cover.
Master the Timing:
Seal container tightly. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours. Gently turn container every few hours if possible. Best flavor develops after 24 hours. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Growing up in the South, I learned that pickled shrimp were a staple at every elegant gathering. My aunt's secret was adding a touch of celery seed to her brine, which added an extra layer of complexity to the flavor.

Temperature Matters

Keep your pickled shrimp consistently cold, between 35-40°F. Proper temperature control ensures both safety and the best texture. Never leave them at room temperature for more than 30 minutes when serving.

Make-Ahead Magic

These actually improve with time, making them perfect for entertaining. Prepare them up to three days ahead, but remember to keep them refrigerated and covered with the pickling liquid.

Chef's Essential Tips

  • Choose shrimp that are all similar in size for even pickling
  • Never skip the ice bath after cooking - it ensures perfect texture
  • Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor
  • Consider adding thin lemon slices to the layers for extra citrus notes

After years of making this recipe, I've found that the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh, properly deveined shrimp, high-quality vinegar, and fresh herbs create a dish that's both refined and refreshing. This is more than just a recipe - it's a celebration of Southern coastal cuisine that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. Whether served on a cheese board, atop crisp greens, or simply with crackers, these pickled shrimp never fail to impress.

Pickled shrimp with herbs and spices, perfect for entertaining. Pin it
Pickled shrimp with herbs and spices, perfect for entertaining. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor development.
→ How long do pickled shrimp keep in the refrigerator?
Pickled shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, add sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers to the marinade for extra heat.
→ Should I leave the tails on the shrimp?
Leave tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating - both work well.
→ How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually after 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Southern Pickled Shrimp

A refreshing Southern appetizer of shrimp marinated in a tangy blend of vinegar, lemon, herbs, and spices.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 6 Servings (4-6 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp Base

01 1½ pounds (675g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
03 1 lemon, sliced

→ Pickling Marinade

04 ½ cup apple cider vinegar
05 ¼ cup olive oil
06 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
09 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
12 ¼ teaspoon salt
13 1 bay leaf
14 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 2 tablespoons capers (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add Old Bay seasoning and lemon slices. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to ice bath to stop cooking, then drain.

Step 02

Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in garlic, red onion, pepper flakes, peppercorns, bay leaf, parsley, and optional capers.

Step 03

Add cooked shrimp to marinade and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to a glass container, ensuring shrimp are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Serve chilled as an appetizer with crackers, on a salad, or as part of a seafood platter.

Notes

  1. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days
  2. Use tail-on shrimp for elegant presentation or tail-off for easier eating
  3. Add sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra heat

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Glass container with lid
  • Whisk
  • Colander or strainer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains mustard