Description
Spicy Pickled Shrimp is a zesty Southern appetizer featuring large shrimp marinated in a tangy blend of vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and traditional pickling spices including Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This make-ahead dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful starter served chilled with crackers or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pickling Liquid
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning and salt to the boiling water, then add the shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down thoroughly. Once cooled, drain again and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Pickling Layers: In a large glass jar or a non-reactive container, begin layering the cooked shrimp with thinly sliced red onion, garlic slices, bay leaves, fresh chopped parsley, and the remaining spices including crushed red pepper flakes, celery seeds, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. This layering helps to infuse the flavors evenly throughout the shrimp.
- Mix and Add the Pickling Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice until well combined. Pour this tangy pickling liquid over the shrimp and spice layers in the jar, making sure everything is completely submerged to maximize flavor infusion and preservation.
- Marinate and Chill: Seal the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate the pickled shrimp for at least 8 hours or overnight. This prolonged chilling period allows the shrimp to absorb the spicy, tangy flavors fully and become deliciously marinated.
- Serve: After marinating, serve the spicy pickled shrimp chilled. It makes a perfect appetizer served alone, or paired with crackers, crusty bread, or atop a fresh salad for a light, refreshing bite.
Notes
- The pickled shrimp will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when properly sealed.
- For extra heat, consider adding a sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the pickling liquid before marinating.
- This recipe is an excellent make-ahead dish, ideal for parties and summer gatherings to ease last-minute preparation stress.
- Use a non-reactive container like glass or ceramic to avoid any metallic taste during the pickling process.
- Ensure shrimp are fully submerged in the pickling liquid to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling and Pickling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
